I’m terrified and I could never cut my rabbits nails

[Emelia7124]

She’s only got her nails cut 2 times ever, one time I tried to cut it but I think I dislocated her finger, she hopped off and ran away, so I was probably just paranoid. After that I’m too scared to cut her nails anymore. Her nails are way too long and I’m so afraid it will break, I’ve tried everyday for a week to cut it but I can’t bring myself to actually do it. Her paws are just too fragile, I told my dad to bring her to the vet with me (only 18+ is allowed to bring pet to the vet) But he refused and said I’m only scared. What should I do? I can’t do it, but I can’t let my rabbit to continue have long fragile nails. Maybe I can ask my relatives to accompany me to the vet?

[jerseygirl]

How about seeing if there are local dog groomers that also do rabbit & cat nails and can do home visits?  You’d have to make careful arrangements currently due to covid19.

Another idea is check  on social media if there is a House Rabbit Society local chapter, rabbit rescue, SPCA etc that can recommend someone who does rabbit nails for a fee.

[Meg]

Those are good suggestions from Jerseygirl!  🙂

I totally get how you feel — I’m super sensitive too!  But things changed for me when I found this technique, described in this video with Amy Sedaris (who’s a bunny person): https://youtu.be/W9KemnaTGIs  Basically, you gently squeeze twice before cutting, and that way if you did accidentally place the clippers too close to the quick, the bunny will tell you (by flinching a little) and you can stop and move the clippers further out before any harm is done.  At least for me, knowing I could communicate together with my bunny to make sure they didn’t get hurt made a big difference!  Maybe you could get your dad or another relative to learn this technique with you?

[Wick & Fable]

This is a really normal worry for the large majority of rabbit owners! I think considering who else may accompany you is a great option.

Does your rabbit squirm a lot, and this adds to the anxiety? One thing could be de-sensitizing your rabbit to touching her paws (don’t try to clip them, just touch them and look at the nails, like you would to cut them). This may calm her down over time, and may help you gain confidence in the motions. Doing this while getting help from an outside source to actually clip in the meantime may help you be able to do it independently long-term; but there’s nothing wrong with having someone else who is experienced do it. It definitely isn’t an easy thing anyone can do after just a try or two.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[poopscoop12]

I trimmed my buns nails for the first time yesterday and it was scary coz she kept moving 🙁
I learnt a few tricks from 101Rabbits: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvausPZOJ5A
use phone light underneath (I felt coz my bun was moving so much the light got in her eye several times)
also wet her paws so the fur clumps together making it easier to separate the nail.

I got most done except her thumbs, the scissors won’t reach her small paw. I can’t seperate it..

[pinkiemarie]

Me too! My vet does it. I don’t care that it costs me money! But they aren’t taking nail trim appointments and eventually I maybe have to do it too! But bunny nails never stop growing and the quick will get really long so it’s imperative that you find some kind of solution, whether it’s trying techniques until to find one that works for you or having a vet or groomer with rabbit experience do it for you.

[Laurenjade95]

Hi am i new to all of this just got 2 mini lops 2 weeks ago they are now reaching 11 week old and i really didnt think about cutting there nails🙈 they currently play on my patio a lot will this help them maintain them? If not how often does this need to be done? At the moment my bunnies wont let me have a look that close up yet every time i get close they bolt off! Lol

[pinkiemarie]

That probably won’t wear them down enough. The way I understand it doing serious and regular digging will help more but that’s not really an option for a lot of buns!

[DanaNM]

Running around does help wear down a bit, but usually not enough to completely eliminate the need for trims. Most buns need a trim every 4-5 weeks. If you trim a little at a time but more frequently then you will be less afraid of cutting too close (rather than having to trim a lot all at once). I know easier said than done though! The videos posted so far have really good tips. 🙂

Which reminds me… i should prob do my buns’ nails today. I keep putting it off. :p

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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