How To Take Care Of Your Rabbit’s Nails
Pets that live in the city and do not have access to land or grass may have some foot problems. Therefore, owners must help them keep their limbs healthy. If you’re wondering how to take care of your rabbit’s nails, in this article, we’ll give you some tips.
Your Rabbit’s Nails: When to Cut Nails?
If your pet lives in an apartment in the city and doesn’t go out to a park or garden, you’ll probably have to cut his nails yourself (or enlist the help of a professional). That way you’ll prevent him from hurting himself, walking improperly, or scratching other family members (both animals and humans).
Rabbits have four nails on their hind legs and, in addition, they also have a spur on their front nails, located on the inside of the legs. All nails grow in a ‘slanted’ shape and have a white part which includes what is known as ‘live flesh’, where the blood vessels are located and which should not be cut. This is very painful for the animal and it can even bleed to death!
Although it all depends on the rabbit’s growth and habits, it is recommended to cut its nails every four to six weeks. Pay close attention if his nails are bent or if you can hear them hitting the floor as he walks.
Step by step to cut your rabbit’s nails
As a first step, you should make sure that the rabbit needs to have its nails trimmed and then buy a special nail clipper – sold in pet stores – which can be the same as the one used on cats. Pay attention to the next steps:
1. Choose a bright spot
It can be the kitchen, the terrace or the patio, any place that receives direct lighting. That way you’ll be able to see how far the animal’s nails can be clipped. If your rabbit has dark nails, use a flashlight to identify the area of raw flesh (which is like a reddish spot).
2. Reassure the pet
Rabbits can get stressed in situations that are not everyday, and when they feel threatened, they are strong enough to hurt people with their hind legs. Therefore, it is recommended that you start cutting his nails from an early age, so that he gets used to it.
Likewise, we recommend that you soothe him with pampering and sweet words throughout the process. And besides, it’s not good for you to be nervous… You will transmit that nervousness to the animal!
3. Ask for help
If you can’t cut it yourself because the rabbit won’t sit still, or if you’re afraid to cut its nails, you can ask someone to hold the rabbit so you can work better. The technique consists of holding him in the lap with his belly up, so that he will calm down.
4. Cut carefully
Take a paw, remove the hairs around it and identify each nail. Then rest the nail clipper on the edge and make a diagonal cut, precise and forcefully (the nails are very hard). If you like, place the cutter a little higher next time. Repeat the process with the four nails on each foot and the spur (on the front legs).
5. Anticipate complications
While it is possible to detect where the blood vessel area is, you may accidentally cut this area. Don’t worry: apply an anticoagulant immediately to stop the bleeding. If that doesn’t work, take the rabbit to the vet urgently.
Tips for taking care of your rabbit’s nails
Prevention and good habits are very important so that your rabbit’s nails don’t cause problems. One of the best techniques includes natural wear through contact with earth, rocks or logs.
Rabbits need to dig and build burrows so they can wear out their nails. In urban life, this is a bit difficult, so we recommend that you buy some toys or objects that can help with this task. The solutions include everything from a container with earth or even taking the animal to the park with a collar.
