Did you know you need to trim your rabbit’s nails? Nail trimming is an essential part of rabbit care to ensure not only comfort but also to maintain care for their feet to maintain correct anatomical position and prevent injury or chronic conditions developing such as hock sores. Rabbits have 5 nails on their front feet and 4 on the back feet.
How often:
- A rabbit’s nails need to be trimmed every 4-6 weeks depending on the speed they grow.
Equipment you will need:
- A towel
- Small animal/spring loaded nail clippers ensure (both sides have a curved blade)
- Treats
- A pen torch/light source (rabbit’s nails come in different colours and the darker the nail the harder it is to see the quick)
- Corn starch/sudocrem
How to trim:
- Most rabbits are comfortable and feel safest sitting on a towel on the kitchen bench. Place your rabbit on the towel and provide them with reassurance through pats, soft words and treats. Alternatively the burrito method can be used but only if necessary as this can increase stress.
- Gently take your rabbits foot in your hand (If they pull away that’s okay! Provide reassurance and take your time as it's not a race and it’s less stressful for everyone to take it slowly)
- Spread the fur back from their nails gently. You can do this by hand or with a piece of gauze if your rabbit is calm and doesn’t pull.
- Place the pen torch against the rabbit’s nails to sight the quick.
- Position the clippers onto the rabbits nail at a 45 degree angle allowing clearance of the quick to prevent accidentally clipping it. Clip the nail and check the nail site.
- Continue to trim the rest of the rabbit’s nails as above while providing reassurance.
- Reward your rabbit with treats after to assist with making it a more positive experience for them.
**If you accidentally clip the nail quick don’t panic! Gently apply some corn flour or Sudocrem cream to the nail tip to assist with stopping the bleeding. For severe bleeding or if you are concerned please seek Veterinary advice.**
