Trimming Your Rabbit’s Nails

Check your rabbit’s nails regularly. The more accustomed your rabbit is to the process, the less stressful it will be. Make it a positive experience by giving a treat or cuddle afterwards. If you’ve never trimmed your rabbit’s nails before, it may be helpful to have your vet do it the first time. They can show you where it’s safe to cut and how to do it yourself.

If the nails extend slightly beyond the fur line the point where the hair on the paw stops and the nail becomes visible they are too long. When you see the nails poking out beyond this point, it’s time for a trim. Be careful not to cut into the quick, the pink part of the nail that contains blood vessels and nerves. Trim regularly, as some rabbits’ nails grow faster than others.

Signs your rabbit’s nails may be too long:

• The nails are curling.
• You can hear them tapping on a hard surface.
• Your rabbit has trouble walking or digs less often.
• There’s a visible limp or uneven gait.
• Your rabbit is less active. (Note: this can have many causes. If your rabbit becomes less active or eats less, always consult your vet first.)

Nails that are too long often extend beyond the fur line on the paw. They may start to curl or grow at an angle, causing your rabbit to walk differently. You might also hear them tapping on hard floors  a sign that the nails are touching the ground when they shouldn’t. If your rabbit becomes less active or struggles to dig, long nails could be the cause.

If you notice your rabbit is less active or eating less, always consult your vet first to rule out other causes.

When nails grow too long, they can curl into the paw pad, causing pain and making it difficult for your rabbit to walk properly. This misalignment can put strain on the joints. In some cases, nails can tear or break, leading to bleeding or infection. Long nails also reduce stability, increasing the risk of falls or injuries.

How often you need to trim depends on how fast the nails grow and how active your rabbit is. Rabbits that dig a lot or move across rough surfaces naturally wear their nails down more quickly. For some, trimming may rarely be necessary. Indoor rabbits, however, often need a nail trim every 6 to 8 weeks, but it’s best to check the nails monthly to see if they’ve become too long.

A rabbit has 18 nails in total. There are five on each front paw, including a dewclaw, which is located higher on the paw and doesn’t wear down on its own. Each back paw has four nails.

A rabbit’s nail is long, narrow, and slightly curved. The outer part is made of hard keratin, which is strong but can split or break if it gets too long. The color of the nails varies between rabbits: some have clear or light-colored nails, making the pink “quick” inside visible, while others have darker nails where it’s harder to see.

Inside the nail runs the quick, a living structure made up of blood vessels and nerves. Cutting into it can cause pain and bleeding, so care must be taken during trimming.

If trimming your rabbit’s nails yourself isn’t working, don’t worry you can always ask for help. A veterinarian or professional groomer can do it for you and show you the correct technique. It can also help to trim with two people: one to gently hold and calm the rabbit, and the other to focus on trimming.

Always be cautious with your rabbit’s spine, as rabbits have fragile backs. If they struggle suddenly or try to break free, they can even break their spine. Always support them well and avoid twisting or sudden movements.
If your rabbit becomes overly stressed or keeps resisting, it’s best to let the vet trim their nails.

No.

A regular nail clipper isn’t suitable for rabbit nails because their nails are rounder, thicker, and harder. This can cause the nail to split or crack and may be painful. Instead, use a special small-animal nail clipper, such as the Trixie Nail Scissors, which are sharper and provide better grip and control.

Choose a quiet, calm environment where your rabbit feels secure. If your rabbit is restless, you can wrap them gently in a towel or place them on a towel for grip. Hold the paw firmly but gently, and only trim the clear, tip portion of the nail. Avoid the pink part, called the “quick,” which contains blood vessels and nerves. Always keep a few millimetres of distance from the quick. If it’s hard to see, shine a flashlight through the nail to locate the quick more easily.
After trimming, reward your rabbit with a treat or cuddle to end on a positive note.

Be careful with the rabbit’s back throughout the process never twist or force their body. If your rabbit shows high stress or continues to struggle, it’s safer to leave the job to a vet.