clipping nails

[golfdiva]

Do we clip bunnies nails for health reasons, or for looks? Since Hershey isn't in a cage, and he hops on concrete and digs in sand, would his nails just wear naturally like a wild bunny's nails? How would I know if he needs them trimmed, so I can trim them before they get obvious?

Thanks!

 

[XxMontanaxX]

I clip mine for health reasons and so Macey doesn't scratch me accidently while I'm holding her.

You NEED to cut them whenever they start to curl. Butyou can whenever it gets past the quick a little bit.

 

[RunnyBabbitRabbitry]

We cut our rabbits nails so that they cannot scratch themselves or us. It can be painful to get a scratch from them. It also can cause them trouble if they scratch themselves. Also if the nails get too long it could cause problems with the feet.

So it is a health thing.

 

[Bo B Bunny]

They need them done for health reasons and other things:

1. They can break a long nail and bleed/get infection

2. They get sore from not being able to plant their feet correctly

3. Nails can twist (dewclaws especially) and go back into the foot.

4. scratching themselves - cuts

5. scratching their friends and family - cuts

 

[golfdiva]

ok, thanks for the info.

Since Hershey is mostly on concrete, and has a big sandbox in which he digs often, might it not be necessary to clip his nails? Would they just wear down on their own?

 

[Bo B Bunny]

Maybe some of them, but not the dewclaw. It's so high that even dogs usually don't wear those down outside. I'd definitely check him every 2 weeks or so.

Probably won't have to trim them AS often.

 

[seniorcats]

golfdiva wrote:

ok, thanks for the info.

Since Hershey is mostly on concrete, and has a big sandbox in which he digs often, might it not be necessary to clip his nails? Would they just wear down on their own?

My bunnies have the same arrangement and all 3 need their nails clipped every 3 to 4 months. The back ones wear a bit more but the front ones really need the trim.

 

[BlueGiants]

It's not just a cosmetic issue. Any time a rabbits nails start to get too long, you run the risk of injury... I recently saw a rabbit with long nails that got one caught on a bit of carpet. Ripped the nail out at the base. Very upsetting to the owner and the rabbit. The nail will not grow back in and he could have broken the toe.

Another issue is if the rabbit's nails are too long, it causes the toes to twist as the rabbit hops about. Long term issues with this (especially with larger rabbits) is arthritis in the toes and front legs, or sore hocks (trying to compensate for the lack of balance).

Even on a natural floor (sand, dirt, stone, etc.) some rabbits nails will grow to long. It is best that you check them at least once a month and trim them if necessary. All rabbits should be used to being handled and having their feet touched. (In case of injury or other problems.)

 

[HoneyPot]

Hey there - just check his nails every couple weeks when you're playing with him. If they are very far past the quick and you can clip off a bit, then you should do it. Do you know what to look for? There is a pink vein that runs through the nail - look through the nail (sometimes you may need a flashlight and some help for buns with darker nails). Find the vein - if the nail is much longer than the vein and there is room for you to clip it off, then do it.



Nadia

 

[Bo B Bunny]

That's what I do! and I will get one paw done sometimes and then Bo has to take a break. That's fine. I have a 2 or 3 day timeframe I work to get them done in. Sometimes I'll do all of them at one point but we really do check their nails most every time we have them out to play.