Rabbit Nail Trimming

Rabbit Nail Trimming

Rabbits should have their nails trimmed every month or two. When a rabbit's toenails grow too long, they can catch in carpeting or cage wire. Broken bleeding toenails are prone to infection that can invade bony tissue and cause serious damage. Long toenails may also cause a serious issue called sore hocks.

Most vets, shelters, and rescue centers that deal with rabbits will offer this service for a small fee.

If you would like to trim your rabbit's nails yourself, you may use small animal clippers. There are a couple of varieties available: small scissors, larger professional scissors, guillotine-style (Cats), and normal human nail clippers.

• Be careful to only cut the nail and not the quick (the blood inside the nail).

• Remember, there are five claws on each of the front paws and four claws on each of the back paws.

• The quick should be easily located on a white or light-colored nail. If your bunny has black nails, shining a bright flashlight from underneath the nail will help you locate the quick.

• If you do accidentally hit the quick, the rabbit's nail will start bleeding profusely. Use a little styptic powder, cornstarch, or baking flour with a moistened cotton swab or cotton ball to the area and apply moderate pressure for 5 to 10 seconds to stop the bleeding.

• If your rabbit has a lot of fur around his nails making them hard to see, mist the area lightly with water and move the fur out of the way.