Grooming your pet rabbit is an important part of their routine care and consists of everything from the tips of their ears to the bottom of their toes. It’s important right from the start to establish a regular grooming routine and monitor their overall health on a consistent basis. It is not only a necessity to your rabbits health and happiness, but will be beneficial to your bonding experience as well. Spending this time together will be the opportunity to strengthen and grow the bond between you.
Reasons for Grooming Your Rabbit
We all know that just like humans, pets need their personal hygiene taken care of. Neglecting to groom a rabbit can lead to several health and comfort issues from the physical to the behavioral. The frequency of brushing will largely depend on their breed, coat type and moulting cycle, nails should be done every 4-6 weeks and everything else should be checked on a monthly basis. You can always adjust your grooming frequency based on your rabbit’s specific needs and coat condition.
These potential problems can arise if a rabbit is not properly groomed:
1. Matting and Tangles: especially in long-haired breeds can become matted and tangled. This can cause discomfort and pain, restrict movement, and potentially lead to skin infections.
2. Hairballs: during moulting (excessive shedding) times or inadequate grooming , when rabbits groom themselves they are prone to ingesting hairballs. Unlike cats, rabbits cannot vomit these up. These can cause the gut to slow down leading to gastrointestinal blockages which in turn can cause serious digestive issues.
3. Skin Infections: dirt, debris, and mats can trap moisture against the skin, creating an environment where bacteria and fungi can thrive, leading to skin infections or dermatitis.
4. Overgrown Nails: can cause toe or nail injuries by snagging the nail on rough surfaces like carpets. Foot injuries, pain and joint issues can lead to difficulty walking.
5. Ear Problems: can lead to wax build-up, infections, or mites. Regular checking and cleaning help prevent these issues.
6. Dental Issues: overgrown teeth can result from poor diet or lack of chewing opportunities. Rabbits that have Malocclusion will need their teeth trimmed on a regular basis.
7. Stress and Discomfort: unkempt fur and dirty conditions can cause significant stress and discomfort for a rabbit. Regular grooming helps ensure they are comfortable and free from irritants.
8. Behavioral Changes: discomfort from matted fur or other grooming-related issues can lead to changes in behavior, such as irritability or a reluctance to be handled.
9. Poor Hygiene: accumulation of waste or debris in long haired fur can lead to hygiene issues and increase the risk of infections.
Breeds and Coat
Different breeds of rabbits each have their own unique coat types and hair characteristics. For this reason they will have different brushing requirements based on their hair type. If you are uncertain of your rabbit’s breed, you can try to figure out which type of fur they have by the descriptions below.
1. Short-Haired Rabbits such as the Dutch, Rex, Mini Rex, and English Spot have a smooth coat and require minimal brushing. They shed periodically, but their short hair reduces the risk of matting or tangling.
2. Long-Haired Rabbits such as the Angora, Lionhead, and Jersey Wooly have long, flowing hair that needs regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Long-haired rabbits are prone to hairballs, so frequent brushing is essential. Some English Angoras will have fur 3-4 inches in length. It is best to consult with your vet or another owner for proper brushing techniques. An option with these breeds is to always keep their fur clipped short. I recommend having a trained person, be it a vet or an actual rabbit groomer, teach you to do this.
3. Rex Hair such as the Standard Rex and Mini Rex have a distinctive plush, velvety coat with short, dense fur that feels like velvet to the touch. This hair type is less likely to shed in large clumps but requires regular brushing to maintain its plush texture.
4. Satin Hair such as in the Satin Rex and Satin Angora have a glossy, shimmering coat due to the unique structure of their hair. The sheen is caused by the reflection of light off their smooth, dense fur. Regular grooming helps maintain the shine and prevent tangles.
5. Wool such as the Angora and English Angora have a dense, soft undercoat that grows continuously and requires extensive grooming to avoid matting. Wool can be harvested for spinning or other uses. Regular brushing is critical to keep their coat in good condition.
6. Harlequin rabbits have a unique coat pattern with alternating colors and often have short fur. The grooming needs are similar to short-haired rabbits, focusing mainly on routine brushing to remove loose hair.
