Claws hurt me :(

[Caleb]

my beardie is getting bigger and bigger, and so are her claws. its getting to the point where her scratches are nearly drawing blood, and leave scabs for several days. I saw a youtube video of someone who had part of their terrarium have sandpaper, so the claws would be filed down whenever the paper was walked on, and would help to dull the claws slightly. I was wondering if anyone else had opinions on this idea, or if anyone uses any other solutions?

 

[Stres]

my beardie is getting bigger and bigger, and so are her claws. its getting to the point where her scratches are nearly drawing blood, and leave scabs for several days. I saw a youtube video of someone who had part of their terrarium have sandpaper, so the claws would be filed down whenever the paper was walked on, and would help to dull the claws slightly. I was wondering if anyone else had opinions on this idea, or if anyone uses any other solutions?

I think rough slate tiles can have a similar effect in helping dull the sharpness of their nails/claws.

I'd rather use that option than try to trim them and end up cutting to far and end up hurting the dragon and maybe risk infection, as I'm new to beardie care and wouldn't trust myself to do a decent job.

 

[JessPets]

Yah, if you just use rough tile it will do the job for you

 

[Rankins]

Climbing rocks and rough surfaces will wear them down. But sandpaper doesn't sound like a good idea, too abrasive and could do tissue damage especially while digging. You could always use nail clippers to take the tip off. When I say tip, I really do mean just a very small piece of the sharp tip. If you cut too much off it will cause pain and bleeding, could create an infection. Its always better to remove as little as possible to avoid that from happening. But as the previous poster suggested, don't do it if your not comfortable with it. Your next vet visit could instruct on how to do it safely.

 

[Caleb]

holy cow! you guys responded so fast! In lieu of a response to each of you individually I did this for convenience (cough laziness cough cough).
1: in general, thanks for the help, I really wanted other peoples input
2: I also am new to owning a beardie, and I would prefer to avoid clipping claws, sounds like a big hassle and painful for the both of us
3: I agree about the sandpaper it sounded a little excessive, ill try the slate like you guys said (any idea where I can get it?)

 

[JessPets]

home depot and lows along with other similar type stores, and I don't know where you live, but our local lowes cuts tile, so if you need a specific size just ask them if they can cut it

 

[Rankins]

Your right we did answer quick!! As I tried to send mine it said someone had responded and asked if I wanted to modify my post based on their response. It happened twice...we were all typing at once

 

[SBarney]

Tile may help a little bit, but your probably going to need to trim too. Trimming their nails is actually pretty easy. I was nervous the first time I did it, but had no issues. I use a trimmer made for a small dog, and I don't think she even notices that her nails are being cut.

 

[SHBailey]

I guess I'm lucky that my reptile vet does complementary nail trimming when I bring my beardie in for exams. I got some nail clippers designed for cats but I'm afraid to use them -- his little claws are so tiny and I don't have very good vision or a steady hand, and he doesn't like having his toes messed with anyway. Tried an emery board for a while but that didn't seem to do much good. Fortunately, his claws don't seem to grow too fast between vet visits, so I get away with chickening out and letting the vet do it.

It's my understanding that it is important not to let their claws grow too long, especially when they're in an artificial environment that might not give them enough opportunities to wear them down. Not to mention that they can grow sharp and do a lot more harm if they scratch you. Keeping them trimmed can make a big difference

 

[SDragons]

Tile works great on our beardie.

 

[kingofnobbys]

http://zoxoro.com.au/Products/JW-Pet-Company-GripSoft-Cat-Nail-Clipper.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiApqTCBRC-977Hi9Ov8pkBEiQA5B_ipfDgmqvu-04jKq_51Mpc0c_fc4Z1xD9yQYlzgWPWW1waAlPS8P8HAQ

I use these on all my lizards' nails every 4 - 6 months , only need to take off the pointly needle like last 2 mm or so to stop the claws from ripping up your skin and clothes and furnature.

I simply place lizard on my chest and pet him/her for a while to get the lizard nice and relaxed and them gently manipulate the feet/toes/fingers to trim them, I think my lizards all regard it as part of being petting and none of them ever protest.

Been using this kind of nail clipper on all my lizards for years, even on tiny hatchling beardies and very small juvenile skinks (now that's a fiddly job, best done using a magnifying glass and bright head-torch so you can see what you are doing).