Brushing Basics

Why Brush?

  • Removes loose fur (prevents hairballs)
  • Distributes natural oils
  • Checks for lumps, parasites, or injuries
  • Bonding time!

How Often?

  • Short-haired rabbits: Weekly
  • Long-haired rabbits: Daily
  • During shedding: Daily for all rabbits

Best Tools

  • Slicker brush: Good for general grooming
  • Rubber grooming mitt: Gentle, rabbits often like it
  • Wide-tooth comb: For long-haired rabbits
  • Flea comb: For checking for parasites

Technique

  • Start when rabbit is relaxed
  • Brush in direction of fur growth
  • Be extra gentle on sensitive areas (belly, dewlap)
  • Watch for mats in long-haired rabbits
  • Check skin for redness, flakes, or parasites
  • End with a treat!

Shedding Season

Rabbits typically have 2 major sheds per year (spring and fall).

What to Expect

  • Fur comes out in "waves" or bands
  • May look patchy temporarily
  • Increased grooming needs
  • Watch for GI issues from ingested fur

Managing Heavy Sheds

  • Brush daily, sometimes twice daily
  • Wet hands and run over coat to collect loose fur
  • Increase hay (fiber helps pass fur)
  • Watch poops for size changes
  • Consider hairball prevention treats

When to Worry

  • Bald patches with irritated skin
  • Fur not growing back
  • Excessive scratching
  • Scabs or sores

These could indicate mites, ringworm, or other issues - see a vet.

Nail Trimming

Why It Matters

  • Overgrown nails cause pain
  • Can curl into paw pads
  • Affect how they walk
  • Can get caught and torn

How Often?

Every 4-6 weeks, or when you can hear clicking on hard floors.

What You Need

  • Small animal nail clippers (guillotine or scissor style)
  • Styptic powder (for accidents)
  • Good lighting
  • A helper (recommended)
  • Treats!

The Quick

The "quick" is the blood vessel inside the nail:

  • Visible as pink area in white nails
  • Harder to see in dark nails - go slowly!
  • If cut: Apply styptic powder, stay calm

Step-by-Step

  • Have helper hold rabbit securely (or burrito wrap)
  • Hold paw gently but firmly
  • Identify the quick
  • Trim just the tip, below the quick
  • Praise and treat after each paw
  • If stressed, do one paw at a time over several days

If You're Nervous

  • Ask your vet to demonstrate
  • Have them trim first few times
  • Watch videos from rabbit rescues
  • Go slowly - small cuts are fine

What About Bathing?

The Short Answer: Don't

Rabbits should NOT be bathed. Here's why:

  • Extreme stress (can cause shock)
  • Fur takes forever to dry
  • Wet fur can cause hypothermia
  • Wet skin can lead to infections
  • They groom themselves

Spot Cleaning

If absolutely necessary (like a messy bottom):

  • Use minimal lukewarm water
  • Only wet the dirty area
  • Dry thoroughly with towel
  • Use hairdryer on LOW/COOL if needed
  • Keep warm until completely dry

Dirty Bottom ("Poopy Butt")

This is often a sign of a health issue:

  • Diet problems (too many treats)
  • Obesity (can't reach to clean)
  • Arthritis (same issue)
  • Dental problems

Address the underlying cause with your vet.

Scent Gland Cleaning

Rabbits have scent glands that can get waxy buildup.

Location

  • Under the chin (usually self-maintained)
  • On either side of genitals (may need help)

Signs They Need Cleaning

  • Strong, musky odor
  • Visible brown/black waxy buildup

How to Clean

  • Dampen cotton swab with warm water
  • Gently wipe the gland area
  • Don't push into the gland
  • Use a fresh swab for each side

Not all rabbits need this - some never do!

Ear Care

Normal Ears

  • Clean, pale pink inside
  • Minimal wax
  • No odor
  • No head shaking or scratching

Check Weekly For

  • Excessive wax buildup
  • Dark debris (could be mites)
  • Redness or swelling
  • Unusual odor
  • Discharge

When to Clean

Only if visibly dirty. Over-cleaning causes issues.

For lop ears especially, check for moisture/infection.

How to Clean

  • Use rabbit-safe ear cleaner
  • Apply to cotton ball (not directly in ear)
  • Gently wipe visible areas only
  • Never insert anything into ear canal

Eye Care

Normal Eyes

  • Clear, bright
  • No discharge
  • Not watery
  • No redness

Signs of Problems

  • Crusty discharge
  • Watery eyes
  • Squinting or rubbing
  • Cloudiness
  • Redness

These need vet attention - could be infection, dental issues, or blocked tear ducts.

Gentle Cleaning

For minor crusties:

  • Warm, damp cotton ball
  • Gently wipe from inner corner out
  • Use fresh cotton for each eye