Hamster toenails?

Question

Hello! i have a dwarf hamster with a bit of a problem. her toenails are really long and they're beginning to curl under her paws. should i clip them or something? (i don't think she'll let me) i don't think they hurt her, but i would be annoyed if my fingernails were that long! any help would be appreciated!! thanks!!

Answer 1

TAKE YOUR HAMSTER TO THE VET AND GET HER TOENAILS CLIPPED.

Answer 2

yeah. if they start to curl under, you can get those tiny scissors used for cutting eyebrows and trim them just above the part where they start to curl. if that makes you queasy, the vet can do it for you.

Answer 3

If they're curling under, you should probably try and clip them.

Many people are telling you to take her straight to the vet to do it, but I'd suggest trying it yourself first.

I have never had to clip my hamsters' nails, but I have clipped my Guinea Pigs' nail numerous times. I find it works best if you have two people, one to hold your hamster and one to clip. Just make sure there's a constant supply of her favourite treats, and it should be fine!

Don't worry if you can't get them all the first time, just take her out the next day and try again. If you have to, only clip a few nails each time. If she's not in pain, there's no hurry, and I can almost guarantee she'll get used to it after the first few times. Of course, she won't LIKE it, but as long as she has treats, she'll learn not to wiggle.

Her nails will probably continue to grow constantly, which means frequent vet visits. Not to mention that going to the vet is traumatizing and completely unnecessary in this case.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I would probably take her to the vet because they know how to do it with out hurting them. Good luck    oh dont do it on your own! :)

Answer 5

I've heard people talk about putting bricks in their small animals' cages to file down their nails. I actually just put one in my rat's cage.. his nails are ferocious. I have cuts all over my arms, just from him walking on me! :P I'll let you know how it works out.. hopefully he won't try to eat it.

Answer 6

Toenails don't usually bother hamsters because they use them to groom. But if they do seem to hurt your dwarf, you can clip its nails with regular nail clippers. Pick a good time when your hamster is a bit sleepy but in a good mood, feed it a treat, and quickly clip its nails.

Answer 7

I clip my hammies' nails myself. Some hamsters are easier than others. If you are going to do it yourself make sure to get a firm grip on the paw. I use baby nail clippers. You could also spend a lot of money going to a vet. If you don't want to try to do it or spend lots of money get some fine sandpaper and cut it to the size of the wheel. It is best if you have solid plastic wheel like a silent spinner because then you can tape it in. Leave it in the cage for a couple of days and it should help wear them down. If your hamster likes to chew you may need to supervise while she runs on it and not leave it in there all the time.

Answer 8

It would probably be really hard for you to cut your hamsters nails yourself. You need 2 people, one to hold and one to cut. You need to use little kitten nail clippers and be careful not to cut the blood vessels inside the nail. It will bleed and hurt ALOT if you do by mistake. It is even harder to see the blood vessels if your hamster's nails are black.

I would take your hamster to a vet to have her nails cut. They know exactly how and will even show you how, just in case this happens again =]

Answer 9

Well, I used to have a guinea pig and when we clipped her nails she didn't really mind. You just want to make sure you don't cut too far.