Rabbits’ nails should be trimmed as required with cat/rabbit nail trimmers, if they are growing too long. Keeping nails at a good length helps rabbits move normally, and reduces the risks of injuries, nails catching on things, and painful over-growth of nails into the footpad [1, 2].
Factors that influence the need for nail trimming
The need for nail trimming varies between individual rabbits. Factors that influence the need for nail trimming include age, general health, exercise and activity levels, and environmental surfaces. To keep their nails at a good length, and for their general physical and mental health, rabbits need daily supervised exercise outside of their hutch.
Training your rabbit for nail trimming
Get your rabbit used to nail trimming, and having their paws and nails being touched from an early age. Make nail trimming a positive experience by offering your rabbit rewards (e.g., healthy treats and pats), and always reward them for calm behaviour.
What to do if your rabbit is afraid of nail trimming
Some rabbits are afraid of nail trimming. First, ensure they have the opportunity to engage in exercise on a variety of surfaces to keep their nails at a good length. If their nails still require trimming, try gradually getting them used to it in very small incremental steps (e.g., start with the nail trimmers just in sight of your rabbit, then just hold them beside your rabbit, then the trimmers just touching your rabbit but not trimming, etc.). Reward calm behaviour and ignore unwanted behaviour by immediately stopping the session if the rabbit is upset. Try again another day. Work up to a previously successful level and remain there until your rabbit is comfortable and ready to progress to the next step.
Nail trimming at the vet
Your vet can trim your rabbit’s nails and show you how to do it safely and what length is suitable. In rare cases (e.g., if the nails are overgrown, or the rabbit is highly anxious), sedation may be necessary, but this can be discussed further with your vet.
