Liam Carter
Bearded dragons' nails need to be trimmed to prevent them from scratching themselves or their owners. In the wild, these nails are worn down naturally by surfaces such as rocks, sand, and gravel. However, in captivity, their nails may not wear down as much, leading to overgrown nails. To trim a bearded dragon's nails, one must first calm the animal, then hold it securely but gently, and finally, use clippers to cut off the sharp tips of the nails, being careful not to cut into the quick, the living part of the nail filled with nerves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to cut nails | Three or four times a year; once a month if kept on smooth flooring |
| When to cut nails | When the nails are pushing the toes up by more than 90 degrees; when the nails are scratching you |
| What to cut nails with | Standard toenail clippers; pet nail clippers for larger bearded dragons |
| How to cut nails | Remove only the sharp point at the tip of the nail; cut 1mm beyond the quick, the living part of the nail |
| How to prepare the bearded dragon | Wait until the dragon is calm, asleep, or wrapped in a "beardie burrito"; cover the dragon's head with a small towel for 10 minutes |
| How to handle the bearded dragon | Hold the dragon firmly without squeezing too tight; if the dragon is large or easily agitated, get a second person to help |
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What You'll Learn
When to cut: if you're getting scratched, it's time
If you're getting scratched by your baby bearded dragon, it's definitely time for a nail trim. Bearded dragon claws are made of keratin, just like human nails, and can get very sharp. Long claws can cause your dragon's toes to twist when they walk or climb, and can also lead to broken or lost toes.
You'll want to cut your dragon's nails before they get to this stage, so it's important to keep an eye on their nails and check if they're getting too long. As a general rule, you can expect to cut your dragon's nails three or four times a year, but this will depend on their activity level and the type of surfaces they come into contact with. If you have smooth flooring in their enclosure, like newspaper or reptile carpet, you'll probably need to cut their nails more often—about once a month, or possibly more.
When trimming your dragon's nails, remember that you only need to remove the sharp point at the tip. You don't need to cut any further, or you may draw blood. It's also important to be careful not to cut into the quick, which is the living part of the nail filled with nerves. You can feel where the quick ends by running your finger over the nail—it will feel like a bump. Aim to cut a millimeter or so beyond that, towards the tip.
To trim your dragon's nails, wait until they are calm or asleep, or wrapped up in a "beardie burrito". You can also try covering their head with a small towel for 10 minutes beforehand to simulate darkness and help them relax. Hold your dragon firmly, but not too tight, and if they are large or easily agitated, you may need one person to hold them while another trims. Make sure you don't hold them too high up, and always do it over a table or on the floor so they won't fall if they squirm.
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How to cut: identify the dead nail point and quick
Bearded dragons' nails are similar to cats' claws in that they grow to a sharp point and can be trimmed in the same way. However, unlike cats' claws, you only need to remove the sharp pointy tip of the bearded dragon's nail.
The distal (far) end or tip of the claw is essentially "dead" tissue and has no sensation or feeling. This is the part of the nail that you can cut without causing pain. This dead tissue is known as the "excess nail point". It is safe to cut this part of the nail as it grows beyond the skin.
However, you must be careful not to cut into the "quick" of the nail, which is the live tissue found within the part of the nail closest to the paw. The quick contains nerves and blood vessels, so cutting it can be very painful for the bearded dragon and will cause bleeding. The quick is often lighter in colour than the rest of the claw/nail, but it can sometimes be difficult to differentiate between the two, especially when the nail is overgrown or a darker colour.
If you do accidentally cut into the quick, it is important to remain calm. You can use flour or cornstarch to help the blood clot and stop the bleeding. You can also apply stypic powder, a hemostatic agent that works by contracting the tissue to seal the blood vessel and stop the bleeding.
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Clippers: standard nail clippers are fine, but pet clippers are better
It is important to trim your baby bearded dragon's nails to prevent broken or lost toes and to protect yourself from cuts and scratches. You can use standard nail clippers, but pet clippers are better. This is because standard nail clippers are designed for flat human nails, whereas pet clippers are designed to provide circular pressure, which is ideal for the circular nails of a bearded dragon.
