Clipping Nails

[cherryredcutie]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum and live in the UK.

I have just had a guinea pig and he needs to get his nails clipped and I'd like to get that stuff that stops the bleeding in case I accidentally cut too short, I believe it's called "styptic pencil". I just have no clue where to get it from? Maybe Boots?
I'd be very grateful if you could help me out!

Thanks,
Anne

[newpiggiemommy]

If you are looking for "quick stop" you can go to your local pet supply store. If you just need something to stop the blood if clipped my vet said to just use corn starch.

Good luck!

[cookie_gal]

I've also been told to use flour. I too live in the UK but have never seen this quick stop stuff. If the piggy will permit holding tissue over with some pressure, this stops it too.

[TX_2_Pigs]

I got a styptic "pencil" at Walgreens in the section with all the men's shaving stuff. Maybe you can look at your local drug store.

[daftscotslass]

You can buy it online from here - Styptic Powder 15g

Personally I wouldn't bother - I've only ever made a piggy bleed once in 15 years of owning them. Holding a small piece of tissue on a minor bleed will also stop it.

[thalestral]

I use corn starch/flour, it stops any bleeding nice and fast

[muffin]

Boots used to sell the styptic pencils in the men's shaving section. You can also get a similar thing from pet stores. Cornflour is also recommended.
I always go by the rule, better to cut too little than too much! Piggies will often wriggle or squeak with protest if you are cutting too far up, the pressure of the clippers pinches the vein in the nail if you are too close to it. That may take a bit of experience to judge though, as some piggies squirm like you're trying to kill them regardless, then look at you as if to say 'was that it?'

I would suggest getting someone else to hold your guinea, holding the piggy upright with the piggy's back against their stomach, supporting the whole body. That way you can get to the nails easily and see what you are doing without trying to hold a guinea at the same time. a good light is very helpful too. If they are black nails little and a bit more often than clear nails is better than guessing.

[cherryredcutie]

Hi guys,

thanks very much for all the info, it's very much appreciated!!! He's got black nails so it will be a bit more difficult to judge were the veins are but I'll be careful and only clip a little bit at a time.

Take care,
Anne

[i-love-nev]

Originally Posted by cherryredcutie

Hi guys,

thanks very much for all the info, it's very much appreciated!!! He's got black nails so it will be a bit more difficult to judge were the veins are but I'll be careful and only clip a little bit at a time.

Take care,
Anne

Just a suggestion. If you take him into a dark-ish room, have only a little lamp on then get a little torch and shine from under neath the nail you should be able to see where the vein/quick is. I have 1 abby piggy with all black nails and I used to have a hard time clipping nails. I since found out this way with the torch etc and it isnt as bad. Good luck!

[Toadies]

Nev, I'm guessing by torch you mean flashlight, no? I think that is a great suggestion. One of my boys has a black foot and the nails are always a little longer on it because I'm afraid of hurting him.
Cherryredcutie, Alum powder from the spice section at the grocery works very well and is the stuff in the styptic pencils.

[cherryredcutie]

Hey guys,

I just clipped Dippy's nails and it went just fine, he didn't wiggle too much and no blood . Thanks again for all your tips, they were really helpful. I'll see if I can get a little torch for next time, I left the nails a bit longer just in case.

Take care,
Anne

[muffin]

Yes, torch is the word we use in the UK for flashlight, I can only imagine what you were thinking! Nope, we don't use some sort of flaming medieval-type stick

Glad to hear it went well cherryredcutie.

[Toadies]

Muffin, I was just bustin' his chops, I knew what what meant. I just enjoy the differences that the various cultures bring to the table. I find them all so charming and delightful. Thanks for your response.