How to Clip the Claws of Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons in captivity don't have the chance to wear down their nails, so the nails can be razor sharp. This can make your dragon difficult to handle, and if two dragons share a cage, they may injure each other, which can lead to infection. A quick nail trim will help make sure that you and your bearded dragon can enjoy scratch-free time together.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat nail clippers
  • Blood-clotting gel or powder
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take your bearded dragon to the vet for their very first nail trim, so you can see how it should be done. While you are there, purchase the cat nail clippers and blood-clotting gel or powder to use at home.

    • 2

      Seek assistance from a friend to help hold your dragon when you are trimming its nails. If the dragon is not used to having its nails trimmed, it may squirm around, and having someone to prevent the lizard from getting away can be very helpful.

    • 3

      Look at the dragon's nails and determine where the very end of the nail tip is. The end will be narrow and pointy. There is a vein that runs through each of the dragon's nails, and if you cut too much, you will cause bleeding. You want to clip off just the tip of the nail.

    • 4

      Using the cat clippers, trim off just the very end of the nail. If the dragon bleeds, be sure to put a blood-clotting agent on the area immediately.