How often should I cut my guinea pigs nails/claws?

Question

What do I use?

Answer 1

Here's a good site: http://www.diddly-di.fsnet.co.uk/Nail-Cutting.htm
You can purchase small animal trimmers or use regular nail clippers. You really need a sturdy hand for this to get it right the first few times. I suggest going to a vet and having them show you the first time. Have talc powder or flour on hand to apply to the claws in case of bleeding. All piggies' claws grow at differnt rates. Some don't appear to grow at all (or vary slowly) so you don't need to trim them at all. Others grow quicker and claws get uncomfortably long in 3-4 weeks.

This can be quite distressful to your piggy, and if you introduce it wrong, you will have a battle each time you try. Do not resort to force immediately, this only traumatizes the pig, and it will see this as a torcherous act it must avoid. First of all, ensure your pig doesn't mind it's feet touched. If it minds, start out by just touching it's legs and holding the claws as you would cut them (but don't). when the pig is used to this touching, only then proceed to cutting.

I reccomend you add something with a hard surface to the piggies' cage. A clean small brick or piece of cement works well. Anything with a rough surface like that provides them with trimming as they walk over it. This really does make a difference, and in some cases, you won't have to trim the nails at all.

Answer 2

Guinea Pig Claws

Answer 3

I have several "critters" that come in the shop and get their nails done. I guess I am the only groomer that is not afraid of them!

I see them on rotation about every 6 wks. I use the cat nail clippers because their nails are smaller and softer than a dogs. The scissor type of the cat nail clippers are easy to use and get into those small tiny nails! Dog or human nail clippers just "crunch" the nail and the cat ones are more kind.

Not comfortable doing it yourself? Call the grooming shops. You might be suprised who will do it for you! My employees laugh at me because we usually have a critter a week come in the door!! ( we only charge $8 )

Answer 4

I use a regular dog nail clipper, a person nail clipper works too. I cut them at least once a month. it's hard for me to tell where the blood line is on black nails. the first time I cut it, I felt bad, cuz she screamed....

Answer 5

You should trim your pet's nails about once a month. There are special clippers available to use on your Cavy, but you can also use Human clippers.

Here's a real good article about trimming your pet's nails at this link:
http://exoticpets.about.com/od/guineapigs/a/gpgrooming.htm

Answer 6

Every 3 weeks is best.
This link should be very helpful with nail trimming:
http://www.guinealynx.com/nails.html