For all hamster owners, a common question arises: should you trim your hamster’s nails? We’ve put together a guide to help you take care of your hamster’s claws, with indications on when and how to do it properly.
It should be noted that not all hamsters need to have their nails trimmed regularly. Many of them take care of their claws themselves by scratching against items in their habitat. However, older or sick hamsters may sometimes experience excessive nail growth. The same goes for healthy hamsters. Don’t panic though, this doesn’t necessarily mean your pet is sick. It may simply be that their appearance could be improved with a little manicure.
We often tend to think that hamsters are pets that require little maintenance. It is true that they are relatively easy to manage, but it is important to remember that hamsters living in the best conditions are those whose owners have a deep understanding of their needs. This includes grooming and nail care, which are essential aspects of a hamster’s life.
Many owners don’t realize this until their pet’s nails become a concern. If you want to learn more about how to take care of your hamster’s nails to ensure their well-being, keep reading this article.
There are several types of hamsters among pets: the Syrian hamster, the Campbell dwarf Russian hamster, the Siberian hamster, the Roborovski hamster, and the Chinese hamster. All of these small rodents make excellent pets and require a similar level of care. None of these species are particularly prone to excessive nail growth, so feel free to adapt the following advice to your hamster’s specific situation.
How can I help my hamster trim their own nails?
As mentioned above, hamsters can use their environment to file their claws – if they feel like it. An object found in their enclosure, even something as simple as a pebble, can serve as a nail file. Many hamster owners enjoy purchasing smooth, flat stones (like those you can buy at a pet store). These stones are unlikely to tip over and injure the hamster. Additionally, they stay cool in the summer, making them a great place to sleep when the temperature rises!
Hamsters can also file their claws on other toys in their enclosure, or even on certain parts of the enclosure itself, like the bars of the cage. If your hamster is very active, you may notice that they rarely or never need a nail trim. This is because they file their own claws through their daily activities.
How do I know if my hamster’s claws are too long?
Assessing the length of your hamster’s claws may seem like a complicated issue – after all, hamster care can surprisingly complex. However, the reality is quite simple. If you notice that their claws appear excessively long, they probably are. If their claws bend underneath towards their paws, it is definitely time to trim them.
There are other signs that indicate their little claws may have grown too long:
- They have difficulty scratching or grooming themselves.
- Their environment regularly snags their claws.
- Their claws injure those who handle them, even without any signs of stress from the hamster.
- They struggle to hold their food.
- Blood appears around their claws or paws.
- Walking causes them discomfort or leads to clumsy movement due to their long claws.
If your pet shows any of these signs, it is time to take a serious look at their claws. If you leave overly long claws without care, they can break and cause painful bleeding and even infections.
What should I do if my hamster’s claws are too long?
The best recommendation is to take your hamster to the veterinarian for a professional nail trim. This is particularly useful advice for new hamster owners or those whose hamsters are generally unruly and difficult to handle.
A veterinarian will perform this task quickly and efficiently. They can even show you how to do it yourself when you feel comfortable doing so.
A quick visit to the veterinarian for a low-cost nail trim reduces the risk of injury for you or your pet. It’s easy for accidents to occur when trying to trim the nails of a wriggling hamster. After watching the veterinarian do it a few times, you will probably understand the process and eventually be able to do it at home.
Trimming nails yourself? Possible, but not simple
Trimming the nails of a small, squirmy animal is not always an easy task. They do not understand what is happening and will try to escape.
People with poor hand-eye coordination and those who are very young and inexperienced in handling these animals should let someone who knows what they are doing take care of it. Even if you are confident in your hamster manicure skills, accidents can happen. The biggest risks associated with trimming a hamster’s nails are bleeding and infections.
What happens if my hamster’s nail bleeds?
Cutting too deeply into the nail can cause a bleed that will likely hurt. It also leaves the door open for potential infections. You should apply some styptic powder to the wound, as it will stop the bleeding. You can buy this at most pet stores.
If you fear an infection or if the bleeding does not stop even after using styptic powder, it is time to call the veterinarian.
Tips for trimming your hamster’s nails at home
Do you feel confident enough to do it yourself? This can save you time and money that would otherwise be spent at the vet, and many hamster owners start doing it after seeing their veterinarian trim the nails several times. Here are some tips to help you take care of those long claws with minimal fuss.
- Don’t be discouraged if you can’t even trim one claw on your first attempt. Sometimes, hamsters can be too fidgety and excited to successfully and safely trim their nails. That’s okay. Just postpone it to another day.
- Start with the longest claws. That way, even if you have to stop in the middle of the process, you will have eliminated the most problematic claws.
- Trim the claws decisively. Hesitation gives the hamster time to try to wriggle free, which can lead to uneven claws or even painful ingrown nails.
- After trimming, check your hamster’s paws and claws daily for a few days to ensure that there has been no pain or bleeding afterwards.
Your veterinarian can give you additional advice on how to hold your hamster in particular. Dwarf hamsters, for example, may be more difficult to manicure due to their small size. They will likely require a slightly different grip than larger hamsters, such as the Syrian hamster.