A ferret's nails are much like a dog's nails in that they need to be trimmed on a regular basis. If left untrimmed, a ferret's nails can grow long and curl under, creating a painful condition called "hooky paws." In addition, your ferret may grow black nails that are difficult to trim. Here I have mentioned some tips for How to trim ferret nails.
What can I use to trim my ferret's nails?
One of the most important things you need before you start trimming your ferrets' nails are clippers made for this purpose. You should look for a model that will allow you to cut the nail in one swipe, so it won't create any rough edges on them. Clippers are available in pet stores and online.
You can also use a small pair of sharp scissors, but take care not to cut too close to the quick - the blood vessel inside the nail. If you do accidentally cut into the quick, apply styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the bleeding.
How often do I need to trim my ferret's nails?
You will need to trim your ferret's nails every few weeks, and definitely before you do their annual nail clip – it is very likely that they'll break a nail during the process.
How do I know how much of the nail to cut off?
If you're using clippers, look for where the quick ends inside the nail. It will look like a grey, pinky color vein inside the white part of the nail. Cut just before it ends to avoid cutting into this vein which is extremely painful for your ferret.
If you're using scissors, put your clippers next to the top of the toe and snip off any excess that goes past the quick.
What do I do if the nail bleeds?
Sometimes when you do your ferret's nails, there can be bleeding due to cutting into the quick. Apply styptic powder or cornstarch to stop the blood flow. If it doesn't stop within a few seconds, then apply pressure by pressing against the claw with a tissue and holding for about a minute. If it still doesn't stop, then you will need to take them to the vet in case they've cut into a deeper vein and they'll be needing stitches.
What if my ferret tries to bite me when I do their nails?
Ferrets can get very agitated when having their nails done, as it's a foreign experience for them. If your ferret starts to get antsy, put them down and give them some time to calm down. You can also try distracting them with a toy or treat. If they still try to nip you, gently hold their head still with one hand while you clip the nails with the other. Don't push them away as this can cause fear and trauma to your ferret.
Is it okay to do their nails if they're not awake?
If your ferret is still too young to deal with the experience of having their nails trimmed, you may need to wake them up beforehand and then go ahead and trim their claws. This will be a lot less stressful for them and they will be more likely to tolerate it in the future. You can do this by gently blowing on their face or rubbing their tummy.
If your ferret is already an adult, then you can try trimming their nails when they're asleep. This won't always be successful, but if they're not too squirmy, you can usually get the job done. Be very careful not to clip too much off, as you don't want to risk cutting into the quick and causing bleeding.
Conclusion
So there you have it – everything you need to know about trimming your ferret's nails! It might be a little tricky at first, but it's a very important part of your ferret's grooming treatment.
If you have any questions or want to share any tips that worked for you, feel free to comment below!