7. Dwarf Rabbits such as the Netherland Dwarf have short, dense fur that doesn’t require as much grooming as long-haired breeds. Their small size and short hair make them relatively low-maintenance.
8. Angora Variants such as the French Angora, English Angora, and Satin Angora are known for their exceptionally long, silky wool. Regular grooming is crucial to prevent the hair from matting. Different Angora breeds may have slightly different wool textures and lengths.
Complete Guide of Grooming Tasks
Regular, gentle handling helps your rabbit get used to being groomed and makes the process easier. Always approach them calmly and ensure they feel safe. For those rabbits that are suffering from trauma or are severely anxious, I recommend administering Rescue Remedy for a few days in advance of your grooming session. If you’re ever unsure or if your rabbit has specific grooming needs, consult with a veterinarian who specializes in rabbits.
Fur & Skin
Brushing: short haired rabbits should be brushed at least once a week. They do shed less frequently and have less risk of matting, so they need less regular grooming. Longer haired rabbits should be brushed daily or at the very least a minimum of 2-3 days.
Rabbits moult several times a year. Typically they have a heavy moult in the spring and fall to remove their winter and summer coats then lesser moult in summer and winter. Breed, climate and temperature will dictate your rabbit’s moulting season. I actually have 2 rabbits that seem to shed quite bit every day all year long! When your rabbit is shedding they should be brushed daily, with some breeds needing 2-3 times every day! Don’t worry if your rabbit ends up with bald spots…this is normal. After brushing, thoroughly sweep and vacuum your home to remove all of that fur that flew through the air.
I have a very easy technique. Before I begin, I place my rabbit on a towel on the floor in front of me. This allows me the use of one hand to firmly hold while the other grooms. I start by gently pulling out the tufts of fur sticking up. Next I comb from the top of the head in a downward motion moving towards the hind end. I hold the comb at a 25 degree angle so the tines are not directly hitting their skin. To do the belly, I stand my bun on their hind paws with their back supported against my belly. I gently comb from the neck down towards their tail.
Trimming: On occasion a rabbits fur might become clumped and matted which in turn can be painful for the rabbit. In case this situation occurs, your rabbit will need to have these trimmed to remove the mats and debris. I personally have never had to do this and therefore would be remiss in suggesting the proper tools. I would not suggest using scissors though as they could be too dangerous and you could cut the skin. I would however suggest taking your rabbit to the vet and discussing it with them.
Feet: Always check your rabbits feet for wear and tear. Since they rely on their paws for everything, you want to make sure they do not have mats, sore hocks (missing fur or open wounds), inflammation, bare skin or anything stuck in the pads. If you find any of these issues, it is advisable to get to your vet immediately. During this time of healing, urine burn can infect your rabbit so it will be necessary to be extra diligent in keeping your litter box and pen area clean.
Skin: when grooming make sure to check below the fur for parasites. Symptoms can include itching, scratching, shaking of the head, flaky skin and bald patches. (yes indoor rabbits can get these as well- they can be transferred from hay, other animals or even our own clothing.) These should always be treated by your vet.
Fleas-black fleas are most often found near the head, neck and genital area
Ticks– are oval in shape and can be found anywhere on the body
Mites– look like dandruff and can be seen on the fur, sometimes moving, or as a dark, dried, scaly build up in the ear
Baths: Rabbits do not need baths. Their skin is sensitive, and getting wet can be stressful and potentially harmful by inducing hypothermia. If your rabbit gets very dirty, try spot cleaning with a dry cloth first. If that is unsuccessful, try a damp cloth or water wipe. Another option is a “dry” bath in which you can sprinkle cornstarch on the dirty area and use a comb to remove the debris.
If all else fails and you do need to give them a butt bath, fill a bin with just an inch of warm water. Just place your rabbits butt into the water and use a rabbit-safe shampoo. Rinse their butt then place them on a towel. Dry as thoroughly as you can. Although you can use a hairdryer, make sure it is on a low and cool setting.
