Cliping Toe Nails

[CaliGirl]

Im new to guinea pigs and Im just doing some research about them before I get one. Are you suppose to clip you guinea pigs toe nails? I heard from a friend that you really shouldn't.

If you do, whats the best way to do it without causing stress to the guinea pig?
Please help

 

[Piglet]

you will need to clip them down, but its best for you to go the vet. S/he will show you how to do it properly. There is a thread on the second page, and it includes some really good info and it has some pics.

 

[CaliGirl]

Thank you. That helped a lot!

 

[kennethlhm]

i alwaz ask my gf to hold the GP while i cut their nails

 

[Piggles]

It works well to have two people! One person can hold the guinea pig and the other person can clip them. Sometimes I do it on my own but I get out a carrot and then they don't even notice I'm clipping them LOL.

 

[KmKrazy9]

It is better to do it with two people. But dont cut alot off because then it will hurt your GP and it will bleed. I also heard that you should only cut about 1/4 of an inch of for like every two months .

 

[piggielover92]

My mom and I both cut our piggies nails together. I hold the pig under its butt and supporting its back. My mom does the cutting. You want to cut them at least once a month or else they will curl and hurt the pig. You also just want to cut a little off at a time or the pigs nail will start to bleed. If you do accidently cut it too short and it bleeds, the best way to stop the bleeding is to put baking flour on the nail.

 

[supertramp]

Really you only have to cut the claws when they become too long. Some pigs hardly ever need a nail trim, while others have to be done often. And as for the length to cut off - that all depends on the claw individually. If your guinea pig has white claws then you should be able to see the quick (the pink bit inside) - don't ever cut past the quick if you can help it, as it will cause pain to the pig and bleeding which is sometimes very tricky to stop. If the pig has black claws then it's a bit harder, but it's best to only clip a little at a time until you feel they are short enough. However, cutting is always easier with a tasty veggie distraction for the guinea pig!

 

[GuineaTV]

Yup - much easier with white nails. I actually have one w/white nails & one w/dark so I always clip the white one first for comparison!
I do one paw a day for four days to lessen the stress - always with abundant treats & lots of cuddling after. If I'm sneaky enough (over a year of me doing this to them) I can do one paw without them noticing (well, barely)! Use leafy treats so the pig can reach it even after it falls into your lap!

 

[DaCourt]

Watch the teeth

My Eight year old and I do it together. Our younger one is not that hard. But, Scooby, our almost 2 yr old is horrible. My daughter hold him sideways against her body and then covers his head with a towel. The towel is comforting to him, as is the warmth from her body. The towel also protects me. The 1st time I did it, I was on the 2nd foot and he got scared and bit my hand. Drew blood and everything. He was shaking really bad. It was my daughter's idea for the towel. Now he doesn't shake at all...as long as his head is covered.

 

[mom to cujo]

Cujo has white nails on 3 feet and black on the fourth. Imagine! It was difficult at first, but by seeing the other nails I haven't had a problem with judging how much to trim on the fourth foot.