ok to clip bunny rabbit nails?

Question

if so, how far can you clip them down without it hurting the rabbit? i cant hold her on me anymore cause the nails claw my skin.

Answer 1

Rabbit Nail Clipping
by PsyTech Inc.

Your rabbit will need her nails clipped fairly often, and you have two choices when it comes to clipping nails: you can take her to the vet (though, this admittedly will get expensive,) or you can cut them yourselves. (We very strongly recommend having a veterinarian show you how to do it the first time to avoid mistakes).

You can find specialized rabbit nail clippers at any pet store like PetSmart.

(Rabbit clippers are very similar to the clippers sold to trim cat's nails - so you can use the same pair clipping your kitties' nails.) Or, many people report success in using the same old-fashioned nail clippers you use to cut your own nails.

Before you clipping your bunny's nails be sure you have the clippers, some flour (just in case you hit a vein,) and a towel to wrap your bunny in, making it difficult for her to squirm and try to get away. The more you're clipping your bunny's nails, the more you'll discover what works best for you and your rabbit.

There are several ways you can cut your rabbits nails. First, if there is someone else with you, you can have that person securely hold your bunnywrapped in a towel (to prevent scratching) while you're clipping the nails. You can also sit the bunny on the floor, gripping her between your legs. This makes it easy to clip the nails on the front paws, but you'll need to be creative to cut her back feet nails.

When clipping the nails, look for the line that indicates a vein. If your bunny has dark nails, you may not be able to see it. If you can see it, do not clip into the vein or beyond. If you cannot see the vein, simply cut a very little bit. This way, you won't accidentally hit a vein; however, you might have to cut the nails more often

Answer 2

You should check to see if your rabbit needs its nails clipped every 4 to 6 weeks. When you trim them, make sure not to cut the quick. This is the line of blood in the nail, and you want to cut just beyond the end of it. If you do nick it, simply use a styptic powder or gel, available below. Remember, cut every 6 to 8 weeks - overgrown toenails are very long, sharp, and uncomfortable for your bunny.

Answer 3

If 'Lady' is your only pet in the house, and doesn't go outside, then yes, you can clip her nails if she lets you. This will not affect her health. Raised rabbits in high school. Never tried to clip nails as all were outdoor exposed, and had other pets. With these challenges they need the nails to protect themselves. Be careful though as you don't want to clip too short.

Answer 4

Yes, it's OK. Use cat nail trimmers. If the nails are white or clear, look for where the pink area begins. That is called the "quick". Cut ABOVE that. Don't clip the quick, or it will hurt! If you do nick it, use some styptic powder or pencils (at the local pet store or drug store) to stop the bleeding. They won't bleed to death, but they will not like you to cut their nails anymore if you do it often enough! If you're still nervous, make an appointment at your vet with a technician who will do it for you. Good luck!

Answer 5

In fact, you are supposed to clip them. Don't get too close to the quick...the pink part of the nail that looks a little thicker. If you don't keep them short, they could grow around and stab her paws.

I had one rabbit that was difficult and I put a brick in his hutch...he would dig at it like crazy and wear down his front claws (the back ones I still clipped, but at least his back legs were farther from his teeth).

Answer 6

You can clip your rabbits nails. I have 2 rabbits. I don't feel comfortable clipping their nails, because they are so squirmy, but my sister who works for a vet does. If you don't feel comfortable it's best to have a vet do them, but they can be done. Get small animal safety nail clippers they work the best.

Answer 7

get someone to help you hold the rabbit still while you clip only the very end of the nails off. be careful not to cut too much off or it may be painful to the rabbit. good luck.

Answer 8

Yeah, it is OK to clip them. But you need to know how far down you can clip.

If you look closely at your rabbits toenails you will see a demarcation line. If the rabbit has white toenails you will normally see a pink demarcation line kind of like human fingernails have but on a rabbit claw. On dark colored toenails this will normally be denoted by the back portion being darker in color. If you clip beyond that demarcation line, you are going to hit the nerves and blood vessels in the rabbit's toenail, just like you would if you clipped beyond the pink line on your fingernails.

Usually you don't even have to begin worrying about clipping their toenails till they are at least 6 months old. I really wouldn't start worrying about it till they reach about a year old.

It also sounds like you need a little help in knowing how to handle your rabbit while clipping the toenails. First, I recommend wearing an old thick coat till you get used to handling your rabbit a little better. Now comes the handling part. Grab the rabbit's hide behind its ears. Then wrap your thumb tightly around the base of it's ears. Get your thumb wrapped as closely as you can to the base of the ears. The closer your thumb is to the base, the more control you will have over the rabbit. This allows you to turn and control the rabbit's head. The rabbit rotates its head in order to flip back over, by controlling the head you help keep it from flipping back over once you have flipped it over to cut the toenails. Next, place your second hand on its rump and roll the rabbit over on its rump. If the rabbit starts to kick once you have it rolled over, move your hand quickly from its rump to its belly and in between its back legs then spread your hand out wide. This helps keep the rabbit's feet from kicking you and by widening both feet out makes it harder for the rabbit to kick and helps balance it all at the same time. Once your rabbit calms down you can grab the clippers with the hand that was on the stomach and then use that arm to cradle the rabbit up against you. Press down on the pad of the rabbit's foot just behind the toenails with your thumb. This will expose the toenails. Then trim to just above the demarcation lines. Don't get too close to the demarcation lines or you will hear your rabbit squeal and you'll know that you are hitting nerves in the rabbit's toe.

After you are done, you can roll the rabbit back over or allow it to flip back over on its own. If the rabbit gets too contrary to hold while clipping, let it flip back over then roll it back over again to finish. It's better to let the rabbit flip back over and get a better grip than to get scratched like crazy.

If you cut too close, don't worry just throw some absorbent powder on it like baby powder or flour or something. That will help stop and clot the bleeding.

Answer 9

If you don't feel safe cutting it's nails take it to the groomer or vet and they will teach you how!

Answer 10

the best thng to do for that is to take it to a vet or an animal groomer. if u do it yourself u can hurt the rabbit