Nails/Nail Trimming: First time nail clipping advise please!

[Piggy_luv3r]

So, my piggies desperelty need their nails clipped, and im terrified to do it for 2 reasons
1.) I dont want to cut the vein
2.) I get cut up because of the nails and they bit me so my hand it bleeding all over.

How can I cut their nails and avoid this?
Can I file them down?
Can I use people nail clippers on them? Because the nail clippers I bought for them dont even make a dent in paper...

Are there people out there who will trim them for me?
What are some natural ways to keep my piggies nails from growing to long or becoming sharp?

[CavyLuver516]

I know you can use people clippers on piggy nails - actually, they're preffered over the other types you can use. You can probably get the piggies nails cut by the local shelter (if they have expirienced piggy people), pet store, or vet. It may not be free, but you wouldn't really have to worry about cutting the quick or anything... Hope it all works out!

[PiggieMom]

I wouldn't go to a pet store for advice/help on anything regarding animal care. Perhaps a groomer though. Most vets provide nail trimming services, but the cost varies greatly.

As far as cutting them yourself: I use a regular human nail clipper which works well on most of my pigs. You might cut the quick, but it isn't a serious injury and honestly I think we care givers suffer more over guilt of hurting our pets than the pigs actually do. You can buy styptic powder at most pharmacies that will safely stop the bleeding of a cut quick. I've also heard corn starch works well. If you're worried about getting bitten, buy some thick gardening gloves to wear. If you have someone willing to help, it might be easier to have one person hold the pig and another clip the nails (this is what I do).

There are other tips and information on nails on Guinea Lynx's Nail Clipping Page.

[CavyLuver516]

PiggieMom - would a petstore groomer be ok? That's what I meant...not just any old petstore worker.

[PiggieMom]

That's a gray area for me. My sister works at the grooming station at Petsmart and I don't believe they work with small animals anyway. I do know though that you don't need any kind of certification to do nail work, so I'd be hesitant. I personally avoid giving any money to an organization that sells live animals, so if I had the option to go to a small business groomer, that's where I'd go. I'm not sure if any work with small animals though.

[SnowFlower]

I actually made a cozy especially for clipping nails. Just a hand towel with velcro is all it is - and it holds the other 3 arms safely while you trim the one you are working on.

Don't put them on their backs - while it looks easier, they squirm more and it isn't a safe or comfy postition for them to be in anyway.

A cavy savvy vet's office should be able to refer you to groomers experienced in piggy pedicures. Or you can haul out your yellow pages and call around to groomers, ask lots of questions about cost/piggy experience/etc.

It isn't nearly as hard as you make it out in your mind. Just start of clipping little bits for as long as your piggy will let you. Cutting small will actually cause to the quick to recede in time, therefore eventually lessening the risk of nicking it.

[Ibbet]

I use cat clippers on Hippie's nails. I do it by first having my mom or sister put a blanket on their laps and wear thick gloves then I hand them Hippie and I just clip (carefully of course). I'm not to worried about cutting the quick though because he has very white nails so it makes it pretty easy to see. I couldn't do it all by my self though so its good to have help.

Good luck!

[Holliegh]

Have you tried distracting them with food?

Arnold will bite me like nobodies business. But if I give him some parsley, he just sits there and lets me do it.

If they start to squirm and get really irritated, I give them a nice cuddle and let them calm down and once they're calm, I try again. The more stressed they get, the more they move; you think you got the nail ready to cut and they go and move their foot!

Don't worry so much about cutting the quick. My Ralph has black nails, so you can't even see it and I've never cut him. Just stay calm, make sure your piggy is nice and steady. You'll be fine. As long as you're calm and careful, it should all go well.
My brother messed up while doing his piggy and honestly, my brothers guilt was far worse than his piggy's pain.

I find that you feel a sense of pride after doing it yourself.
But if you feel you really can't do it, I'd suggest going to the vets. Then you can see how it's done and maybe next time do it yourself.

I use the small animal clippers that are kind of shaped like scissors.
I find them easier but it depends on you and what you're most comfortable using.

[CavyLuver516]

SnowFlower- "I actually made a cozy especially for clipping nails. Just a hand towel with velcro is all it is - and it holds the other 3 arms safely while you trim the one you are working on."

I'm going to try to make something like that - great idea!

[Piggy_luv3r]

Thank you everyone for your help!!

Me and my boyfriend were able to clip their nails with barely any trouble. thank you thank you thank you!!