How do you clip a guinea pigs nails, without hurting them?

Question

We used to take him to the near by pet store, but it closed. I tried once before, but he always gets angry or hurt...

Answer 1

I find it best to arm yourself with gloves (in case they nip), toe nail clippers, and a small flash light. Also, I try to quiet down the area. Finally, I try to do the clipping just before dinnertime, so that, when I clip them, they think that they're getting something out of the ordeal.

First things first, wait for them to calm down, as you just picked them up. After that, I go around to each foot with the flashlight to see which ones need to be cut. It's very rare that I'll have to cut all the nails in a single night.

When I have to do them myself (which is pretty much all the time), I hold them firmly (but not squeezing) with the gloves and hold the flashlight with my teeth. The flashlight is basically so that I can see the quick more clearly.

The idea is to move quickly and seemlessly. The longer you hold them in a way that they don't like and stick those clippers to them, the more nervous and skittish they become. One at a time, cut each nail that needs it. Whenever you finish a foot, take a small (1-2 minutes) break to let your piggy calm down before moving onto the next foot.

Answer 2

Guinea pigs can be very bossy little things and try to scratch you if you clip their nails. The reason they do this is because they do not understand what you are doing. You need to keep a firm grip on him and hold him on his back in the crook of your arm. With your other hand you need to use the clippers and clip just a small bit off the claw as it will hurt if you catch the skin.

Answer 3

you can get a vet to cut them for you if your too worried to do it yourself. i dont want to cut my guinea pigs nails ethier so, if you have a backyard with cement put them on the cement so they can run around and naturally grind their nails down, if you have grass just get some bricks and they will walk on them and grind there nails that way too, just make sure you block the area off so they cant escape.

Answer 4

Its easy, but dont clip to close to where the nail is pinkish. I took my guinea pig to the vet and they showed me how.
Good Luck........

Answer 5

go to the pet store and go to the dog groomer and ask if they could do it and bring the clippers bive done it with my cat once

Answer 6

Take it to have it done or if you think you can do it, use baby finger nail clippers. they are small and not as sharp.

Answer 7

is there a dog groomers around? they will probobly use the special clippers you use for dog nails. try.