Nails
Nail trimming can be a very tricky process, one that is not enjoyed by most rabbits and can be scary for you. The more knowledgeable you are the less scary it will be. First of all a rabbit has 5 nails on each forepaw and 4 nails on each hind paw for a total of 18 nails. They have a blood vessel in their toe that goes into the base of the nail called a quick, just like a dog. The quick can be visible in light colored rabbits however it can be hard to see in dark colored rabbits.
Nail Trimming: Check every 1-2 weeks, but most can be clipped every 4-6 weeks. Some rabbits might need more frequent trims if their nails grow quickly. Regular nail trimming is crucial to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort or lead to health issues. Having a helper can make this an easier process. If you’re unsure about trimming nails, you can go to a vet or even a groomer to learn the proper technique.
Techniques: Place your rabbit on a non slip surface such as on the floor, your lap or a table holding them securely against your body. There are a few positions you can try. First keep them flat bringing one paw forward at a time. Second, you can have them standing on their hind paws. For those pesky little buns, you can wrap them like a burrito bringing one paw out at a time. When cutting with a helper, have them hold the rabbit while you cut the nails. NOTE: NEVER trance (lying them out flat on their back)your rabbit to cut their nails! This position can cause extreme stress.
Cutting: Gently pull the fur back from the nail, squeeze gently to find the quick and then cut a little off at a time. Give the nail a squeeze with the clipper before cutting all the way through. If your rabbit doesn’t jump, then you will know it is ok to cut. Try to be cautious of the “quick,” to avoid cutting it and causing bleeding. If you do cut the quick and it bleeds, press your rabbits foot in corn starch or styptic powder. Baby bunnies can have their nails gently filed back with an emery board.
Ears
Check your rabbit’s ears regularly for dirt, wax, mites or signs of infection. Wax in the outer ear can be gently removed with a Q-tip dipped in mineral oil. In case you find something abnormal or your rabbit seems to be shaking it’s head, contact your exotic vet for proper treatment. Never insert anything deep into the ear canal. Personally I would never clean my rabbits inner ears at home unless properly trained by my vet. Yes you can find instructions online to do this, but I recommend erring on the side of caution.
Lop eared rabbits are prone to build ups and infection. Your vet may teach you how to clean their ears at home on a regular basis.
Eyes
Inspect for any discharge, bumps, crusting, cloudiness or signs of irritation such as a piece of hay in their eyes. Clean around their eyes with sterile water and a soft cloth or cotton make-up removal pads if needed.
True story: my first rabbit Chester developed a swollen eye so I rushed him to the emergency vet. The vet was unsure what was wrong and decided to prescribe an antibiotic. When she left the room to write the script, I was comforting Chester on the exam table. I noticed a little fleck in the corner of his eye. I grasped and pulled and lo and behold it was a piece of hay. By the time the vet came back to the room, the swelling had decreased by half. Moral of the story, had I remained calmed and checked him at home I might not have needed to go to the vet.
Teeth
Unlike dogs, rabbits do not need to have their teeth brushed however since their teeth grow on a continual basis, checking their mouth and teeth during your grooming routine is recommended. Rabbits with malocclusion will need to have them clipped by your vet. First check their cheeks, followed by their incisors and back teeth. Look for signs of swelling, grinding, drooling and odor.
Anal Glands (Scent Sacs)
Monitor for any signs of soiling or blockage, especially if you notice any discomfort, bad smell or unusual behavior. Occasionally, you may need to clean the area around your rabbit’s anus, especially in the case of elderly, arthritic or special needs rabbits that are unable to groom themselves. When these scent glands build up, the scent gland duct may actually become blocked due to the build up of this waxy substance. which can become very hard and uncomfortable for the rabbit.
Cleaning the glands is a relatively simple process. Hold your rabbit in a safe position that gives you access to the genitals. I find holding my rabbit on my lap with its back firmly against my torso is the easiest way to do this. Dip a Q-tip in warm water or mineral oil, locate the two slits on either side of the rabbit’s genitals and allow the Q-tip to moisten the area. After a minute, you can gently remove the waxy build up. Be very careful as the genital scent gland membrane is delicate and you don’t want to risk tearing it.
