Hello friends! I don’t know too many hoomans who don't enjoy a pedicure. But, on the other hand, I know none of my furkids want them. However, keeping pet nails at the proper length is essential for their safety and health…no matter how tiny the pet is. Therefore, today we will teach you all about trimming rat’s nails.
First Step: Tools
To get started trimming rat’s nails, you’ll need:
- Another human to hold your rattie friend.
- Your rat (preferably tired or sleepy). A tired or sleepy rat will be less stressed during nail trims.
- Nail clippers: either human or small animal.
Human nail clippers
Small animal nail clippers
- Good lighting (I use a headlamp).
- Reading glasses (optional): depends on how good your near vision is.
- Styptic powder: In case you nick the quick (vein inside the nail). You can also use cornstarch or flour to stop the bleeding.
- Treatos! Check out our recommendations below.
Second step: How-to + go slow
Whatever your motivation is for trimming rat’s nails, remember it’s a learning and adjusting process for all of you. Rome wasn’t built in a day, so you may not be able to trim all your rattie’s nails during the first attempt.
- Make sure you have all your tools.
- Have your human helper hold your rat getting the pawdicure.
- Select a paw, then grasp a toe and hold it firmly up to the nail. Make sure rattie isn’t wiggling their toes before you trim a nail.
- Using nail clippers, clip the tiniest piece off the end of the nail quickly. You don’t want to nick the quick by accident. It’s ok to trim their nails weekly to keep them at the proper length.
- Treato and praise time! It’s ok to give a treat after every nail or even if you’re unsuccessful at the nail trim. You want to make trimming rat’s nails the most pawsitive experience possible.
Aaaannnndddd, that’s it. Really! If you’re a visual learner like me, ask your trusted exotic vet or local rat rescue to give you paws-on training when trimming rat’s nails. Do you have any recommendations to make rat pawdicures easier? We’d love to hear all about them. Please comment on our socials or email us.
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