Guinea pigs are nocturnal animals. They spend most of the day hiding in their little hut, snoozing away. It is only when it gets dark that they come out to play.
This is because a long time ago, people used to hunt them with dogs at night. The sharp nails of guinea pigs dig holes in their huts as places to hide and sleep during the day so that humans will not find them.
These nocturnal animals also have an instinctive fear of bright light from flashlights or lamps. In order to get your pet used to these lights, you need to cut its nails regularly.
If you fail to do so, it will cause your pet a lot of stress and anxiety, which can lead it to destructive behavior such as biting or scratching at its own body parts or yours as well as urinating and defecating in inappropriate places.
Are You Supposed To Cut Guinea Pigs Nails?
Nails have a very important role in the life of guinea pigs. The nails on their paws help them to walk properly, dig, and grip objects. If you fail to cut your pet’s nails regularly, it will only cause more stress and anxiety.
The nails are also the means by which they mark territory, line up with other guinea pigs in their cage at night, and hold on to toys or bedding so that they do not fall off.
Cutting your pet’s nails too often will lead it to stop using its natural means of marking territory or holding on to something.
Is It Hard To Cut Guinea Pig Nails?
Yes, it is. You have to be patient and gentle so that you do not injure your pet. But if you plan ahead, this task can be quite easy.
First, find a good pair of clippers for your guinea pig – ones that are comfortable for you to hold and use and don’t cause any pain to the animal.
Next, make sure to put on protective gloves or forceps before you start clipping nails. Lastly, put the guinea pig in an area where it will be safe and comfortable while you work.
How Long Should A Guinea Pigs Nails Be?
There is no standard guideline for how long guinea pigs’ nails should be, so it is best to cut them regularly as needed.
The length of the nails will depend on your pet’s age and health. If you are unsure, a good rule of thumb is that the nail should extend from the toe pad to the tip of the nail and you should be able to see an indentation in the nail bed.
Although guinea pigs need regular nail trims just like any other pet, they are more difficult to trim than most animals because their nails have a natural tendency to curl under at the tips.
What Happens If Guinea Pigs Nails Get Too Long?
If a guinea pig’s nails grow too long, it can cause damage to its paws. The extra length can result in an infection or deformity, and the guinea pig may not be able to walk normally because of this.
If your guinea pig does not have enough protection from its nails, it may lick at them and start licking and biting at its paws. This can lead to further health problems as well as pain.
Nails that are too long also tend to get caught in your pet’s cage while they are playing and scratching holes on the sides of their huts. This is bad because the nails will then become infected, which leads to increased pain for your little friend and higher chances of death.
