Keeping nails at a suitable length is an important aspect of Guinea pigs’ regular care needs. Below, we’re sharing some tips and tricks to make this as stress free as possible for you and your piggies!
How often should I clip my Guinea Pigs nails?
Clipping your guinea pigs’ nails is an important part of their regular care schedule as they grow continuously and without attention have no way of being kept at an appropriate length.
In recent research from the RVC (Royal Veterinary College), a sedentary (stationary) lifestyle has been shown to contribute to a number of health issues so it is important Guinea Pigs are comfortable to move around. The study also discovered that overgrown nails were the most commonly recorded disorder for guinea pigs, with over a quarter of guinea pigs per year being affected by overgrown nails.
Nails left too long can cause a number of health issues including twisting of the toes which can be uncomfortable itself and can contribute to arthritis. When nails get overly long they risk curling and cutting into paw pads which is not only uncomfortable but also risks infection.
Image of guinea pig with overgrown nails some of which are twisting
Picking suitable nail clippers
Human nail clippers are not suitable for guinea pig nails due to the difference in shape between human and guinea pig nails. Nail clippers intended for us humans are flat and will crush guinea pig nails rather than cutting through them appropriately which is much more comfortable for our guinea pigs. Getting a pair of small animal nail clippers to use is essential.
Some of our recommendations are:
Nail clippers with LED light for animals – ideal for quicks that are difficult to see
Animal nail clippers with safety – great budget option for nail cutting
Candure stainless steel nail clippers – high quality nail cutters designed for small animals
Where do I cut my guinea pigs’ nails?
Guinea pig nails have a core called the ‘quick’. This area has nerve innervation and a blood supply which can bleed and will be painful if cut so needs to be avoided but the outer nail sheath does not so is safe to cut. Regular trimming can keep the quick part of the nail short and actually make trimming easier and less of a risk to cutting this sensitive area. The quick can often be seen in light coloured nails as a pink area within the nail but it is a lot more difficult to see in very dark or black nails.
Shining a light underneath the nail can help to show how far down the quick goes before you start cutting.
Images showing how a light underneath nails can help highlight the quick area
Alternatively, the quick will appear first as a small black spot on the end of the nail so by cutting small bits off you can keep an eye out for this appearing and know when to stop.
As the end result the nails should be level with the bottom of the foot and point perpendicular down to the floor.
Before cutting During cutting making sure to hold the foot After cutting
Three tips to stress free guinea pig nail clipping
Distract your guinea pig with food
Treating your guinea pig to their favourite fresh vegetable or treat to keep them distracted can be an easy way to keep Guinea Pigs still and also make them feel more comfortable about the experience. A true win:win! Regularly handling your piggies including their toes will make them feel more comfortable when it comes time to actually cut their nails as well.
A second pair of (human) hands
Nail cutting is possible by yourself but if you have a wiggly piggie or are new to this health care task then a second pair of hands to gently restrain or distract can be very helpful. By having someone hold your guinea pig as pictured you can have more control over those moving feet. Make sure their bottom is supported and you are holding them safely over a surface.
Towel burrito
Wrapping your piggie up in a towel and gently removing one foot at a time to clip can give your Guinea Pig something to hide in making them feel more secure and comfortable.
