Nails!

[mmmdonut]

So I'm sitting at my desk today wincing every time I instinctively try to rest my elbows on my desk, due to the giant 3 inch long scratch going right over the bone! Looking at my arms now, they are just covered in scars due to run ins with my 6 month old beardies sharp nails. Nothing aggressive or unusual going on, he just likes to use me as a jungle gym and doesn't seem to know his own strength or the sharpness of his nails! Thankfully the cuts are all superficial (honestly I don't usually even feel them when they actually happen. It's usually not a while later that they become tender and raised) and the oldest scars are almost faded, but I was wondering if there was something I could do? Should I be trimming his nails or would that be damaging/traumatic? Or is this just my life now and I should just wear long sleeves during playtime? Everyone seems to think I have a particularly angry and unruly cat. :lol:

 

[CooperDragon]

Yeah once your arms start getting cut up it's time for a nail trim. It's not too big of a deal. The tough part is getting them to sit still so it's best to do this in the evening when they are more tired/calmer and focus on just one hand or foot at a time then give them a break to wiggle around if needed. Using nail clippers just follow the inside of their nail toward the tip. You'll feel a bump almost to the end. Below that bump is where to cut. It will be just a very small cut at the sharp point on the end of the nail. You can use an emery board to file them down too. It's good to have some cornstarch or styptic powder on hand just in case you cut a bit too much and there is a little bleeding. I've never had this happen though so be prepared but not too concerned.

 

[mmmdonut]

Good to know! My arm skin thanks you lol. He's a pretty active guy, but I'll try it sometime this week after lights out when he is more chill and forgiving :lol: