Press, Press, Clip – nail trimming technique

[RabbitPam]

I am creating a separate post with a reply I just wrote elsewhere. I recently ordered a DVD I highly recommend by the RR/HRS on rabbit handling and nail clipping. Regarding clipping, they had some great advice once you have your bunny on a table (or in my case, in a burrito).

I’ve been wanting to share it.

It’s called “Press, Press, Clip.” What you do is get her into position, putting the clipper on the toe nail, but BEFORE you actually cut, squeeze the clipper to the nail then stop and open them again. You do this twice, saying “Press, Press.” The third time on that same spot, you snip. “Clip.”

The reason is, if you have gone too low and touched the quick, when you press the bunny will immediately yank its paw away. The bunny will stop you from cutting and making her bleed.  If you are safely in front of the quick, the bunny won’t flinch, and you are good to go. Once in position, a bunny does not automatically pull away unless she feels she will be hurt. So together you keep from giving a painful trim. I tried it on the ever-slippery, skittish Samantha, and it worked!!!

[Beka27]

That sounds so cool! I’m looking forward to learning more about it. As someone who has recently had to “buckle down” and start trimming her own bunny nails, I am always interested in helpful hints!

[KatnipCrzy]

RabbitPam- that sounds like a great idea!  I have never thought of that before really.

Another important point on nail trimming that I realized today while trimming my own dogs nails is the the trimmers need to be sharp- I have had my large dog nail trimmers for 6+ years now- and the dogs are starting to jerk when I trim- I think it is not cutting as efficiently as it should and is squeezing before cutting- does that make sense?  So I am going to buy a new pair!  They look completely operational- and my hubby wants to try to sharpen them to see if that helps (but I think he just wants to “play” with the Dremel sharpening tool ).  But when I think of how many hundreds of nails I have clipped with that one pair of clippers- my dogs, foster dogs, friends dogs, etc…

Julie

[RabbitPam]

http://www.rabbitcare.org/video.htm

Here’s the link to the RRR/HRS if anyone wants to read more about this video.

It makes sense that the clippers would get dull with use. (So does my brain. LOL) It’s probably cleaner to buy new equipment once in a while, too.

[Beka27]

I should probably get better clippers. I use the small animal ones right now. That’s all I had b/c of course, I never really trimmed my own bunny nails… What types of clippers does everyone use? Pics would be great too if you can find one…

[KatnipCrzy]

I use small dog/cat clippers for my bunnies and cats.  I always used to use the traditional scissor style- but find they get dull quick, and tend to not fluidly open and close after a while.  So I found a pair of these in a local pet store- bought them and LOVE them.  I do not use the guard that will only let the nail go in so far- I just move it out of the way (it swivels).  But these are sharp and I can easily see the nail that I am about to cut.  They are a smaller version of what most vet clinics use on dogs- so I am used to using this style and do prefer it.

Here is a link to an eBay auction of them.  The name seems to be listed as UGroom, U Groom, U*Groom- so I am not sure what company makes them so I cannot give a manufacturer site.

http://cgi.ebay.com/U-Groom-Ergonom…7C294%3A30

 

[BB Administrator]

great info! I’ve added the link to this thread in our FAQ page.

Helloworld!!

[bunnytowne]

thats a good idea clip clip cut.         Cotton jumps when I squeeze the scissor type trimmer and cut a nail.  That just might be why for I have cut too short always with him I get 1 or 2.

Hmm I never thought about it going dull either.  I will get a new pair and see what happens.  I saved the site too.

Thanks

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