How do/should I cut my guinea pig's nails?

Question

How do/should I cut my guinea pig's nails?

Answer 1

If your guinea pig has very long nails then they might need clipping, some guinea pigs groom the nails themselves though.

The best way to clip a guinea pigs nails is with a small dog or cat nail clipper. They are available in all pet stores. Another product that's useful is Quick-Stop. Because if the guinea pig doesn't have white nails you won't be able to see the quick and if you cut that you'll have to stop the blood. (Imagine clipping the tip of your finger off while trimming your nails)

Always clip just a little bit of the nail off. My guinea pigs hated having their nails clipped so I always brought them to the local vet. It was fairly cheap and only took a couple of minutes.  

Answer 2

I use the technique here http://www.guinealynx.info/nails.html

with people nail trimmers.

You can have someone hold them too and do it if they are extra squirmy.  

Answer 3

i don't really like doing my guinea pigs nails so i take them to the local pet shop.  

Answer 4

use baby nail clippers and have some one else hold her give her her favoraite treat whille u do it and be calm and smooth if u flinch she will get worried

Answer 5

It isn't hard at all and the more you do it the better your piggy will do.  Hold it on your lap securely and just hold on to each paw as you do it.  You can use regular nail clippers or clipper for small animals.  Don't cut too short.  Just cut the tips or else you will cut the quick and your piggy will bleed.

Answer 6

Totally get a cat nail clipper. My Guinea pig book said to use a human nail clipper or a cat nail clipper. It sounded like either would be just a good. I used the human nail clipper for a while and it was difficult & the pigs didn't like it. I got the cat nail clipper and it is soooo much easier to see what you are doing and it cut the nails without putting pressure on them first (which makes the piggies squirm.)

If your pig's nails have gotten very long, you'll have to clip just a little at first. Then clip a little more off each 10-12 days. A nerve grows in the nail, and the longer the nail, the longer the nerve. The nerve is called "the quick". You don't want to cut the nerve - it will hurt the piggie and it will bleed. That's why you need to clip just a little bit and wait 10-12 days, so that the nerve can recede.

When they have a light nail color, you can probably see the nerve - a pinkish color. When they have a darker nail color, it is hard to see the nerve.

When you buy the cat nail clippers (pet store) look also for styptic powder. Styptic power is said to stop the bleeding if you should accidentally cut the nerve. I've never done this, so I don't know first hand. Best to avoid it - b/c the pigs might not want their nails clipped again if that happens!

Also, give the piggie a break after each hand and foot - or even every two nails - try to give the piggie a break - on the floor walking, or being pet - BEFORE the pig starts squirming to get away. This way, they don't think getting their nails clipped is so bad. Be confident and talk to them sweetly while you clip. If you act nervous, they will pick up on that and be worried too!