If your rabbit walks on a hard surface often, like cement, you will most likely not need to trim her claws; however, if your rabbit is kept on a soft surface or in a cage, you will need to trim her claws often. Rabbits have small blood vessels at one end of their claws. This end is the one closest to the paw. This will appear red or black on your rabbit's claws. If your rabbit's claws become long or overgrown and your rabbit is kept in a cage, you will need to trim his claws often. This is because your rabbit's claws may pull and cause the blood vessel to burst.
When clipping your rabbit's claws, you must not clip the blood vessel or the white of the claw near it. Some rabbits have totally black claws, and trimming may become difficult. If your rabbit's claws are totally black, backlight the claw to see the blood vessel. To trim your rabbit's claws, get a pair of bone clippers. These are available at most pet stores. They have a small hole to insert the end of the claw into and, with the squeeze of the handle, will chow the claw. This contraption works somewhat like a guillotine. You can clip rabbit claws with fingernail clippers; however, the openings in these are very small and don't fit over many claws to clip them. It is best to have your veterinarian show you how to clip your rabbit's claws before you try it, though.
Many rabbits will squirm when you try to clip their claws. For this reason, put your rabbit in what is called a "Bunny Burrito". Place your rabbit on a bath towel or a small blanket, and pull the sides up over your rabbit, and hold them securely. You can also set your rabbit down and scoop him up with the blanket, and wrap it under him. This prevents your rabbit from moving around and kicking. Alternatively, if you have a wire mesh cage for your rabbit, prop it up between two chairs or have someone hold it. Put your rabbit in the cage, and hold onto him/her. Then, with your other hand, clip your rabbit's claws from underneat the cage as they will hang through the wire.
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