How do you trim the bunny nails?
By Willowlady
@Willowlady (10657)
United States
6 responses
@BunGirl (2638)
• United States
3 Dec 06
To do it at home, get a puppy nail trimmer (not very expensive and easy to find at your local pet store.) "Trance" the bunny by laying it on it's back. (No -- this does not harm the animal.) Once the rabbit is calm and still clip the nails, being careful not to cut into the quick. If your rabbit has pale feet it should be easy to see the quick inside. If the nails are darker, you might consider having a professional show you how to find the quick as it can be tricky. Hope this helps!
1 person likes this
@Willowlady (10657)
• United States
3 Dec 06
Appreciat the time it took for you to respond to my question...my bunny will be so happy when I take care of her feet...I do have an appointment at the vets for a cat that needs a shot and will ask the professionals then! Thanks again.

@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
6 Dec 06
That's a good point, some are more squirmy than others. The best thing for that is, a firmer grip! Holding a rabbit tightly against your chest with their feet pointing to your side will make them feel more secure.
Once you've seen how to do it at the vet, you won't have to pay $16 each month, you can just do it yourself. :)
I should start a nail trimming business. Because I would do it for $5! Guinea pigs, rabbits, cats, dogs, etc. ;)
1 person likes this
@Willowlady (10657)
• United States
3 Dec 06
Thanks for the advice. I do have a cat due for a shot and will ask them then!
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
4 Dec 06
There a couple different methods I've used.
1. Cat claw clippers: just watch for the quick (pink part of the nail), and squeeze gently before you clip. If they pull back, you're likely cutting too much. The quicks may be longer in a neglected animal that hasn't had it's nails trimmed in a long time.
2. Dremel: my older rabbit (10 years old) has nails too thick for cat claw clippers (nails get thicker with age), so sometimes I have used a dremel to shave off the tips of his nails. Not recommended if you aren't skilled with controlling a dremel.
3. Small dog clippers: more powerful than cat clippers, but works good for thick nails (like on a senior rabbit, which you probably aren't dealing with).
I'd also recommend having some cornstarch handy just incase you slip and cut a quick. You can also buy a product called QwikStop as well if you'd prefer that.
I generally either:
1. Wrap my bunny in a towel and hold tight.
2. Flip him upside-down with his head at my knees and his back resting on my thighs, and all the nails are then facing you and easily cut.
Hope that helps!
@Willowlady (10657)
• United States
5 Dec 06
Thank you so much for this response, Details are ever so helpful!









