Nail trimming

[Logan Seward]

I've bought a silent nail grinder and animal nail clippers (like those cat ones)
But my male guinea pig immediately starts biting every time his paws are touched and constantly squirms keeping me from cutting his nails. What should I do?

 

[Siikibam]

You can always do one paw a day rather than aiming to do them all in one go. That’s a strategy that works well for some on here whose piggies don’t like being handled or struggle with nail clipping.

You could also try and wrap him up, leaving just the one paw free. And distract with some food - coriander or a slice of pepper.

The other thing is to try and get him used to having his paws handled.

 

[Bertie & Jelly]

I rehomed an older boar with very hard curly nails. Gorgeous piggie but a biter too. On my first attempt it was 2 bites to 1 nail trimmed. I tried wrapping him up in a blanket ‘burrito’ style on my lap with just one foot sticking out at a time but he’s a wriggly escape artist and I found sitting him on my lap on the floor with his back against me a more stable position for trimming. What I found most helpful though was tasty veg - coriander or spinach for my boy - it started with one nail one snack. If he wriggled too much we tried again later or the next day. It did mean it took a few days to do them all but we’re getting better. My other boy squeals before I even touch his nails. I now trim little and often so it becomes less of a drama. Having a second person to hold piggie whilst you trim can be helpful too. I‘ve never used nail grinders.

 

[VickiA]

I always enlist the help of someone else to help with nail clipping. It’s so much easier if someone can securely hold the piggy for you and you can then trim the nails. Don’t put pressure on yourself to do all 4 feet in one go. And if all else fails you can book an appointment with your vet nurse to do the clipping for you.