Grooming at Home
When it comes to grooming rabbits, there is more than grabbing a brush. Rabbits are just like dogs; different breeds have different grooming needs. Some rabbits just need a light brush every few weeks and other rabbits need to be brushed every day. There are some commonalities among all rabbits. All rabbits shed year round, but at least twice a year, all rabbits experience molting periods where they shed their winter or summer coats. Rabbits may have several signs indicating molts. Some rabbits get “tufts” of fur throughout their coats, oftentimes concentrated near their tail. Other rabbits will create clouds of fur as soon as you pet them while others will start developing tangles, knots, and matts. I have four rabbits, and each molts slightly differently.
For example, Phoebe is a lionhead bunny who gets a skirt around her tail when she molts. Nora, my rex rabbit, starts creating tornados when you look at her, let alone touch her. I groom my rabbits every 6-8 weeks during regular shedding periods and once a week while they are molting. Check out my helpful list of tips and tricks below to groom rabbits for the next time you find your rabbit in need of grooming.
Recommended Tools: Hairbuster Comb, Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool (Small Animal), and the Kong Zoom Groom
I live and breathe these three tools for all bunnies except jersey woolies and angoras (they need clippers). I love the Hairbuster because of the purple rubber piece along the teeth. It lets me groom thick-coated bunnies and really get to that undercoat without scratching the rabbit. The Furminator is the best tool for bunnies with thinner coats but coarse hair. It will get the undercoat without coming close to reaching the skin underneath. The Kong brush is perfect for bunnies with very soft, fine hair. It is also ideal for light everyday grooming and bonding with your bunny.
Grooming Steps
Rear. I always start with the rabbit’s back. This is a great place to determine which tool is best for your rabbit.
Side 1: After finishing the rabbit's back, I groom one side of the rabbit, always focusing on the rear. A lot of fur accumulates there, especially when they are molting. Be sure to groom at an angle that lifts the fur away from the rabbit.
Side 2: When one side is done, I will rotate the rabbit and groom the other side.
Face: For the face, rabbits tend to get a little grumpy. I have used new, clean mascara brushes to get around the eyes and nose, but I have found most rabbits get very upset with this. What I focus on is the cheeks, chin, and, if applicable, the rabbit’s mane. Small matts can accumulate in these areas. Go carefully, and if the rabbit gets fed up, give them a break and come back to it.
Feet: Feet can accumulate fur but be very careful about grooming the fur on the bottom of their paws. Unlike cats and dogs, rabbits do not have paw pads and need that fur to protect their feet from sore hocks and blisters. In general, unless I am grooming a very furry bunny, I do not groom feet.
Belly: This area is the most overlooked portion of the rabbit when grooming because rabbits should not be flipped on their backs. A rabbit’s skin is quite loose, and if moved upward, will expose most of the rabbit's belly without hurting it. Groom away from the rabbit as you would for the back. If the rabbit is truly matted, please take the rabbit to their veterinarian so they can perform a sedated shave that will be safe for the rabbit.
Rabbit grooming can be attempted in your lap or on a surface like a countertop or table. Try different tools and methods to learn what your rabbit is most comfortable with- and of course, at the conclusion of a grooming session, give them pets or a treat so they won’t be too upset. Observe your rabbit's body language and their stress level. Grooming maintenance usually takes place across multiple sessions- never a “one and done” type of activity for rabbits.
If you have trouble grooming your rabbit at home, SDHRS offers drop off grooming services. There may be special cases outside of the norm such as matted coats or poopy butts, which require additional care. For special cases, shaving appointments may be necessary to reset the coat so you may then reestablish regular upkeep while the fur regrows. For any questions regarding grooming services, please see our grooming services page or contact SDHRS at grooming@sandiegorabbits.org
