Spa Day: Cutting Your Rabbit's Nails

Many new rabbit owners believe nail clipping something best left to a vet.  The truth is nail clipping can be quick, easy and preformed by any rabbit owner.  In the wild, rabbits keep their nail trim by digging.  Since domestic rabbits don't have the need nor opportunity to dig as much, their nails will have to be clipped every few months.  If the nails aren't attended to, they can grow enough to curl around each other, sometimes even causing a toe deformity.

Let's start with a little bit of rabbit toe anatomy.

The rabbit toenail.  Steer clear of the quick!

A rabbit's toenail is very different from a human's.  Rabbits have a vein of blood running thru their nail- this is called the quick.  You want to steer clear of the quick so your rabbit doesn't start bleeding.  It is best to cut a safe distance above the quick- you don't need to get very close to the quick in order to cut the nail back to a good length.  Staying away from the quick is trickier for rabbits with dark nails (such as Dante) because it is harder to see.  White nails are much easier.  

There are some tools you will need before you start.  First, a pair of HUMAN toe nail clippers. 

I really dislike the nail clippers sold for rabbits in pet stores.  The way they are designed allows them to "twist" the nail because the sharp parts slide side-by-side like a scissor.  You may have seen this phenomenon if you've ever tried to cut a piece of paper with dull scissors.  The paper ends up in the middle of the scissors with a partial, dull cut.  Human toe nail clippers are big enough for all rabbit breeds and will consistently give a good cut (smaller clippers used for finger nails will probably be too small for your rabbit).  Also, have a jar of Kwik Stop Styptic Powder or a bar of unscented soap.  This will be used in case the quick is cut.

To cut your rabbit's nails, flip the rabbit over on your lap. For jumpy rabbits or for owners new to nail clipping, you may want to enlist someone to help you by holding the rabbit while you cut the nails.  REMEMBER: a rabbit has 5 nails on each front foot and 4 on each back foot- 18 total.  One nail at a time, clip the nail down a little, avoiding the quick.  If the nails are very long, it's OK to clip nails a few times until they are an appropriate length.  Watch this quick video on clipping nails:

If you do accidentally cut the quick, put some Kwik Stop to the bleeding nail and apply pressure to the end of the nail.  If you are using a bar of soap, use the entire bar to apply pressure (remember not to put this bar back in the bathroom!).  Continue to apply pressure for a few minutes.  Initially your rabbit will be a bit squirmy, so try to talk to them and keep them relaxed as the blood clots.

Although it might seem difficult the first few times, you will get use to it and become a nail cutting pro in no time!

Peggy and Dante

Mites: An Irritating Pest

Let's face it: we all hate bugs, especially those we cannot easily see.  Rabbits agree with us on this one.  As with any illness or issue, it is best to understand what's going on so that you can quickly diagnose and resolve the issue.

What is it?  Mites are external parasites which are so small, you will see the signs of their presence before you see them.  The two most common types are Cheyletiella parasitivorax and Listrophorus gibbus.  Because of the way their bodies work, they breath through their "skin", a fact that will help us during treatment.  Mites will migrate towards the warmest areas on your rabbit, meaning that you typically will find them either behind the ears on the back of their necks, or in their inner ear.  Since you won't be able to see the mites, you will need to be on the lookout for what they will do to your rabbit. An infected area will have missing and/or patchy fur (if the mites are in a typically furry area).  Also, you will see a dandruff on your rabbit's skin, which is caused by the mites.  Depending on how long the mites have been on your rabbit, you may see some sores near the infected area.  These most likely have been caused by your rabbit scratching at these annoying pests.

A microscopic view of a mite.

These rabbits have been been infected with mites:

Fur Mites- Note the dandruff and missing fur.

Ear Mites

Although finding mites on your rabbits isn't the worse thing that could happen, you will want to quickly deal with them, if for no other reason than the comfort of your rabbit.

How can they get it?  An outdoor rabbit is much more likely to come in contact with mites.  Even an indoor rabbit who gets to hop around in the great outdoors can pick them up.  Other domestic animals that spend time outside, like a dog, may also bring mites inside to a rabbit.  Unlike other parasites, mites do not appear because of unsanitary conditions.  No matter how clean you keep their hutch, a rabbit is still susceptible.

Is it treatable?  Mites are absolutely treatable.  I use mineral oil which is available at any grocery or drug store.  Apply a generous amount of mineral oil on the infected area with a Q-Tip.  Let the mineral oil sit for a few minutes- feel free to take this time to give your rabbit a good petting to keep them calm.  Next, wipe the mineral oil off with a Q-Tip or rag.  Repeat this two or three more times.  Finally, wipe the area off with a little bit of water.  Since the mites breath through their "skin", applying the mineral oil will essentially drown the mites, killing them.  I would apply the same regiment again in a few days, and then in another few days after that.

Is it preventable?  Unfortunately, not really.  As I said earlier, mites are not attracted to unsanitary conditions.  For outdoor rabbits, try to keep trees and brush cleared away from the hutch.  For any rabbit that hops around outside, try to keep them away from bushes or under decks.  The best thing you can do is catch the mites early, frequently checking behind and inside their ears.

Check down in the base of the ear.

Push the ears towards your rabbit's head to see behind the ears.

I'd love to hear about your experiences with your rabbit and mites.  Do you have a home remedy that worked?