CLEANING SCENT GLANDS/CUT NAILS

[Deleted User]

I know Luey needs both these things attending to, but help forbid I am terrified of cleaning his scent glands and cutting his nails.  I will probably get bitten to death!

May be a good idea if I let the vet do this for me … at least he can bite the vet and not me LOL.

Does anyone else have this problem like ME … please don’t tell me I am the only one.

Dawn  xx

[Spacehopper]

We have attempted nails etc on the Bum several times – even after having the vet show us the how’s and what’s – but alas it’s an impossible task and my poor bank balance gets a battering on a regular basis.   We haven’t tried to with Bettie although I have a feeling she may be easier, but much as Brian is a chilled out bunnybum all other times, you put your own life at risk if you even attempt to go near him with any kind of clipper!!!  Don’t worry, it isn’t just you!!  lol  I went through feeling a failure after the vet made it out to be SO simple, and I couldn’t do it…but i’ve given up and realise it’s worth it for mine and Bum’s sanity and safety, to get the vet to do everything like that.    That way when we get home, and he gets his treats HE STILL LOVES HIS MUMMA!!

[Scarlet_Rose]

Oh honey you will not be the first or only one to feel this way. ; ) I find that the biggest obstacles are confidence in yourself, otherwise the bunny knows you are jittery and acts in response to this, keeping your bunny secure and knowing when they have had enough and it is time to stop for a bit.  I usually start with a bit of a massage and bunny-trance after I have burrito’ed them, keep secure in the crook of my arm and begin with the back feet (some start with the front).  I start with the hind legs because it is not so in-your-face and I can at least accomplish them first. This site has some great instruction, so practice, practice, practice! Or if you feel you just can’t and the nails are really long, take them to the vet to have it done, it’s not good if they get too long.  I’m rooting for ya!

[Deleted User]

Thanks for that Ladies … I have attempted to pick him up in the past but he goes skitzo and runs a mile.  My other bunny was not too bad to pick up in a towel, but however I never did her nails either … SOOK I am!

I will try the towel with Luey and put my suit of armour on lol.

Dawn

[poopy]

Ya it took me several tries to even find the scent glands. Be sure to pull and prod alot, you will find them eventually.

[MooBunnay]

Hi! I think your attitude is also about 90% of the challenge – my boyfriend is CONVINCED that Henri cannot be picked up for a nail trim…so every time he tries there is flailing and fur flying and scratching and its a big mess. Then, we took Henri to a rescue, and a woman much smaller than Brian was going to do Henri’s nails, and Brian was very “well, i don’t think YOU can handle him” and the woman just kind of eyed him and then calmly picked up Henri, flipped him over and started the nail trim. Pretty funny

[Deleted User]

I think you have the touch or you don’t.  Some people are really good and just have the natural touch.

The lady who I rescued Luey from was extremely good with him.  She cut his nails very easily.  Then again when she was showing me around all her bunnies I held him in the cradle position for about 5 minutes.  And he did not even flinch!

Well, maybe it will not be so bad after all!  We will see.

[Spacehopper]

We used to have to clean the scent glands of our dog. Phewee!!!

[LaraS]

Posted By MooBunnay on 07/25/2007 8:28 PM
Hi! I think your attitude is also about 90% of the challenge – my boyfriend is CONVINCED that Henri cannot be picked up for a nail trim…so every time he tries there is flailing and fur flying and scratching and its a big mess. Then, we took Henri to a rescue, and a woman much smaller than Brian was going to do Henri’s nails, and Brian was very "well, i don’t think YOU can handle him" and the woman just kind of eyed him and then calmly picked up Henri, flipped him over and started the nail trim. Pretty funny

Ah! The same thing happened to me when I first took Scout to the vet… I hadn’t been able to pick her up because I was too freaked out about it… then the vet assistant picked her up + weighed her, no problem! I was so amazed.

I have no problem picking her up now though…

[BinkyBunny]

So any luck so far? I know that when I was first trying it was a bit unnerving, but in time it became second nature. But I STILL lose hold every once in awhile. I always make sure though that I remain close to the ground, just in case a bunny decides to make a run for it.

[maghy7]

Just a question on this, so how often are we supposed to clean their scent glands? or how do I know it’s time?

Thanks!

[Scarlet_Rose]

Ideally, a bunny tune-up should be done once a month.  That includes, trimming nails, cleaning scent glands, checking ears, brushing, checking hocks for sores and basically an all over grooming routine and check. 

[BinkyBunny]

Posted By maghy7 on 07/28/2007 6:50 PM
Just a question on this, so how often are we supposed to clean their scent glands? or how do I know it’s time?

Thanks!

 

So like Scarlet said, it’s good to check monthly. Some bunnies need actualy cleaning more often than others. check out the monthly maintenance section

[maghy7]

Thank you guys, I did check the cleaning section but I don’t really understand how I’m supposed to clean them, I found them but I’m not sure if you just sqeeze, open and with a q-tip clean inside or what? I have no clue at doing this.

 

Thanks!!

[Scarlet_Rose]

You spread them open and definately do not squeeze, it is a very sensitive area.  If there is any hard black sutff, let some vaseline or aloe vera gel (100% pure) soften it for a few minutes first, oh and keep a plastic bag handy to throw away the Q-tips in, it is a smelly operation.

[skunklionshow]

When our program first got Leo he was lacking in the monthly care.  Since he moved into our house (2 weeks ago), I’ve had to trim his nails every few days to cut back the quick.  He was tapping dancing all over the house w/ his too long claws.

In re: to the scent glands.  I keep a little cup of warm water near to help facilitate extra stuck on goo.  My groomer suggests using water close to an animal’s body temp.  I don’t know the temp of a bun, so I just keep it luke warm.  I do know cats are about 102 degrees.

[Deleted User]

No I have not tried yet … big scardey cat I am!

I am worried about him struggling … I hate for him to get too stressed out.   I don’t want to hold him for too long whilst he is struggling like mad to get free!  I guess this is not a good thing!

Gosh, I am hopeless!

Dawn  xx

[Gravehearted]

I really think bunnies know we’re big chickens about this kind of thing and can sense it! If you act confident it may make your bun  less nervous, even if it’s just an act

[maghy7]

thank you for explaining to me how to clean the scent glands.

and about the last post, I completely agree with you, I believe animals can sense our emotions, if we demonstrate fear they will run with it, so Dawn maybe it’s just about showing him who is in control and that you are not scared, when you wrap him pet him too, try showing him that maintenance is more of a special treatment than a bad thing, before you go for the nails, pet him a lot and make him feel comfortable, tell him he is being a good bun and that you love him a lot, he will eventually relax and once he does then try cutting his nails, let’s see how this works.

[Scarlet_Rose]

No problem! You may also want to coat the Q-tip or moisten in to keep from tearing or irritating the skin.  I notice that you are in the Denver area.  The local HRS gives "bunny tune-up" classes that show you how to cut nails, clean scent glands, how to pick up your bunny and basic bunny care etc.  Let me know if you’re interested and I will get the info for you! Oh there is a cost if you did not adopt from them, but I don’t think it is that much and the info you leave with is invaluable and you get to learn in person which I know what a huge help for me when I first got started with house rabbits.

[Author]

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