Last Updated on June 22, 2023 by Admin
How to cut an aggressive rabbits nails is one of the challenges most rabbit owners face. Their nails tend to grow over time and need to be trimmed after every one or two months. Overgrown nails tend to cause discomfort, thus making it harder for bunnies to gain traction especially if they’re both long and curled.
In addition, sharp overgrown rabbit nails tend to easily cause injuries. This article looks at the various ways to clip an aggressive rabbit’s nails without injuring or stressing them out.
How to trim an aggressive rabbit’s nails
First and foremost, before clipping your rabbit, ensure that you have all the supplies ready. Besides the nail clippers ensure that you have bite-proof gloves, a wrapping towel, cotton wool ball, and styptic powder material just in case. Since your bunny will most likely squirm, bite or scratch while they try to escape your hold, keeping them calm and comfortable is pivotal.
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Grooming hammock
One of the best methods of how to cut aggressive rabbits nails is by placing them on a grooming hammock. However, this method should only apply to rabbits that often bite or scratch their owners during grooming. Since rabbits hate being suspended, if possible, try to keep their feet on the ground. If your rabbits are edgy, while wearing the protective gloves, gently pet them for a few minutes before you place them on the grooming harness.
Once your rabbit is comfortably strapped on the grooming hammock harness, gently squeeze their paws to have a clear view of their nails. A rabbit’s overgrown nails are sometimes well hidden under their fur.
Before you begin trimming their overgrown nails, look out for their blood veins also known as Quick. They’re usually the red or pink line on a rabbit’s nails that will bleed when cut. If your bunny has dark nails, use a flashlight to try to avoid cutting its blood view/quick.
Using a sharp clipper, while at a safe distance from their blood veins/quick, clip the pointed tip of each nail at a time. If you happen to accidentally cut the Quick, using a cotton wool ball apply styptic power gently while you apply slight pressure for 10 seconds to prevent bleeding.
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Restraint method
Restraining your pet during the clipping procedure is another method ideal for aggressive rabbits that can be restrained without biting or scratching. There are two ways how to cut an aggressive rabbit’s nails using the restraint method. You can either place them on an elevated surface or on your lap.
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Restraint on an elevated surface
Place your bunny on a high surface, probably on the kitchen counter, at your stomach level, then place a towel or cloth underneath their body to give them traction.
With the grooming gloves on, pet your bunny for a few minutes to calm them down. Then restrain your rabbit by gently holding them against your belly. With your left hand, press against their hind quarters. Using the same hand, pick their left paw then clip the tip of their sharp nails. Always stroke them gently in between clipping sessions to calm them down throughout the process.
While the bunny is still held against your body, gently lift it up and let it stand on its two hind legs. Let the right paw hang, as you support its chest and already clipped left paw, clip its right paw. For the hind legs, while they’re still restrained against your body and still standing on their hind legs, gently try to put all their weight on one foot by making them lean on the foot.
As you do that, bring their other foot that’s free forward and clip their nails. Finally, repeat the process on the other foot too. It’s worth pointing out that their hind legs tend to quiver as you clip due to their body’s reflexive movement. It’s perfectly normal, however, to make it stop, simply touch the bottom of their foot.
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Restraint on your lap
With the protective gloves on, wrap your rabbit’s body loosely using a towel to minimize squirming. Avoid wrapping their head since it tends to stress them out. With an additional towel or cloth underneath your rabbit’s body and on your lap, let them sit comfortably wrapped up with all their paws exposed.
After establishing where their blood veins or quick are, proceed to cut the sharp tips of their overgrown nails carefully. Use a flashlight to locate their Quick if you have to, particularly if your rabbit has darker paws or nails. If your rabbits are nervous or are trying to escape during the procedure, try to pet them as both of you take a breather. While winding up with the clipping, again do ensure that your restraint is at a minimum. In other words, try to avoid holding your bunny tightly as most bunnies hate this.
Can you file a rabbit’s nails?
Yes, you can file a rabbit’s nails down, however, if they’re too long the process can be tedious. Although filing isn’t necessary if you intend to do so, then have your bunny nails filed after clipping, mainly as a final touch.
How long should a rabbit’s nails be?
A rabbit’s nails should be short and neatly kept. You need to clip them once they start curling up. However, others prefer shortening their bunny’s nails once they’re visibly past their fur. Either way, when trimming their nails, only clip the sharp tip.
Can you sedate a rabbit for grooming?
Yes, however, quite often the risks usually outweigh the benefits. It’s not always advisable, nonetheless, if you choose to, have a certified vet carry out the procedure. In other words, a chemical-based tranquilizer or sedative most likely to be administered is 0.25- 1.0 mg/kg IM Acepromazine prior to catheter placement.
Can you use human nail clippers on rabbits?
No, it isn’t advisable to use human nail clippers on your rabbits. This is mainly because these clippers are designed for nails that are thin and flat, as opposed to a rabbit’s rounded thicker nails. In other words, when it comes to cutting your bunny’s nails, use a small pet clipper.
Conclusion
By following any of the above procedures, over time, how to cut an aggressive rabbit’s nails eventually becomes easier. This is mainly due to the use of trimming techniques mentioned above. Eventually, with time, your bunny will realize how the entire procedure is totally harmless. However, if you’re still finding it difficult to cut an aggressive rabbit’s nails, then the other alternative is to let a vet take care of it.
