How to Trim Your Rabbit's Nails

That telltale click on the hardwood floors is the first sign that Thumper needs his nails trimmed. Truth be told, most bunnies don't mind the clickity-clack as much as you, but good grooming includes periodic nail trims. Unfortunately, bunnies new to nail trimming rarely submit to this momentary humiliation the first time. Here are some tips and tricks to get the job done, without losing your fur.

• Start practicing several weeks before your first attempt. Pick your bunny up and hold him in your lap. Pet his nose and speak reassuringly to him. Then, pick up one paw at a time and hold it for a minute or two. As he gets used to this behavior, try rubbing his paws around the nails.

• If your bunny squirms and kicks, try a different hold technique: Place a towel in your lap and roll him on his back, using your legs to create a secure holding spot for bunny. Or, cradle him on his back with one arm, and allow his head to slide into the space between your arm and side of your body. Use your cradle arm to securely hold your bunny's head against your body, and then gently move both hands and rest his back on your lap. Now your cradle hand is released and you should have both hands free.

• If none of the above holds work, use a towel to wrap your bunny in a "bunny burrito." Place bunny in the center of a towel, fold both ends over him, and fold the towel under his backside to his belly. It should be snug enough that he can't wiggle away, and you should be able to turn him on his back. Remove one paw at a time for nail trimming.

• Once you have found a hold that bunny will tolerate for several minutes, practice holding his paw and exposing each nail by gently moving the paw fur out of the way. Look at the nail and familiarize yourself with the "quick." The nail is transparent, while the quick is not. A blood supply flows through the quick and must be avoided. Some bunnies have very dark nails. If this is the case, use a flashlight to try to see the quick.

• Find the dewclaws! On each front paw, bunny has a dewclaw located on the inside part of his paws.

• Purchase a well-made nail trimmer. The kind for cats works, though they are small and can be difficult to handle. Well-stocked pet supply stores carry a larger, more sturdy clipper that looks like a spring loaded wire cutter. This is very effective and may be easier to handle. Also pick up styptic powder, used to stop bleeding in the event that you cut into the quick of the nail.

Now, you're ready for the real thing: You've mastered the bunny hold, he will allow you to handle his paws, and your confidence is high. Gather your tools - towel, nail trimmers, flashlight, styptic - and place them next to you. With confidence, pick up your bunny and put him into his preferred bunny hold.

• Next, pick up your nail trimmers. Then, pick up one paw and expose the first nail. Without hesitation, clip the first nail. If bunny struggles, stop to reassure him, but press onward. Work confidently through each nail and then go on to the next paw.

• If you accidentally cut into the quick, don't worry. Your bunny will quickly forgive you! You can use styptic powder to stop the bleeding.

• Remember that nail trimming doesn't hurt, but if you strongly feel that your bunny is overly stressed, stop trimming. Praise him, and try it again on another day. Sometimes trimming bunny's nails during his sleepy time of the day works best.