I just can't do it. =[

[kimtastic]

I can't cut my guinea pig's nails.

I have five, and I've never done it. I saw my Coco's nails the other day and the ones in the front are curling under her paw and I'm afraid they're digging into it...

I finally got up the nerve to try and cut them but they squeal so loud whenever I try, and it's not like I'm hitting the quick, I try and do it at the very very end so I don't hurt them.

Every time they squeal in pain it makes me want to cry. That's why I've put this off for so long. I don't have any money to take them to the vet to get this done... my family isn't in the best financial situation.

I don't know what to do.

[muffin]

Well, one thing is for sure, you can't leave it any longer. If nails curl under the feet they can dig into the pads, causing infection, pain and even broken bones. How long have they not been clipped for and do you have any pictures?

It's very normal for piggies to squeal and struggle when getting their nails clipped. Mine went crazy the first few times, you'd think we were trying to cut through their actual foot! Many people get the same reaction. It's just really scary for them because they don't know what you're doing and they will pick up on your nervousness and be even more scared. They do get used to it after the first few times, although mine still squeak and struggle a bit. They can feel the pressure of the clippers on the nail and it freaks them out a bit, that's all. Just be firm.

You need good, sharp clippers. I use the kind for cat's claws, they look a bit like little scissors, but with rounded points. If you can see the quick then cut a good distance below it. It has to be done. You just have to grit your teeth and get on with it I'm afraid, ignore the piggy protests. I get my boyfriend to cut the nails while I hold the piggy, it's a lot easier, as they often try to pull away as you're about to cut.

This link may help Guinea Lynx :: Nail Clipping

I know it's scary, but if you aren't sure where the quick stops, just take the very tip off, and you can do it again in a few days. It's safer than guessing if you're not sure where the quick stops. I know they squeal, and it makes you feel bad, I still hate it when mine do that, even though I can see I'm nowhere near the quick. They're just squealing because they don't like you messing with their feet, but after it's done, mine kind of look at me as if to say 'was that it? - oh well that wasn't so bad - bring me treats for my bravery!' They're back to normal as if nothing happened the moment they're in the cage.

Good luck, hope this helps. It really is easier with two people, much easier. Once you've done it a couple of times you'll be like an old pro, honest.

[wheeek]

Get a small play pen, take it apart, and make it into a small cage.(make sure their feet can not fit threw the bars). Put them into it and have someone hold the cage up for you. Their nails will hang through the bars so you can go underneath and clip. As muffin said, guinea pigs will speal sometimes even when you are not hurting them.(If you put a small bowl of hay in the cage with them, they should stay still). I know nail clipping is not fun.

[Toadies]

It is alot easier with two people and they may scream their heads off, but they won't die of it, although you might. I have found that playing with their feet as you hold them helps them to be more comfortable with your messing with their toes. That won't help you immediately, but it may in the future.

[camende]

I took my piggies to the vet the fist 5 times or so....I couldn't do it either...however, I have learned that I can trim their nails...

First...I take them to the kitchen counter....I put one on the counter...it's slipperly so they stay still...then, I take one foot at a time...I have a pretty good set of nail clippers...I slowly clip each nail....if all else fails, I bribe them with a baby carrot...when they are distracted with eating the carrot, I clip the nails....I usually kiss and pet them while clipping....

It takes practice....and time and patience...you can do it!!

remember....bribery works!!

[Res Judicata]

I have one who's been with me for two years and still freaks out when I clip her nails. She struggles, cries, and tries to bite me, but I've learned to turn a deaf ear it it now because it's for her own good and it's really not hurting her. She just has better things to do than hold still and have her feet messed with. And a nice treat makes up for it all when the "torture" is over. Just remind yourself you're doing it so they don't have to feel pain or get foot problems. That's worth a little discomfort every once in a while.

[paula.m.moore]

Think of it this way: trimming their nails makes them panic momentarily and you feel bad for a few minutes, but they feel better and are so much more comfortable when it's all done. And: They will get used to it if you make it a regular routine.

Not trimming will mean you won't have to deal with those few moments where you feel you're torturing them but can and very likely will cause injuries, pain, infection, stress, and potentially high vet bills for you.

Logically you know it isn't hurting them, so if you can get over feeling that you are, you're on your way. Once they realize you aren't going to cause them discomfort or pain, they settle for it and tolerate it for future clippings.

I use a regular (human) toenail clipper and as many others have noted, a treat (bribing them) helps tremendously. Try giving them a very special treat that is reserved only for nail trimmings. I use kiwi fruit or a banana, which they just *love* and get only when we do some "horrible" grooming routine. Once they can associate a beloved treat with some momentary discomfort, at least in my case, they are much more tolerable of the whole fiasco.

Good luck to you.

[auburnmare5]

Hey- thanks guys! I was looking at MY Coco's nails today and I thought they needed to be clipped. For almost all of Coco's life, I have used a nail file. But, I will give your suggestions a try tomorrow.
Thanks again.

[wiggley_narco]

If you find that you simply cannot trim your guinea pig's nails, have you tried calling the vet to find out the price for a nail trim? Most of the vets in my area only charge $4-8. Even if you can't afford to take ALL of your pigs right now, you really need to at least get CoCo's nails taken care of before it causes worse problems and costs you an even bigger vet bill.

[neanerbean]

If all else fails, take them to a vet. They usually charge a small fee, but it's better then ingrown nails

[MissGinger]

Go to your local Shelter Most likely they will do it for free.

[pigsmakemesmile]

Hi Kim,
I have 6 boys 2 of which I adopted from a rescue. When I brought them home they got the usual initiation into the family....bath and nail trim and general health inspection where I discovered Chubb's toenails were completely curled under going in towards his paw. I knew that I just couldn't clip them completely back all at once plus his toenails are are dark black in color which posed a greater problem of avoiding the quick. Human baby clippers are ok and easy but I purchased cat clippers. They look like a tiny pair of scissors but the blades are designed differently similar to a dog clippers. It definitly is easier to use. Getting back to Chubb's, I had to clip his nails in increments to allow the quick to shrink back a little at a time. I normally hold the pigs on my lap sitting and gently hold their little paws. I found having a little sunlight shining against their toes makes it easier to see the quick. I put a small rag on my arm that their little heads lean on because they can get a little nippy but after many trims they are pretty good and let me clip without much hesitation. I inspect their nails at least once a week to every two weeks and clip as I see it necessary. I agree if your that fearful of hurting them and I appreciate the fact that you recognize this and don't want to hurt your pigs, call a vet or your vet and have them done this route. It shouldn't cost you no more than 10 dollars. Do what's in the best interest of your pigs....good luck!!

[piggieluver54]

Well if I were you I would get another person to help u. Ok first you would let the other person hold the piggy up against their chest so that the piggies feet are stciking out. Then you could get a carrot or some treat and let the person holding them feed it to them to, while your cutting the nails. That was just a suggestion. I hope it helped. :]