Nail Clipping Tips

[Apollo’s Slave]

Okay, I’m cutting Apollo’s nails today. We bought cat nail clippers, they feel a little stiff though but they work fine. I managed to get him on the table and hold him still to get one single nail clipped. He started squirming and I got scared he was going to drop, so I picked him up (for the first time) and put him down. He ran off and thumped his displeasure to me. He’s clearly not that mad though because he still came up for treats.

Does anyone have any tips? I decided to do it by myself because the vet is closed and we usually go there to get them cut. He’s got both black and white nails and the quick is quite far up. I’ve watched a few video but all the rabbits in them are really calm, which Apollo is not. I’m going to start doing small trims every 2 weeks, although his nails don’t grow quickly at all. I just want them to go back to the appropriate size.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

My son holds while I clip--never did it solo. Once you have a good grip they calm down and will even become used to the handling as they know it's for a short while.

 

[Apollo’s Slave]

My son holds while I clip--never did it solo. Once you have a good grip they calm down and will even become used to the handling as they know it's for a short while.

Thank you! I’ll see if I can get one of my brothers to help me.

 

[zuppa]

Hi, I clip nails once in 4-6 weeks, I think when you go to paid services they only clip very ends so you need to use them more often.

All my rabbits like nail clipping even Smokey who is still very skittish and defensive when I want to pick her up. I never put them on the table they are on my lap and first we have a little chat and maybe I brush their coat a little but generally my rabbits are held regularly and know me well and are very relaxed they love being held even Smokey, she only scared for the moment I want to enter her territory, when I hold her she's fine and loves brushing. She's the only one I have to hold firmly while trimming nails just because she's very strong and I am afraid that she can get scared and move suddenly.

When I hold them I make sure I can see through their nail so I have a lamp on and keep their nail against it to be able to see the quick. When I clip nails we count together, one, four to go, two, three to go and so on, talking keeps them more relaxed. I don't even use treats after that I just hold them a few more minutes and maybe take a brush and brush them a little, they look really happy and relaxed.

I think if you say you picked him up for the first time you should first spend some time to train him to feel safe when picked up, when he trusts you and can feel safe in your arms you can do whatever you want, check-ups and nail clipping without any problem. So I would suggest to start small, start from picking up and grooming, brushing, take your time, do it daily or weekly, talk to him, let him stay on your lap without holding him, it takes time but it is very rewarding. When you gained his trust he will let you do the nails.

That's my recipe I don't force them they really like grooming and nails are no problem at all

 

[Apollo’s Slave]

Thank you! I’ve been working on picking him up since I got him but today was the first day that I properly picked him up. Usually it’s just quick to get him off something. I’ll definitely try keeping him on my lap also. Thanks!

 

[TreasuredFriend]

All the sanctuary buns in our care are used to being burrito-wrapped in a hand towel, and placed on their back, for the short duration of time I nail trim. Our Flemish Giant rescue is a tad harder to contain in a hand towel so that's when I ask hubby for help to keep him in the towel surround. Hubby will gently stroke his ears or place a hand on his belly, while I do the trims on each foot.

Concerning bunns with dark nails, I do manicure/pedicure time when the sunlight streams thru the windows so the quick can easily be spotted.

With time and trust, and patience, I hope you can make progress. Plus I hope you can find a helper so they get used to you doing trims.

At the DVM office the vet clinic assistant holds a patient upright against her chest while the DVM faces mr./ms. bunny and takes the scissors-type cat claw clippers or guillotine clippers and trims the edges.

https://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/outreach...ies/procedures/cats/clipping-your-cat's-claws

 

[TreasuredFriend]

https://www.howcast.com/videos/514678-how-to-trim-your-rabbits-nails-pet-rabbits

https://myhouserabbit.com/rabbit-care/clipping-your-rabbits-nails/

 

[Apollo’s Slave]

@TreasuredFriend Thank you! The vet had done a bunny burrito on him but I wasn’t sure on whether it had worked because she took him to the back room for her colleague to help her. Thank you. I’m guessing, that I just need to gain more confidence in doing it. Thank you all and Happy Easter!

 

[TreasuredFriend]

Hope the education articles will help you get more comfortable with handling your fur-kids and doing their nails!

https://bunniesathome.weebly.com/nail-clipping.html

 

[Nancy McClelland]

I had our vet tech teach me how--17 rescues was too much $.

 

[TreasuredFriend]

No worries, Apollo's Slave. Here's a sidenote about removing your bun from your eyesight. Not that this happens routinely at vet clinics, however I'm persistent in staying with my rabbit at all times. Even during CBC/BMP blood draws. The vets at our clinic know that and will oblige. Certain Certified Vet Technicians (CVTs) may also grasp your pet firmly around his neck which can add stress.

OK, a human consented to his/her bun being taken into the back room out of eyesight for a procedure or nail trim. She heard her rabbit scream!

IMO, there's no logical reason that a DVM would need to remove your bun from your sight to do trims. Accidents can happen, and I hope a rabbit never nips, bites, or gets dropped in defense of strangers. Yet with COVID-19 pandemic risks and concerns our DVM is doing virtual treatments and curbside appts. now.

Yes, our DVMs do the bunny burrito for transport to xrays (radiology room). You can also request to be in the room if a vet tech needs to admin' fluids or subQs.

One "in-training" DVM at our clinic was not good at drawing blood and she openly admitted that. An experienced CVT came in the room to extract blood from our bunny's leg. Grateful as I watch for stress constantly in my babies' eyes.

The lap time, cuddles and kisses, accompanied with one to two raisin treats, are all steps to gaining trust.

Much love to you and the fur kids, Apollo's Slave. They are lucky to have you,

 

[TreasuredFriend]

Good advice, Nancy. Nail trims can cost tons of money when you care for lucky rescued buns.

 

[Apollo’s Slave]

Thank you. I didn’t know that... hmmm. I’ll have to be sure to accompany the vet when we get something done.
I think I’ll try to clip his nails again in a day or even tomorrow.