Over Grown Nails

[TRae]

Life happened and I forgot to trim my beloved piggies nails for 2 months. I feel horrible!
He's 3 yrs and I've had him since he could fit in the palm of my hand. He's also my first guinea.
His toes or nails have always curled. And honestly, when its trimming time I dont know who the bigger baby is me or him. ( i think he tries to sike me out by the occasional squeal, even though we've never had a bleeding wick befor) Well the out side nail had curled to the point of him walking on top of it. Theres no sores on his foot but now the wicks are pretty long. I usually trim his nails after a luke warm bath to make the process easier on the both of us. Soft clean nails + a towel to hold and hide in = a successful nail trimming every time squeals and all.
Today was the same process but after trimming the one nail is still curling under his other toes. But I'm afraid to cut it back any more do to the wick. What do I do? Also could using human nail clippers be causing pressure on the wick and thats why he squeals here and there?
This is after trimming.

 

[VickiA]

If you're not sure you could ask the vet to check and trim them further for you?
Violet (who's well over 4 1/2) has some that curl like that. I just do my best to keep them short but it's a sign of piggy aging that the claws curl.
I use little pet clippers which I think apply less pressure, but she still screams like she's being murdered ( she has always been a drama queen).

 

[Wiebke]

Life happened and I forgot to trim my beloved piggies nails for 2 months. I feel horrible!
He's 3 yrs and I've had him since he could fit in the palm of my hand. He's also my first guinea.
His toes or nails have always curled. And honestly, when its trimming time I dont know who the bigger baby is me or him. ( i think he tries to sike me out by the occasional squeal, even though we've never had a bleeding wick befor) Well the out side nail had curled to the point of him walking on top of it. Theres no sores on his foot but now the wicks are pretty long. I usually trim his nails after a luke warm bath to make the process easier on the both of us. Soft clean nails + a towel to hold and hide in = a successful nail trimming every time squeals and all.
Today was the same process but after trimming the one nail is still curling under his other toes. But I'm afraid to cut it back any more do to the wick. What do I do? Also could using human nail clippers be causing pressure on the wick and thats why he squeals here and there?
This is after trimming.View attachment 52522

Hi! Nails tend to curl or thicken as piggies age. Generally, you can cut front nails back safely to the middle of the bend or just before it starts if you are worried; you can usually see where the texture of the nail is becoming a bit more uneven and twisty where the quick is no longer there and the opacity is also different when seen against the light - more important when cutting black nails!)

I use nail clippers. Large ones for the back and small ones for the front, but we all have our own preferences and ways of doing it. It has to work for you, first and foremost.

The outer front toes are usually the most difficult to get at and cut. If you are worried, a vet nurse may do it for you. Many clinics offer nail cutting as a service when you ask.