Health Check
Regular grooming sessions are a good opportunity to check for any unusual lumps, bumps, or changes in skin condition. These are the things you should monitor on a regular basis:
- Weight
- Teeth
- Coat for mites
- Ears for mites and cleanliness
- Bottom for cleanliness and matts
- Scent glands and clean if required
- Nails and trim if required
- Check general body condition
Now that your grooming and health check is complete it is time to reward your rabbit with a tasty treat!
Tools For Your Grooming Kit
In order to correctly groom your rabbit, it is important to invest in some proper grooming tools.
Tools made for removing hair build up in cats and dogs may not be suitable for grooming your pet rabbit. They have delicate skin that can get scratched or torn from these items and lead to other issues.
Brushes: soft brushes can be used on a daily basis however during shedding season you may want something a bit sturdier to remove that excess hair. Rubber brushes with thick long tines and hand mitts work well for this.
Comb: a comb such as this is my go to when grooming my rabbits. It is easy to handle and really pulls out the dead fur.
Nail Clippers: I find this item is more of a personal preference. I have tried both scissor like and spring loaded and prefer the spring loaded. I also highly suggest having a flashlight on hand to help find the quick as well as styptic powder or corn starch in case of bleeding. Note: never use human nail clippers on a rabbit. I also do not suggest the battery operated filing system.
Eyebrow Comb: I have found this to be an invaluable item in my rabbit grooming kit. I have 2 rabbits whose eyes weep and get crusty. Using a human eyebrow comb helps to smooth the hair after washing with sterile water.
Flea/ Tick Comb: In the case your rabbit develops fleas or you find a tick, it is essential to have one of these on hand.
Water Wipes: I always have these on hand. My arthritic elder bun sometimes soils himself and these are useful to clean him without giving a butt bath.
Cotton Make-up Pads: I use these to clean my rabbits eyes. They are also useful in case of quick nicks when cutting nails.
Spring Water: a bottle of spring water is handy in case your rabbit needs it’s eyes cleaned.
Grooming Pads: These are helpful when grooming your rabbit to keep the excess fur from getting all over.
Mineral Oil: Having this item on hand can serve a twofold purpose. First it can help when cleaning scent glands, but it can also be wiped on the inside of the ears if you suspect your rabbit has ear mites. Always get your rabbit to the vet for treatment, but if you can’t get in right away, this can help temporarily.
Choosing a Rabbit Groomer
Maybe you don’t have the time or confidence to groom your rabbit yourself, but don’t worry you have an option! There are rabbit groomers who are professionals specializing in the care and grooming of rabbits. Some services they may offer are brushing and combing, haircuts, nail trimming, and anal gland care. They should only bathe a rabbit if it is absolutely necessary, using rabbit-safe products and techniques. Ear cleaning should be left to your exotic vet.
Finding a Rabbit Groomer
Look for groomers who specifically mention rabbits in their services. Not all pet groomers have experience with rabbits, so it’s important to find someone with expertise in handling these animals. Ask for recommendations from veterinarians or local rabbit rescue organizations. They often have contacts with reputable groomers. Check online reviews or ask for references to ensure the groomer has a good reputation and positive feedback from other rabbit owners. See a list of groomers here.
Preparing Your Rabbit for Grooming
Ensure your rabbit is in good health before grooming. Any underlying health issues should be addressed with a vet. Try to get your rabbit accustomed to handling and grooming at home before taking them to a professional. If your rabbit seems anxious, try things like Rescue Remedy flower essence or Reiki.
What to Expect During a Grooming Appointment
The groomer should handle your rabbit gently and with care to ensure their comfort. They should use appropriate tools and techniques to avoid injuring your rabbit. They should provide feedback on your rabbit’s coat condition, nail length, and overall health.
Cost
Grooming costs can vary widely based on location, the services provided, and the size of your rabbit. It’s a good idea to ask for a quote or estimate before booking an appointment.
Final Thoughts
Grooming is one of the most important aspects of owning a pet rabbit. It should be done with due diligence and love for their continued health and happiness. It can be a beneficial, intimate time for the two of you to build trust and respect.
