Accidentally cut into the guinea pig’s nail quick

[TaraS-D]

I accidentally cut into my Guinea pig’s nail quick when attempting to trim its nails. As I was cutting it she squirmed and she squeaked loudly as it began bleeding. What can I do?

 

[Reenie]

It should be fine. We've all done it. As long as its not bleeding profusely, just leave it. Some people suggest dipping it in cornflour, but I've never done that.

 

[Freela]

You can dip it in flour if the bleeding doesn't stop soon, but generally this is very short-lived and takes care of itself. Just watch the foot in the days to come to ensure there is nothing unusual, but in all the times this has happened, I've never had an actual problem develop.

 

[Lady Kelly]

She will hate you for maybe 30 mins, offer a treat and just keep an eye on her foot to make sure no infection starts. I have done this a number of times and had no problems from it. They soon forgive you

 

[Betsy]

Don't panic! She will soon forgive you. You'll feel awful and next nail trimming time you won't want to do it but you'll be fine and so will your piggie!

 

[Mother Hubbard]

I suspect we’ve all done it at some point. Don’t panic and follow the great advice above and you’ll be fine.

 

[TaraS-D]

Thank you for all your advice! It has stopped bleeding and she is safely tucked up in her cage with some treats.

 

[Sue and Smartie]

One of my first pair of pigs ripped a whole nail off once, he was out for a weigh in and I had him on a towel. He caught the nail on the material and off came the whole thing. I didn't have any cornflour so I used ordinary flour in a little measuring cup and shoved his whole foot in it. Even that stopped bleeding very quickly.

After that I still used the towel for them to sit on, but I folded it inside an old cotton pillowcase so no-one else could catch a claw on it.