How to Trim a Ferret's Nails

Опубликовал Admin

22-06-2021, 04:20

If your ferret's nails are getting too long or they're getting caught on things, it's time for a trim. To trim the nails by yourself, position the ferret so it's comfortable and spread a little treat on its belly to distract it. If you have a helper, you can simply have them hold the ferret by the scruff. Then clip just the clear part of each nail. Since their nails don't retract and are constantly growing, plan on trimming the nails every few weeks.

Trimming the Nails by Yourself

Set out the supplies you need to trim the nails. Since you'll need to be fast when you're clipping the nails, have everything you need in one spot. Get out small animal nail clippers or human nail clippers that you're comfortable using. Have styptic powder nearby to stop any bleeding if you accidentally cut into the nail's blood vessel. You'll also need a treat, such as:

Getting Help to Trim the Nails

Ask the helper to scruff the ferret. Tell the helper to use the thumb and forefingers of one hand to grasp the skin behind the ferret's neck. This is known as the scruff. The helper should bring the loose skin together and lift up so the ferret goes limp.
- Always scruff the ferret over a soft surface and handle it slowly so it doesn't fall.
Direct the helper to support the ferret's hind end. Once the helper is holding the ferret by the back of the neck, tell them to place their other hand under the ferret's hind end. This will make the ferret feel secure and prevent it from trying to squirm.
- You'll probably see your ferret yawn if it's being held by the scruff and supported properly.
Find the clear and quick parts of the nail. Look at your ferret's nails so you can identify which part of the nail you'll need to cut. You'll see a long clear part which is what you'll need to trim. Then find the part of the nail that has a thin pink layer under it. This is the quick, a blood vessel, that you shouldn't cut into.
Trim each nail using small animal clippers. Once your helper has secured the ferret and its not squirming, take one of its paws in your non-dominant hand. Hold the clippers in your other hand and trim the clear portion of each nail to within ⁄8 inch (3.2 mm) and ⁄16 inch (1.6 mm) of the quick.
- Since the ferret is restrained, there's no need to bribe it by rubbing treats on its belly.
Apply styptic powder to any nails that bleed. Accidents happen and you might find that you've cut into the quick of one of the nails. To stop the bleeding, dip the nail into some styptic powder. If the bleeding doesn't stop after a few minutes, press a tissue against the nail until the bleeding stops.
- Contact the veterinarian if the nail doesn't stop bleeding after 10 to 15 minutes.

Tips

If your ferret's nails feel squishy or appear green, contact the vet. Your ferret's nails may have a fungal infection that requires treatment.
If you don’t feel confident about using clippers, buff the tips of your ferret’s nails with a coarse emery board.
You don't have to trim all of the nails at once. If you're struggling, take a break and come back to trimming later. Keep in mind that once you get used to it, you'll become faster and more efficient.
It's important to use sharp nail clippers since dull clippers can cause the nails to splinter.