Nail Clipping is an important part of grooming your pet Ferret, but if you’ve just adopted your first little fuzzy, you may not know just what to do.  Here are a few Nail Trimming Tips to get you started.

Have a Friend Help Hold Your Ferret Securely

How Often To Trim:

You should trim your Ferret’s nails at least once or twice per month.  Ferret nail clippers, can be purchased online at Drs. Foster & Smith for around $7.00 or check with your local pet shop.  If you can’t find nail clippers for Ferrets, then a pair of clippers for cats will do just fine. Use the style with a notch at the bottom of the blade, they are the easiest to use.

Ferret Nail Clippers

No matter how careful you are, it’s likely that at some point, you will accidentally cut the nail quick, causing your Ferret to bleed.  This is bound to happen and you need to be prepared with something to stop the bleeding.  Using a styptic powder, pads or gel will stop the bleeding and reduce the chance of infection.  You can also use cornstarch or flour, although they are not sterile.

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Nail Types:

Cut Stop Styptic Pads

Most Ferrets have light or translucent nails which make the quick (the pink part inside of the nail) easy to see. Cut the nails about 1/8″ from the end of the pink quick, cutting on an angle to keep the nails parallel with the floor.

If your pets nails are too dark, you may not be able to see the quick and will have to guess how far up is safe to cut.  Less is better in this case; it is best to cut off approximately 1/4 inch of the nail tip and if you’re not comfortable at guessing, then it’s better off to take your pet to a professional and have it done.

Identifying Where to Cut – drawing by Lianne McLeod, DVM

Check with your local veterinarian or a local pet store that offers grooming services. Sometimes it’s better to be safe then sorry.  Besides, it’s not only the bleeding that becomes a concern, but the quick also has nerve endings that when cut, will cause your pet pain.

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One Person or Two:

Are you going to tackle this task all by yourself?  If you’re planning to cut your Ferret’s nails without a helper, make sure you have all of your supplies ready.  Then put your Ferret in your lap turned onto his back.  Have some of his favorite treats on hand to distract him with.  Give your Ferret his treat and begin by clipping his front nails (they grow the fastest) and work your way to the back feet, moving quickly and carefully.  If your pet is a little fussy, try setting a towel or blanket in your lap to put over his tummy and other feet, it may help calm him while he nibbles on his treats.  It may be easier to have someone help you when clipping your pets nails.  Have your helper scruff your Ferret, making sure to support his bottom while you quickly clip his nails.

What If My Ferret Hates Getting His Nails Clipped?

If your Ferret becomes a Tasmanian devil when you clip his nails, then try clipping as many as you can, giving him a treat or two and trying again later, even if you can only get a couple of nails at a time.  You can also try sneaking up on him and trimming a couple of nails when he is asleep, before he catches on.

With regular nail trimmings, your Ferret should become more comfortable with this process.  Regular nail clippings will also help keep your pet from getting his nails snagged on your carpets and fabrics, keep him safe from possible injuries and will stop his nails from curling and growing under, which eventually becomes painful to your pet and can even cause the little guy or girl to become lame.