Pet nail clippers are also designed to limit how much nail you can cut, so you don't accidentally cut too much. If your bearded dragon is small, a standard pair of toenail clippers will be sufficient. However, if your dragon is large and has thick claws, you may need to invest in a specific pair of pet nail clippers, such as those made for cats or birds. These clippers will be sharp and strong enough to cut through the thicker nails of larger dragons.
When cutting your dragon's nails, remember to only remove the sharp point at the tip. You don't need to cut off much, just the very tip of the nail. Be careful not to cut into the quick, which is the living part of the nail filled with nerves. If you cut into the quick, it will be painful for your dragon and may cause bleeding.
It is recommended to trim your bearded dragon's nails when they are calm or asleep, or wrapped up in a "beardie burrito". Make sure you are also calm and watch for any signs of stress in your dragon. If your dragon is large or easily agitated, you may need two people to do the job, with one person holding the dragon while the other trims its nails.
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Calming your dragon: cover their head with a towel to simulate sleep
Bearded dragons can become stressed due to a variety of factors, such as excess sensory input, a change in environment, new sights, sounds, smells, or being overwhelmed by new people. This type of stress can last several days and sometimes up to a month.
To calm your dragon, you can cover their head with a small towel for 10 minutes before cutting their nails. This helps simulate darkness and the sleep cycle, making them more relaxed. Additionally, you can try the following methods to calm a stressed bearded dragon:
- Speak slowly and softly to them.
- Set them up by a window with a view outside so they can observe the world while feeling secure.
- Play a nature scene on a TV screen to provide visual stimulation and prevent them from feeling trapped.
- Take them for a stroll in the yard with a harness.
- Provide a dig box for them to relax in.
- Offer a warm and soothing bath to help them relax and feel comfortable.
- Cover their tank with a towel to reduce their reaction to sensory inputs.
- Place an article of your clothing in their cage so they can get familiar with your scent.
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Safety: don't hold your dragon too high off the ground
Trimming your baby bearded dragon's nails is a necessary but delicate task. It is important to prioritise your safety and that of your dragon. To avoid the risk of injury, it is recommended to not hold your dragon too high off the ground.
When trimming your dragon's nails, it is crucial to choose a safe location. The ideal spot is over a table or on the floor. This way, if your dragon suddenly squirms or tries to escape, they will not fall from a dangerous height. It is also beneficial to have a secure surface to work on, allowing you to focus on the task at hand.
Holding your dragon firmly yet gently is essential. Avoid squeezing them too tightly, as this may cause discomfort and increase their stress levels. It is a careful balance between providing enough restraint to safely trim their nails and not causing them any distress or pain.
The height at which you hold your dragon is a critical factor in ensuring a safe nail-trimming experience. By keeping them close to the ground, you minimise the potential impact of any sudden movements. It is a precautionary measure to protect both you and your dragon from accidental harm.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the height at which you hold your dragon can influence their comfort level. A lower height may help to reduce their anxiety and make them feel more secure. This, in turn, can lead to a calmer and more cooperative dragon during the nail-trimming process.
In summary, when trimming your baby bearded dragon's nails, it is important to prioritise safety by choosing a stable location and holding your dragon securely but gently. Keeping them close to the ground reduces the risk of injury from sudden movements and can also help to keep them calm and relaxed throughout the process.
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Frequently asked questions
You can expect to cut your baby bearded dragon's nails three or four times a year. However, this will depend on their activity level and the type of surfaces they come into contact with. If you notice their nails are scratching you, or their feet aren't flat on the ground, it's time for a trim.
You can use standard human toenail clippers for your baby bearded dragon's nails. However, if your dragon has thick claws, you may need to invest in a specific pair of pet nail clippers, such as those made for cats or birds.
You only need to remove the sharp point at the tip of the nail. Be careful not to cut into the quick, which is the living part of the nail filled with nerves. You can feel where the quick ends by running your finger over the nail—you'll feel a bump. Cut about a millimeter beyond that.
Wait until your dragon is calm or asleep, or wrapped up in a "beardie burrito". Make sure you are calm, too. If your dragon is large or easily agitated, you may need one person to hold the dragon while the other trims.
