Guinea pig nails should be cut every 2-4 weeks to prevent overgrowth and curling, which can cause distress, pain, and mobility issues. While this task may initially seem difficult, regular practice makes it easier. In this guide, I will outline the best way to cut a guinea pig’s nails including curly, overgrown and black nails, and the tools required for effective nail care.
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About Guinea Pig Nails
Guinea pigs have three toes on each back foot and four on each front foot, so there are 14 nails to cut.
Their nails vary in colour, ranging from clear to black, and some guinea pigs have a mix of both. Long-haired breeds often have hairy feet, making it difficult to clearly see the nails when cutting.
The nails of young guinea pigs are softer and grow slowly, but as they mature, their nails gradually thicken and may curl slightly. Nails on the back feet are thicker than those on the front.
Guinea pig nails wear down naturally in the wild, but this doesn’t happen when kept as domestic pets.
Baby guinea pigs don’t usually require nail cuts in the first two months, but starting regular trims every two to four weeks after this period helps maintain nail and foot health and builds your confidence in the process.
What You Need
For trimming guinea pig nails, you’ll need the following:
- Wide-opening toenail clippers: While small pet nail clippers are available, I find human nail clippers much easier to use.
- Styptic powder: This can stop the bleeding if a nail is cut too short.
- Cotton buds: Helpful for applying styptic powder to the nail.
- LED magnifying glasses (optional): I always use these for nail cutting as they make it significantly easier to see the nails.
- Towel or blanket: Laying down a towel or blanket makes it more comfortable for your guinea pig.
Best Way to Cut a Guinea Pig’s Nails
When trimming your guinea pig’s nails, sit at a table or stand using a surface about the height of a kitchen worktop. Alternatively, you can hold them on your lap.
Tuck the side of your guinea pig close to you and place your arm across them, providing a sense of security. Use one hand to gently hold the foot you’re trimming and the other to handle the nail clippers.
To trim the nails, use nail clippers to cut at the point where the nail starts to curve and become thinner, being careful to avoid the quick, a red vein inside the nail that can bleed if nicked.
For the front nails, you may either continue with this method or position your guinea pig with their back towards you, supporting the front feet with one hand and isolating the foot you’re working on between your thumb and forefinger.
Be aware that some guinea pigs may squeak when their nails are cut, which can be a reaction to discomfort or dislike of the procedure rather than pain.
If you find it challenging to hold your guinea pig and trim the nails simultaneously, get someone to hold them while you focus on the cutting.
Tips
- If unsure how much to trim, cut small amounts gradually until the nails are the correct length.
- Remain calm and patient during the process to make nail cutting smoother and less stressful for you and your guinea pig.
- Use LED magnifying glasses to enhance visibility, allowing you to see the nails better and cut more confidently.
- Give your guinea pig a lettuce leaf to eat while you cut the nails to distract them.
- Record each time you cut their nails to know when they are due for the next nail cut.
My care sheets pack include a convenient log sheet to record the dates of your guinea pig’s nail cuts, helping you keep up to date with this and other essential care tasks.
What to Do if the Nail Bleeds
If you accidentally cut the quick and the nail bleeds, apply styptic powder using a cotton bud to stop the bleeding. Do not worry if there is bleeding; it often stops quickly and is usually not painful for the guinea pig.
Overgrown Nails
The quick extends further down for nails that have grown too long, so avoid cutting too short. Trim them so they’re not as short as they should be, but clip the nails each week until they reach the correct length.
Curly Nails
When left to overgrow, guinea pig nails curl. If neglected for an excessive period, the nails can spiral, which is extremely painful for guinea pigs and will affect their mobility and overall foot health.
As the nails grow in an older guinea pig, they may naturally curl under or sideways.
Curly nails can be difficult to clip, so cut a little off until they are short enough. If nails are severely overgrown or you cannot cut them yourself, make an appointment with your vet for a trim.
Black Nails
As you can’t see the quick in black or dark nails, you will simply need to judge the cut by the bend in the nail. Cut a little at a time if you are unsure.
Where Can I Get My Guinea Pig’s Nails Clipped?
Regular nail care is essential for maintaining your guinea pig’s foot health and overall well-being. If you cannot trim your guinea pig’s nails yourself, take them to a veterinarian, a rescue centre, a small pet grooming service, or a guinea pig boarding facility to get them clipped professionally.