Is your guinea pig having difficulty walking all of a sudden? Have you noticed any odd swelling or discoloration of the feet?
Or maybe those long nails are just starting to look very ugly and uncomfortable for your piggy. It might just be time to get those guinea pig nails trimmed.
In this article, you’ll learn when to clip their nails, where you can get it done, how much it’ll cost and whether or not you should cut them yourself (+ what you need to cut guinea pig nails).
No one wants their beloved pet to suffer. Always trim your guinea’s nails before they become a problem.
Overgrown nails can actually lead to serious injuries if left untreated in severe cases.
Do Guinea Pigs Need Their Nails Clipped?
Yes, guinea pigs need regular nail trimming in order to keep those feet healthy. These little critters are no different than dogs in that respect.
If you don’t trim your guinea pig’s nails, you could be dealing with several potential problems. Consider the list below:
- Pain and discomfort
- Inability to walk properly
- Open wounds
- Food inflammation
- Secondary infections
Imagine lengthy nails causing open sores on your pet’s feet. Now consider what those feet walk over every day, especially provide them with outside time.
Any open sore is bad on an animal’s skin, but the feet are introduced to more foreign bacteria than nearly any other area of the body (except perhaps the mouth). Now that bacteria has a clear opening past the barrier meant to keep it out (which no longer exists).
Not only is this going to be painful, but your pet’s bloodstream is also in constant contact with foreign bacteria that shouldn’t be there. This can lead to sepsis in extreme cases, sometimes requiring amputation or ending in death.
A fresh wound can easily be cleaned carefully with hydrogen peroxide. According to the Purdue University, a 1:10 dilution of Nolvasan solution or betadine solution is recommended.
You’ll need to take care of the problem causing those wounds (the nails) first though.
When Should I Trim My Guinea Pig’s Nails?
Though your trims might vary, plan on a minimum of once a month at least.
More frequent clippings will help establish a routine and keep the vascular portion of the nail from growing too long.
Trimming those piglet nails should start around two months of age, often requiring a second person.
Regular clippings are especially important because guinea pig nails can actually curl, growing into the footpads if left unchecked. Remember all of the outcomes listed above?
Trim your guinea pig’s nails 1-2 times monthly.
As guinea pigs age, their nails tend to grow brittle and irregular, making trimming a must. Once the nails themselves begin to curl, trimming can become much more difficult.
Some pets will even chew on their hind nails, something you want to avoid.