How to clip your rabbits’ nails

Overview

• Make sure your rabbit is comfortable and secure on a non-slip surface when you cut their nails.
• Always handle your rabbits gently and carefully.
• Use special rabbit nail clippers, not scissors or human clippers.
• If possible, have someone to hold your rabbit.
• If you struggle to cut your rabbits’ claws at home, ask your vet for advice.

Step-by-step guide to clipping your rabbits’ nails

Step 1 – Preparation

• Always handle your rabbits gently and carefully.
• Always use a pair of special rabbit nail clippers. Don’t use scissors or human nail clippers, as they will damage rabbit claws.
• Have someone else hold your rabbit securely on a non-slip surface.

Step 2 – Look for the quick

• The quick is the bit inside the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. In light-coloured nails it will be red or pink, so should be easy to see.
• This part of the nail will bleed and be painful if it is cut.
• You should clip a couple of millimetres away from the quick.
• If your rabbit has dark claws, estimate where to cut based on another nail. If all the claws are dark then ask your vet for advice.

Step 3 – Continue clipping the other nails

• Continue to clip the other claws.
• If a nail bleeds, don’t panic, you can dip it in cornflour to help it clot or hold some cotton wool around it until the bleeding stops.

Step 4 – Offer treats!

• Give your rabbit some treats to reward them. This will help them to see nail clipping as a positive experience.

Don’t force your rabbits to have their nails cut; if you are struggling, contact your vet for their advice.

FAQs

Published: September 2022