Cutting Lizard Claws

Not all lizards need to have their claws cut. Large ground dwelling lizards, like green iguanas for example, require their claws to be clipped from time to time. In the wild their claws will 'grind' down as they move about, but in captivity this tends not to happen. The main reason is due to the soft substrate in their habitats. They will also get long when the lizard is not too active.

When clipping their claws, you have to be very careful not to cut where there is blood circulation. This means you will only be able to clip a small potion off the top of each claw. It is recommended that you take your lizard to a vet for the first clipping, and watch how much they take off. You will then be able to do it yourself without being afraid of injuring your lizard.