|  | | How do I clip my ferret's nails? | | Home > Ferret FAQ > Grooming > How do I clip my ferret's nails? | | Nails should be trimmed once a month at the very least, though twice a month is better. When ferrets’ nails grow too long, they get caught on things, and can even rip completely out. This is obviously very painful for the ferret and can get infected. If never trimmed, the ferrets’ nails will eventually start to curl under, which again is very painful for the ferret. Frequent trimmings help to keep your ferret’s nails healthy and strong.
To clip your ferret’s nails, you will need:
- Ferret or cat clippers – scissor style with a notch at the bottom of the blade for the nail are the easiest to use. Avoid using human nail clippers, as they pinch the nail before cutting, and can actually crush it if not sharp enough!
- Styptic powder or gel – accidents do happen, and you need to have something to stop the bleeding when they do. Cornstarch or flour can also be used, but they are not as sterile.
- FerreTone or another treat to distract your ferret.
You can cut your ferret's nails by yourself or with a helper. If it’s just you, here’s what you should do:
Ready all of your supplies! Put your ferret on his back in your lap or on a blanket or bed on a tabletop. Pour a little FerreTone on your ferret’s stomach. (Wear old clothes until your ferret gets used to this feeling – he will react when the FerreTone hits his belly, which splashes the FerreTone around!) As your ferret licks off the FerreTone, clip his nails. Not sure where to clip? Look at your ferret’s nail – there is a small red line in there called the quick. You want to cut about 1/8" above that. Cut the nail so when the foot is on the floor, the edge of the nail will be parallel to the floor. This will prevent the nail tip from breaking later.
Clipping nails with a helper is obviously a bit easier. Just have your helper scruff the ferret while you clip the nails. Give the ferret some FerreTone after you're done as a reward.
If you run into a ferret who just absolutely hates having his nails cut, you have a couple choices. You can cut a few nails at a time once a day until all nails are finished, you can sneak the ferret while he’s sleeping and stop as he starts to wake up, or you can wrap the ferret up in a towel. If you use the towel method, leave the ferret’s head and one paw sticking out. You will need a helper for this method. He or she will distract the ferret with FerreTone while you clip. |
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