Isla Bennett
Bearded dragons' claws are made of keratin, just like human nails, and they need to be trimmed occasionally to prevent broken or lost toes and to protect owners from cuts and scratches. When cutting a bearded dragon's nails, it is important to locate the quick – the piece of the nail where blood runs – and cut outward from the claw below it. This can be done with parakeet nail clippers or baby nail clippers, but it is important to avoid human nail clippers as pet nail clippers are designed to cut round nails.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How often to cut nails | It depends on the type of flooring or substrate in the enclosure. Smoothing flooring like newspaper or reptile carpet may require cutting nails once a month or more. |
| When to cut nails | When the dragon's nails are scratching you, or they look or feel sharp. |
| What to cut | Only the sharp point at the tip of the nail. |
| What not to do | Avoid cutting into the vein in the nail. |
| How to identify the vein | Look at the nail from below in some light, and you will see the darker part where the vein is, leading to the toe. |
| What to cut nails with | Any small pet nail clippers. Baby nail clippers or parakeet nail clippers work well. Avoid human nail clippers. |
| Who can cut nails | Vets and vet techs can do it. |
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What You'll Learn
When to cut: once a month, or when nails are sharp or curved
It is important to cut your bearded dragon's nails to prevent broken or lost toes and to protect yourself from cuts and scratches when handling your dragon. The frequency with which you'll need to cut your dragon's nails depends on the type of flooring or substrate in its enclosure. For instance, rough tiles will naturally help keep your dragon's claws short, while smoother surfaces like newspaper or reptile carpet will require more frequent trimming, about once a month or possibly more.
You'll know it's time to trim your dragon's nails when they are scratching you or when they look or feel sharp. Another sign is when your dragon's feet are not flat on the ground because the long nails have caused their feet to curve upwards. If you notice any of these signs, it's time to get out the clippers!
When trimming, remember that you only need to remove the sharp point at the tip of the nail. Cutting any further may cause bleeding. Bearded dragon nails are different from cats' and dogs' nails in this regard. They just need the little spike taken off.
If you're unsure about trimming your dragon's nails, you can always ask your vet for advice or assistance.
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How to cut: remove the sharp point at the tip only
Trimming your bearded dragon's nails is an essential part of their care. In the wild, bearded dragons naturally wear their nails down as they travel across rough surfaces. However, in captivity, their nails can grow long and sharp, which can be uncomfortable for them and cause them to scratch you.
When cutting your bearded dragon's nails, you should only remove the sharp point at the tip. Bearded dragon nails are different from cats' and dogs' nails in this regard—you only need to take off the spike. If you cut any further, you risk hitting the quick, the living part of the nail filled with nerves, which will be very painful for your dragon and cause bleeding.
To cut your bearded dragon's nails, first, ensure they are calm and secure them in your hand or on a table to prevent them from falling if they squirm. You can also wrap them up in a "beardie burrito". Hold their arms/feet still and use a standard pair of toenail clippers or pet nail clippers to nip off the sharp ends. Only remove a bit of the tip so that it's not sharp anymore. Remember, you can always go back and trim more if needed, but you can't undo cutting the nails too short.
After trimming, offer your bearded dragon a treat, such as hornworms, wax worms, or berries. With regular nail trims and treats, your dragon will come to associate the experience with positive reinforcement, making the process easier over time.
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What to cut with: small pet nail clippers
When it comes to trimming your bearded dragon's nails, it's important to use the right tools to ensure a safe and effective process. While some sources suggest that standard human toenail clippers can be used, others advise against this course of action. Human nail clippers may fracture the nail and cut unevenly, as they are designed for flat nails, whereas animal nails are typically round. Therefore, it is recommended to opt for small pet nail clippers designed specifically for the size and shape of reptile nails. These clippers provide circular pressure, keeping the pressure even across the nail.
Small animal nail clippers are readily available in most pet stores or online. They are typically made for reptiles and small mammals, and they are a safer option for trimming your bearded dragon's nails. If you have a very large bearded dragon with thick claws, you may need to invest in specific pet nail clippers designed for larger animals, such as cats or birds. These clippers are sharper and stronger and will cut through thicker nails more easily.
It is important to sanitise the clippers after each use and never share them between different pets. Additionally, always have styptic powder on hand in case of accidental cuts. This will help control any bleeding and prevent further issues.
When using small pet nail clippers, remember to only remove the sharp tip of the nail. You don't need to cut off much, just enough to prevent scratches and keep your bearded dragon comfortable. It is always better to be conservative with your trimming and come back for more if needed. Overall, small pet nail clippers are an essential tool for safely and effectively trimming your bearded dragon's nails.
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How to hold the dragon: calmly, alone or with a helper
To cut your bearded dragon's nails, it is important to ensure that you, and the dragon, are calm. If your dragon is large or easily agitated, it may be best to have a helper.
Firstly, wait until your dragon is calm or asleep. You can also try wrapping them up in a 'beardie burrito'. Make sure you are calm, too. If your dragon is calm, you are more likely to be calm, and this will make the process easier. If you are feeling unsure about the process, you can always ask your vet for advice.
If your dragon is large or easily stressed, it may be best to have a helper. One person can hold the dragon, while the other trims its nails. It is important to hold the dragon firmly, but not too tight, and to do this over a table or on the floor so that if the dragon wriggles, it will not fall.
If you are holding the dragon alone, you can try wrapping it in a 'beardie burrito' and laying it on a table. This will allow you to have two hands free to trim the nails.
It is important to remember that you are only removing the sharp point at the tip of the nail. You do not need to remove much of the nail, and if you cut any further, you may draw blood.
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Aftercare: offer treats and sanitise clippers
After trimming your bearded dragon's nails, it is important to offer treats and sanitise the clippers.
Offer Treats:
Once you have finished trimming your bearded dragon's nails, you can offer them a treat as a reward for their cooperation. Suitable treats for bearded dragons include hornworms, wax worms, and berries. Offering a treat can help create a positive association with the nail-trimming experience, making it easier to trim their nails in the future.
Sanitise Clippers:
It is crucial to sanitise the nail clippers after each use to maintain good hygiene and prevent the spread of bacteria or other pathogens. Clean the clippers with an appropriate disinfectant solution or wipe down with rubbing alcohol. Ensure that the clippers are completely dry before storing them away.
Additionally, it is important to never share clippers between your bearded dragon and other pets or humans. Sharing clippers can transmit diseases or infections, so it is best to have a dedicated pair of clippers specifically for your bearded dragon's nail care.
By following these aftercare steps, you can ensure the comfort and safety of your bearded dragon, as well as maintain the hygiene and functionality of the nail clippers.
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Frequently asked questions
The frequency with which you cut your bearded dragon's nails depends on the type of flooring in its enclosure. If you have rougher tiles, they will help keep your dragon's claws in check. If you have a smoother floor, like newspaper or reptile carpet, you should cut your dragon's nails about once a month, or more.
Your dragon's nails are probably due for a trim if they are scratching you, or they look or feel sharp. Another sign is if your dragon's feet are not flat on the ground because their nails have begun to curve.
You can use human toenail clippers or pet nail clippers, which are designed for round nails. Only remove the sharp point at the tip of the nail—you don't need to remove much. Be careful not to cut into the vein.
