In the wild, iguanas need sharp claws to climb trees. However, you'll probably want to cut them off so you don't have to worry about them hurting you. Most owners do this at least once a month. This process can prove to be difficult, especially during your first two times. This article will give you a few tips to make trimming your iguana's claws a little easier.

Age

It's best that you start trimming your lizard's claws when he's still very young. If you start while he's young, his claws won't be big enough to cause much damage yet. He will also get used to getting them trimmed so you should have an easier time when he's grown much bigger. Another good reason for starting early is that the claws won't grow as long if you start trimming them at a young age.

Blood

Like other reptiles, iguanas will die if they lose even a modest amount of blood. Therefore, it's important that you don't trim the claw too short. If you do cut it too short, you may nip the blood vessel that runs through the claw and cause bleeding. You should aim for the area just above where the nail starts to curve.

If you do cause bleeding, it's important that you stop it quickly. You can use a commercial blood clotting power or just regular cornstarch. You should hold the bleeding toe in the powder for at least 10 minutes to ensure that all bleeding has stopped.

Fussing

If your iguana isn't used to having his nails trimmed, he will probably fuss and fight. Since they're sharp, you don't want him thrashing them around everywhere. It's a good idea to wrap him completely in a towel leaving only the leg that you're working with out.

Brittle

It's best not to cut the claws when they're very brittle. If his nails are very brittle, then you should wait to cut them after he's had a bath. The water will help make them much less brittle.