Grooming
BATHING
Rabbits should NEVER be bathed. They are self-cleaning animals and groom themselves repeatedly throughout the day like cats. Their fur is very dense and intended to stay dry and insulated, bathing is not only unnecessary but potentially dangerous. Bathing a rabbit can lead to severe stress, shock, and hypothermia, which can be fatal. Their fur takes a long time to dry, this increasing the risk of them getting chilled or developing a respiratory infection.
If your rabbit is dirty, you’ll need to clean them without getting them wet. You can use a damp cloth and a brush to spot-clean dirty areas, being sure to thoroughly dry the area afterwords and keep the rabbit warm.
BRUSHING
As mentioned above, rabbits are meticulous self-groomers, much like cats, but unlike cats they can’t vomit hairballs, which can cause dangerous fur buildup in their digestive systems. Regular grooming helps prevent this. Short-haired rabbits need to be brushed for at least 15 minutes weekly, split into 2-3 sessions. Long-haired breeds, like lionheads and angoras, need daily brushing to avoid matting and may also require professional grooming or shaving every few months.


NAIL TRIMS
Trim, or file, your rabbits nails every 2-3 months. You will need a pair of small animal nail clippers and styptic powder to stop any accidental bleeding. Make sure to identify the quick (the pink part inside the nail) and trim just the tip, avoiding the quick to prevent bleeding. If you accidentally cut the quick, apply styptic powder to stop the bleeding.
We recommend: “Pet Nail Clippers” and “Kwik Stop Styptic Powder“.
PRO TIP: offer treats during and after nail trims and grooming sessions.