Q&A for How to Cut a Rabbit's Claws

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How do I stop feeling anxious when cutting a rabbit's claws?

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

Your anxiety is probably caused by a fear of hurting the rabbit or clipping in the wrong place. Respect the anxiety, and have an expert (such as a vet, vet tech, or groomer) show you exactly where to cut the claw and how to hold the rabbit safely. This should increase your confidence. However, clipping your own pet's nails can be nerve wracking, so if this isn't something you feel comfortable with, perhaps ask a friend to help you or have him do it.

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Question

We use a small side cut pliers to cut baby pigs' teeth, can that style side cut be used for this as well?

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, indeed they can, although it's best to purchase pet pliers that are designed for the exact purpose rather than something out of a DIY toolbox.

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Question

How do I get the rabbit's legs out of the towel?

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

Once the rabbit is wrapped, it's usually possible to elect a leg to uncover and gently loosen the towel over that leg in order to wriggle it free. Sometimes this may mean you need to unpick part of the wrapping until you can reach through the folds to grasp a paw and expose it. Don't worry if the towel loosens, just cover the rabbit's eyes with part of the towel and hug the rabbit to you firmly. This reassures the rabbit and makes it less likely to scrabble.

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Question

How do I get the rabbit's hind legs out of the towel?

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

Sometimes you need to wrap the rabbit one way, cut the front claws, then unwrap. The rewrap but in such a way that you can wriggle a hand inside the towel to worm a back leg free. Exactly how you achieve this isn't important, as long as the rabbit's head is covered and they feel tightly restrained inside the towel then it will help them feel calm and safe.

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