I was trimming Petey\'s nails tonight (which are black), and I think I cut the skin in between the nails. At first I thought I cut the nail too deep, but it turns out it was the skin. It only bled for a little bit but I thought I was going to have a heart attack. I called the emergency vet and they said if it kept bleeding to put the nail in flour, but it didn\'t bleed that much. He squirms like crazy and it is so difficult. Any tips are appreciated.
Should I rinse the area with peroxide or leave it alone. He is acting fine, but I\'m worried about it getting infected. Tx
I\'ve had a few small nail injuries like that, and they have all healed fine left alone. I just bathe the area in warm water, dry it off and then make sure the cage is cleaned often enough so they are standing on fresh bedding as much as possible. Putting peroxide on it may increase healing time and cause scarring. I have heard it is not recommended for use on wounds anymore because of this.
I once had a rabbit who hated having her nails clipped, so I used to rub mashed up apple on her lips, she would be so distracted with licking it off that I could cut her nails!
Thank you. I feel better today because he is acting just fine like it doesn\'t bother him at all. I did rinse it last night with peroxide, what he would allow, but will probably just leave it alone now.
I like your idea of mashed apple... I wonder if it would work. I\'ve had pretty good luck with my husband holding him tightly, but he is a squirmy little booger. Now I\'m intimidated to try again, but I know it needs done.
Thanks again for your advice.
No problem, glad Petey is fine!
You never know, if he likes mashed up apple he might even learn that having his nails clipped means treats.
Good luck with the nail clipping!