How to Trim a Turtle's Toenails

The nails of wild turtles are kept short naturally as they dig and forage for food, but the nails of your pet turtle may become overgrown if it does not get enough exercise or exposure to rocks or rough surfaces. Trimming a turtle's toenails should be done very carefully so as not to cut the quick. Talk to a vet if you are unsure how long the turtle's nails should be.

Things You'll Need

  • Helper
  • Reptile claw clippers
  • Cotton swab
  • Styptic powder
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the turtle so it can't squirm away. This is where a helper comes in handy.

    • 2

      Trim only the very tip of each nail. It is very easy to cut the quick if you try to trim too much, especially if your turtle's nails are dark and you can't easily see the quick. As you shorten the nail, the quick will also shorten and withdraw. This will provide you with the opportunity to shorten the nail over time without hurting your turtle.

    • 3

      Put stypic powder on a cotton swab if you accidentally cut the quick. Apply the powder until the nail stops bleeding.

    • 4

      Trim your turtle's nails to the desired length slowly over several months, being careful not to cut the quick.