Clipping Your Rabbit’s Nails

Since pet rabbits are not able to dig and wear down their claws inside your house or apartment, their nails will invariably grow too long. Keeping your bun’s nails at an appropriate length is very important. Long nails may potentially curl into your rabbit’s foot, or they may snag on something, causing great discomfort to your pet.

Rabbit's nailsClipping your rabbit’s nails may seem a daunting task. And many rabbit owners elect to let their veterinarian handle it. Frequent vet visits can get expensive, however. So here is some advice on trimming your rabbit’s nails yourself.

It is easier to trim your rabbit’s nails quickly and effectively when the rabbit is properly restrained. If possible, ask someone to assist you and then wrap your bunny in a towel to reduce movement and to isolate each paw.

Diagram of a rabbit nail and quickExamine the claw to locate the vein inside the nail. This vein is called the quick, and you should avoid cutting it. Cutting the quick will cause your pet to experience some pain, and he/she will bleed. Some rabbits’ nails are quite dark, so you will need a small flashlight to see it.  If you do accidentally trim the nails too short, use flour or styptic powder to stop the bleeding.

Some bunnies are startled by the sound of clipping. In these situations, you may consider simply filing the nails down, but this may be a longer process if your rabbit’s nails are quite long.

Rabbit Grooming Supplies

  • Nail clippers 
    You will need to regularly trim your bunny’s nails.  If your rabbit has dark claws, a small flashlight helps you to locate the quick and avoid it.  Buy on Amazon >
  • Styptic powder
    If you accidentally cut the quick, styptic powder will stop the bleeding. Buy on Amazon >
  • Grooming glove or brush
    The Love Glove is gentle, yet effective, at removing excess fur when your bunny is shedding. Buy on Amazon >

About the Author

Abi Cushman is a veteran house rabbit owner and a contributing editor of My House Rabbit.

Soaked!

When she's not writing about bunnies for My House Rabbit, Abi writes and illustrates funny books for kids, including Soaked! (Viking, 2020) and Animals Go Vroom! (Viking, 2021). And yes, there are bunnies in them.

Learn more at her website, www.abicushman.com, or follow her on Twitter: @abicushman and Instagram: @abi.cushman.