If your hamster's nails are curling sideways or folding inwards, they need to be trimmed.If you don't want to trim the hamster's nails, you should take him to the vet.If your hamster is calm with you, and will allow you to hold him in one hand, then you can do this on your own.
Step 1: Put your hamster down.
You will need to tame your hamster before you can trim his nails.When working with a hamster, be patient.It will take time for him to be used to you.You will prolong the process if you lose your patience.If your hamster needs his nails trimmed but is too wild to be handled, you can take him to the vet where they can use a tranquilizer to take care of the nails.There will be lots of treats ready during the process.
Step 2: In the nail-trimming position, hold your hamster.
Once your hamster is tame, and doesn't mind when you hold him in your hand, it's a good idea to spend some time with him each day.There is no right way to hold your hamster.You can find a way that is comfortable for you and your pet.If you can hold him upright in your hand, you will be able to grasp his paw between his fingers.When practicing this position, don't hold onto his paws.Before moving on to that, get him comfortable with it.When he sits in your hand, give him a treat.If you think it's necessary, you could wrap him in a small towel to keep him contained.It may not be necessary if he sits still in your hand.
Step 3: Hold his paw between your fingers.
Once your hamster is comfortable sitting in the nail-trimming position, you should spend time each day holding his paws between your fingers.When he becomes more comfortable, begin with a gentle grasp.He begins to grasp a bit more firmly when he doesn't try to jerk his paw out of your fingers.When you trim the nails, you want your grasp to be firm but gentle.Reward him after each training session.Either with a treat or some time spent running around in his ball.
Step 4: Carefully look at his nails.
When your hamster will allow you to grasp his paws, take time to examine them carefully.You have to understand where the quick is.If you trim the quick, it will hurt your hamster.He won't allow you to trim them again if you trim the quick.Most hamsters have translucent nails, so when you look closely, you will see a clear part, but closer to where his nail meets his paw, there will be a cloudy part.The area where the blood supply to the nails ends is called the quick.
Step 5: Have your hamsters nails trimmed by a vet.
It is a good idea to have your vet do it for the first time if you have never done it before.You can watch the procedure, as well as see how long the nails should be.If your hamster is not tame enough to sit still while you hold him in your hand, you should not try to trim his nails on your own.If you can watch your vet trim the nails, and if he can explain the process as he goes through it, you will be able to do it on your own.
Step 6: Pick out your supplies.
You will need good lighting, a pair of small pet nail clippers, some styptic powder to use in case you cut one of the nails too short, and treats for the hamster.Styptic powder can be found in most pet stores.This powder is used to stop bleeding.Hopefully, you won't need to use it.If you are worried that your hamster might bite you, you might consider wearing gloves, but this should not be the case if you have spent enough time with him.
Step 7: In one hand, hold your hamster.
He is secure in your hand if you don't squeeze him tight.The bottom half of your hamster can be wrapped in a towel to keep it contained.This will make your hamster feel safe.
Step 8: Hold one of your pets paws.
Hold the hamster's paw firmly with the thumb and forefinger of your hand.This will allow you to trim that paw's nails.
Step 9: The quick is something to look for.
It's important that you have a bright light because you sit in bright sunlight.You will be able to see the quick with brighter light.You should not cut this.The nail on your hamster will bleed if you do it.The area where the blood supply to the nails ends is called the quick.
Step 10: The nail should be in the clipper.
Make sure you only trim the nail and not the other way around.The nail needs to be clipped.If your hamster is frightened, he may try to wriggle at the point.If necessary, offer him a treat.On some days, your hamster won't be able to trim more than one or two nails.Don't try to force him.If you want to try again tomorrow, trim the nail that is the longest.
Step 11: Continue trimming your pet's nails.
If your hamster is still calm and still in your hand after the first nail, you should move on to the next nail.As long as your hamster is still, you should only trim the nails.Either he takes a break for a few hours or tries again tomorrow.Pick a time of day where your hamster is least active.During the day, hamsters are less active because they are nocturnal.
Step 12: Reward your pet.
Reward your hamster with a treat once you are done with the nail trimming.He will learn to associate nail trimming with something good if you consistently give him treats.
Step 13: Ask someone to help you.
If you need someone to help you trim your hamster's nails, you can have someone hold him for you.If you want to know if someone has spent time handling your hamster, you should ask them.If the person who will help you doesn't know how to care for your hamster, you should let them spend a couple of weeks petting him before they try to trim his nails.If you have to trim your hamster's nails every single time, this may be the best option.It will allow the person to hold the hamster more firmly because he/she will be able to use both hands, and it will also allow you to trim it more carefully because you will have two hands.
Step 14: Show your friend how to hold a hamster.
They should be taught how to hold your hamster in this position before attempting to trim the nails.
Step 15: Your friend should hold the hamster.
You can ask your friend to hold the hamster in the correct position once it is comfortable.If you are underneath a bright light, you will be able to see the nails.If you and your friend face each other, this will work best.Your hamsters paws will point at you.If you need to talk during the trimming, make sure you keep your voice soft and relaxed.If you shout or talk loudly, you might scare the hamster.
Step 16: Your hamsters paw is in your hand.
Give him time to relax before he tries to trim the nails.Carefully place the nail between the blades and cut it off.This is repeated for each nail.Again, be sure that you are not cutting too quickly.
Step 17: Reward your hamster.
Once you have trimmed all of the nails, have your friend hold him tighter so he can relax, or place him back in his cage.Provide your hamster with some treats to let him know that he did a good job.Don't forget to thank your helpers as well!