How to Cut Guinea Pig Claws

An important aspect of caring for your guinea pig is trimming his nails. Because guinea pigs are usually not able to keep their nails trimmed down on their own, you will need to learn how to trim your guinea pig's nails. Guinea pigs can be a bit squirmy when it comes to having their nails trimmed, but, with practice, you can make the experience go more smoothly for both of you.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Obtaining Nail-Trimming Tools

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1
Select a pair of nail clippers. Baby or animal nail clippers will work, so you could use either type. Keep in mind, however, that human clippers squeeze the nail together before clipping it; this may be painful to your guinea pig.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Animal clippers are guillotine-style, ensuring that the nail won't be squeezed. Also, they open more widely than human clippers, which makes the nails easier to trim. You can find this type of clipper at your local pet store.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You can try both types of clippers to see what your guinea pig is most comfortable with. Make sure to be careful of the quick. The quick is the reddish part at the base of the toenail. Try not to cut into it, as this will cause your guinea pig to bleed. If you can't see the quick, try holding a flashlight up to the nail when you cut it or only cut the tip-off.
2
Purchase styptic powder or corn starch, if you do not have them already. These substances will quickly stop the bleeding if you trim the nails down too far. They are equally effective at stopping the bleeding, so you can use either one. ^{[3]XResearch source}
- Styptic powder can usually be found with men's shaving products at your local grocery store or pharmacy.
- Cornstarch is located with the baking products.
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3
Select a hand towel. In case your guinea pig is squiggly during nail trims, you can wrap him/her up in the towel to restrain him/her more easily.
- If you have previously used a towel to trim his/her nails, keep using the same towel each time. This will help to keep the process more consistent. Plus, he/she may feel more comfortable with one towel over another.
4
Prepare the area where you will trim your guinea pig's nails. Organizing everything that will you need for the nail trimming ahead of time will help the process go more smoothly.
- Place a small towel, nail clippers, and styptic powder (or cornstarch) on a counter or tabletop.
- Placing a small amount (about 1/4 teaspoon) of styptic powder or cornstarch on a paper towel ensure that you have quick access to these substances if you need to stop a nail from bleeding.

Part 2

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Restraining Your Guinea Pig

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After reaching into the cage with a slow and steady movement, place the thumb of one hand under his/her jaw and support his/her hindquarters with your other hand.^{[4]XResearch source} Using the proper method to reach into the cage and pick up your guinea pig will not only ensure that he/she is not frightened but will also keep you from getting bitten.
Be careful not to wrap your guinea pig too tightly; this could cause him to quickly suffocate or overheat.^{[5]XResearch source}
He/she should be facing away from you, which will make it harder for him/her to bite or nip.
4
Relax your guinea pig. There are several things that you can do to relax your guinea pig before trimming his nails, such as petting him/her gently behind his/her ears and giving him snacks.
- Make sure you don't have any food around him/her so he/she doesn't get tempted while getting his/her nails trimmed. ^{[6]XResearch source} Keeping him/her relaxed will help you trim his/her nails more easily.
- Healthy snacks for your guinea pig include bell peppers and carrots. Cut the vegetables into small pieces so that your guinea pig can eat them easily.^{[7]XResearch source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Trimming Your Guinea Pig's Nails

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Do not be surprised if your guinea pig wiggles when you do this. If he/she wiggles too much, release his/her leg and let him/her calm down before you try again.
2
Secure one of his/her nails. Using the hand that is holding your guinea pig's legs, steady the nail between the thumb and index finger. Do not squeeze too tightly to keep the nail in place; this may hurt your guinea pig and cause him/her to squirm.
- Selecting a nail on one end of the foot and working your way to the inside or outside of the foot will help you keep easier track of which nails you've trimmed.
Position them in front of the nail that you are about to trim.
Identifying it will be easier to do with a clear nail than a darker nail. In clear nails, the quick will look pink.
5
Trim the nail. If you can see the quick, trim the nail down to just above the quick. If you cannot see the quick, use caution and trim a little bit at a time.
- If you cut the quick, the nail will start to bleed. Although this will be painful to your guinea pig, you have not caused any serious damage. Simply dab a small amount of the styptic powder or cornstarch on the nail and the bleeding will stop quickly.^{[8]XResearch source}
6
Proceed with trimming the rest of your guinea pig's nails. If you see that your guinea pig is becoming restless, give him/her some time to calm down before trying to finish trimming his/her nails.
- Giving your guinea pig a treat after trimming each nail can provide positive reinforcement and keep him/her distracted. Make sure that he/she finishes eating before starting on the next nail to prevent him/her from choking on his/her food.
7
Put your guinea pig back in his/her cage and tidy up the nail trimmings. If this was your first time trimming your guinea pig's nails, don't be too hard on yourself if things didn't go quite as expected. Guinea pigs will wiggle when getting their nails trimmed at any age.
- If this time didn't go well, consider trimming your guinea pig's nails over several days instead of all at once. This may be easier for both of you.
- If you put styptic powder or cornstarch on any of the nails, check these nails to make sure that the bleeding has stopped. Wipe off the substance from the nail before you put your guinea pig back in his cage to prevent him from eating it on accident.

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Question
If I cut the nail a little too short, and it started bleeding, will my guinea be in pain until it grows back?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
No. The only pain he feels is when the nail is cut initially. The bleeding is unpleasant and undesirable, but doesn't hurt. Once the bleeding has stopped the nail might be tender for a few hours, but after that it won't be sore any more.
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My Guinea pig becomes really agitated, can I do one claw each day instead of all at once?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
Yes, it's a good idea to do one nail at a time. Also, have a food treat he really likes handy, and offer him that as soon as you've cut the nail. This teaches him to associate nice things with a nail clip and should help to calm him in the longer term.
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Question
My guinea pigs are over one year old. Is it too late to cut their nails?
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Expert Answer
No, it's never too late. Firstly, check the nails need cutting, as some guinea pigs do wear them down sufficiently of their own accord. Secondly, get the guinea pigs used to being handled and held before you trim their nails. As they are over a year old, this may work in your favor, as they may be used to cuddles already.
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Tips

Guinea pig's nails can get easily caught in their floor coverings, especially if the nails are long. Consider using soft cage coverings, such as fleece.^{[9]XResearch source}
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Start trimming your guinea pig's nails when he is young. This will help him get comfortable with the nail-trimming process.^{[10]XResearch source}
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Trim your guinea pig's nails regularly (about once a month). Regular nail trims will prevent the quick from growing so far up the nail that the nail becomes difficult to trim.^{[11]XResearch source}
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Warnings

It is possible that a guinea's pig feet can become deformed if its nails are not trimmed regularly. This could be extremely uncomfortable for him.^{[12]XResearch source}
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