how do you cut hamster's nails? it doesn't stay still long enough and i'm scared of clipping her flesh!

Question

would it help if i stuck a piece of sandpaper on the side of the aquarium for it to scratch? or do you think it won't work...and how in the world am i going to walk it on cement? imean..there aren't hamster leashes are there?

Answer 1

Hey. Do you have a friend/sister/mom that can hold the flashlight and you hold the hamster to cut it's nails? that's what I do.

Answer 2

I would not suggest trying to clip a hamster's nails. They don't normally over-grow, like some animals. Try letting her walk on cement, that will naturally file down her nails, and if you feel you must get her nails clipped, talk to a small animal vet, they will know the safety procedures.

Answer 3

you can either cut it yourself, send her to the vet to get it done, or try a terra cotta pot.

and if you do send her to the vet, learn how to cut her nails when they do it.

pot:
let hamster run on the pot. (heat the pot in the oven to kill any bacteria or germs before use.)

I use food to entice my hamster. It keeps him still for a while for me to cut some. But always be prepared for sudden movements. some ppl find it best to use food that requires them to lick off. Plain flavoured yoghurt for instance.

sometimes you cant get all nails done in that period of time, so it may take one or two days. but I think you should try doing it during the day... since that's when they are supposed to be sleeping.. they tend to be less active... i havent tried it yet since i have classes most of the time.

have some septic powder nearby in case there's an accident. Have the room brightly lit when cutting nails.
and sometimes, you have to be decisive when cutting their nails. but make sure its ok before you actually cut them.

Answer 4

Yes you could cut them, or you could call around to local pet stores and ask them to. If you want to cut them your self you will need to buy special scissors and a special powder to stop the bleeding if you cut to far down. You can buy these at a pet store. If the pets nails are clear, then you should be able to see the blood in them, and you will want to cut above that.

Answer 5

Go to the local animal clinic, they do it for like $10.
Try to have somebody hold him/her still though, and have some Qwikstop with you in case you cut too far down if you cant find a vet.

Answer 6

You need to buy it a salt stone .. you can get them at any pet store and Walmart also selling them. They hook onto the side of the cage.

Answer 7

You can go to the vet... or maybe buy something for your pet to chew or scatch. Cos, their teeth will grow too. As for me, I never buy anything for my pets to shorten his nails.

Answer 8

why in the world would you want to do that?
if you feel you MUST - take the bugger to the vet and let them do it so you don't chop off one of his digets!

Answer 9

theres a wheel with sand paper in it..try walmart