Wild rabbits don’t need pedicures — their claws wear down from digging, foraging, and other routine tasks. Domestic rabbits, however, do not use their claws so much, and it is your job to make sure that they don’t grow too long or sharp. [1] X Research source Rabbits have four nails on their rear feet. On their front paws, they have the four toenails, and then the dewclaw. The dewclaw sits slightly higher than the other toenails, on the inside of the paw.
Scissor-style clippers. These clippers are usually used to trim cat nails. As the name suggests, they look and work just like scissors. You may enjoy the freedom of motion and movement these clippers offer over the next style. Guillotine-style clippers. These clippers are typically used for dogs because they can handle thicker nails. Much like a guillotine, these clippers have a circular hole into which you slip the nail. Squeeze the handle, and a blade cuts the nail. Guillotine clippers may give you slightly more control than the scissors.
You can buy styptic pencils or styptic powder in most drugstores. Styptic pencils make it easy to quickly deploy the anti-bleeding substance, and they may be easier to find than pure styptic powder.
Never press down on the rabbit’s back or spine. It is easy to break a rabbit’s back — it does not take much. If your rabbit panics and struggles, apply moderate pressure to his flanks. The flanks include the sides of his body and the haunches of his legs. This pressure mimics being squeezed together with other rabbits in a burrow, and it can help to calm a stressed-out rabbit.
Try cradling your rabbit in your lap the way you’d hold a baby. Rest the rabbit’s back upon your legs, and lay its head in the crook of your elbow. Use one hand to hold out a paw, and the other hand to clip.
Hold the rabbit on your lap, or lay him onto a non-slippery surface: lay a towel or mat on top of a sofa or table. The important thing is that your rabbit is calm, comfortable, and immobile. If your rabbit is afraid of heights, sit on the floor with him. You’ll be able to tell that he is afraid if he squirms and visibly panics when you lift him to a high place.
If your rabbit has white or clear nails, you should be able to find the quick without much trouble. The blood vessel will be red or pink, so simply cut the white part of the nail above the red section. If your rabbit has darker-colored nails, shine a flashlight on the nails to find the blood vessel. The quick should be a visible dark spot inside an otherwise translucent nail. Make note of the quick’s location, and only cut the nail above that spot. [5] X Research source If you still can’t find the quick, you can estimate its location by feeling the claw. Pick a location about halfway down the claw, and use the dull end of your clippers to press down firmly. If your rabbit tries to pull his paw back or struggles, you’re probably pressing the blood vessel. Try again slightly further up the claw toward the point. If the rabbit doesn’t react, it’s probably safe to start cutting from that point.
You may need to flip your bunny over onto its back to trim the rear paws. Do this very carefully so that you don’t hurt or disturb the rabbit. Bunnies with enough exercise may not need their back nails trimmed — hopping, digging, and general activity wear the nails down naturally. Remember to clip the dewclaw on each of the front paws. If the dewclaw grows too long, it may get caught on something and hurt your rabbit.
