How To Trim a Ferret's Nails

Grooming your ferret’s nails is important in their proper care. If their nails are overgrown, they can snag your clothes and other things in the house. They need to be trimmed at least once a month. There are several things that you need to prepare and some of these are the pet nail trimmers, gauze pads, a strong light and some ferret treats just to distract them. Ferret owners must take care not to cut into the quick of the nail, which can cause pain and bleeding. This can be avoided by trimming their nails under a very strong light. Since their nails are light-colored, the “quick” can be seen easily since it has a dark reddish part extending out from his toe. You must not cut into this because these are blood vessels and nerves. You need to cut the nails about one eighth inch from the end of the “quick.” If your ferret has dark nails, this will be difficult for you to actually discern so you must always give an allowance in trimming them.

The nails curve downward and you will notice that it ends in a point. Thus, you will note that so long as you have a strong light to see the quick, you will be successful in trimming it without shedding any blood on the part of the ferret. You need to be really steady here because if it senses that you are just hurting him, then the next time will definitely be a difficult time.

In order to be successful in trimming nails of your ferret, you have to really be able to make him relax well. This will allow you a good and steady hand in controlling him well. It will also make your ferret feel that you care for him because you will not be agitated yourself. If you are not careful, you will find yourself stressed out even before beginning the task.

You must also remember to cut the nails at an angle in order that the cut is parallel to the floor once the ferret is standing. You are lucky if your ferret is cooperative but if you do not have that kind of ferret with you, you can use this strategy of holding the ferret onto your lap and pouring a little liquid skin and coat care on its belly. This will distract him because he will be licking the liquid from his belly, giving you enough time to really trim its nails well.

Just in case you cut into the quick, which can cause it to bleed, you can use the styptic powder or the gauze pads to stop the bleeding. Just apply some pressure into it and you will more than likely stop the bleeding fast. But of course, you do not want this to happen, so you just have to exercise great care in really making your wiggly ferret behave well. Once you are finished, do not forget to give your ferret loving strokes because he may be more cooperative next time especially with the treats that you give him.