How to Cut Llama's Toenails

Llamas are traditionally mountain-dwelling animals that benefit from living in a rocky environment because the hard terrain naturally wears down their toenails, which grow continuously. Llamas that live on sandy soil or in overcrowded pastures with little room to maneuver may require human intervention to keep their nail growth from becoming hazardous. This is also true of pregnant and older llamas who may live more sedentary lifestyles. Left to grow, llama toenails will curl to the side, causing eventual foot deformities or injury.

Things You'll Need

  • Animal toenail clippers
  • Iodine solution
  • Spray bottle
  • Two ropes (optional)
  • Fence post (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set your llama's toenail trimming time to after it has walked in early morning dew or rain. The website Krmllamas.com explains that dampness will soften the toenails, making them easier to cut.

    • 2

      Prepare for resistance. If your llama is unaccustomed to getting its toenails trimmed, it may try to run when you try to lift up one foot because the action will throw the animal off balance. You may have to stroke the animal several times high on the leg and talk to it calmly to let the llama know your intentions. Another option is to restrain the animal.

    • 3

      Restrain your llama by wrapping one end of a short length of a rope around its head behind the horns and tying the other end to a fence post. Gently lift the leg with the toenails you want to trim. Lift the leg straight up. Lifting the leg out or too high may cause pain to the llama. When the knee is bent, put another rope around the foot above the ankle, also referred to as the pastern, and tie the loose end of the rope to the closest fence post.

    • 4

      Bend down and hold the animal's hoof. Let the llama's foot relax in your hand before beginning to trim. Speak softly to the animal, ensuring it that you do not intend to cause harm.

    • 5

      Face the llama's tail so that you will be cutting away from the foot. Llama toenails are shaped like the letter "V." Lay the clipper blade flat against the V shape, cutting from the wide end down to the toenail point.

    • 6

      Dig the dirt out of the toenail groves gently with the tip of your clippers after the first trimming. This may reveal more nail, requiring a repeat clipping.