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Cutting Nails at Vet

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Elfyn&Hayley

Elfyn&Hayley

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I just had my first attempt at cutting Fudge's nails, which didn't really go well. As I was cutting the first nail he jumped so high and he won't let me touch his paws to cut any more. Now I'm terrified of cutting them and hurting them.

Would a vet do it and around how much would it cost? Also, what is the procedure? As I don't really want to put them under without having to.

To be honest, I'm not sure that they need cutting - they have their wooden house which they clamber over and I'm not sure if this files their nails down. They're 5 months old.
 
Yes a vet will cut your piggies nails I'm not sure what my vet would charge as I do all my own animals nails (cats, dogs) I used to do my piggies to when I had them, but if you don't feel confident just ask your vet how much they charge it can differ my old vet charged £7 per 4 feet. No GA is necessary it's an easy procedure if you have help or a willing piggie and most vets have nurses to help them.

What are you using to cut the wee one's nails with? maybe the feeling was what made him jump.
 
I'm not sure if I'll give it a go when I'm feeling a bit more confident. They don't like anyone touching their feet which makes it a bit more difficult.

I used a v.small pair of human nail clippers - maybe I should get the proper piggy ones?

I think it was the feeling that made him jump, as he did so when I pressed down with the clippers.
 
It definatley helps if you have a willing piggie but if you have someone to help you by holding the piggie still while you use one hand to hold the leg steady then other to cut with. I used to use cat nail clippers not sure if those are better.

Are the nails black or white that also helps with your own confidence;)
 
If you can, try some 'guillotine' style clippers (not as scary as they sound!) . I think these are much, much easier to use and the nail is cut from the side (rather than the top like normal clippers) so I don't think as much pressure is put on the nail).

I've used these on my girls and my grans bunny and all three were quite happy to sit through it! :)

If the nails are dark, be careful not to cut too short ;)
 
Thanks for the advice :)

Both piggies nails are white, so it's not too bad - I think it's just my confidence and they're not used to people touching their tootsies.

I'll pick up some of the piggy clippers next time I'm in P@H - I found it difficult to get the clipper under the nail as DF was holding him on a cushion... maybe it'll be easier from the side :)
 
I bring my trio to the vet for their nails... I pay about £20 for three and for me its SO worth it. There may come a time when I feel comfortable clipping nails but right now I'm settling into life as a piggy mummy and they are upset enough with me trying to do laptime even if I continuously feed them veggies. I don't want to think about what they would think about me clipping toenails.... *shudder*
 
I just felt guilty when I tried to clip them :...

I might get DF to call the vet tomorrow just to ask how much they charge and if they do clip nails - just so we know for future.

Every when do they need to have their nails cut?

I've seen Skunk nibbling at his back nails - I'm not sure if he's trimming them himself? :))
 
Five months old is quite young to be needing a nail trim.
 
Thanks for this - I'm just not sure how long is too long to be honest, and frankly, I'd much rather wait if it's not needed! :)

At what age would you recommend clipping them?
 
Luckily my girls nails are all white, so i can see the pinkness in them. I've cut mine twice...they are 7 and 8 months old. I only cut them when they seem long...they are indoor piggies on fleece, so not much hard stuff to help them file them down. They get very upset when i do it, but love to cuddle when i'm done. the squeel in terror...but are generally ok. the last time i did them was because they were starting to turn sideways a bit...looked uncomfortable to me. I just steady them w a towel and hold them firmly so they arent wiggling so much.
 
From 6 months old is ideal in most cases, although I started trimming the very tips off their nails from 3 months so they were used to the way I had to handle them, and used to the clippers.
 
Dont be put off !

Hi
I have cut my piggies nails since babies or adults as they have been rehomed.You can do it yourself but its quicker if someone helps you.They can support piggie whilst you clip.
Most pets shops or online piggie shops sell pet nail clippers which are like dinky scissors !
Your cavies will get use to it and its another chance to give them a quick health check whilst they are out of the cage.
If you do want to go the vets just ask for a nurse appt and they will be happy to show you how to do it yourself,as mine did.
Hope it goes well
Helen xx>>>
 
Thank you for the advice! I'll buy the pet clippers and have another go before I take them to the vets as a last resort.

I don't mind too much if I get bitten, but they keep snatching their paws back when I try to clip and I don't want to hurt them by holding tightly onto their paws... I suppose you have to be 'cruel' to be kind though:...
 
I also agree with starting early,when there young they only usually need a mil taken off but it does help them get use to it,
I used to talk all of mine to the vet and with 13 pigs all my vet charges me is one small animal consult which is $18 so about 9 pounds which is so cheap but it was getting very hard when it reached nail clipping time because i had to try and bundle 13 boys into one car and it seemed to cause little tiffs as there were so many in a small space so we decided to start doing them at home,
Our first attempt was horrible and we cut Ralphs to short and it bled a little but we changed our technique and now its all fine.
OH holds piggy wrapped in a towel(which minimises movement) and i hold the foot and clip,its not always needed to have two people but we feel much safer doing so x
 
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