Grooming 101
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. Rabbits should be groomed every 6-8 weeks during normal periods of shedding and once a week while they are molting. Below are tips and tricks for grooming rabbits the next time you find your bunny in need of grooming.
Tools: Hairbuster Comb, Furminator Undercoat Deshedding Tool (Small Animal), and the Kong Zoom Groom. For nails, Nail Clipper.
These tools are perfect for most rabbits except jersey woolies and angoras (they need clippers). The Hairbuster is phenomenal because of the purple rubber piece along the teeth of the comb. It allows for grooming thick coated bunnies and really gets to their undercoat without scratching the skin of the rabbit. The Furminator is the best tool for bunnies with thinner coats but coarse fur. It will get the undercoat without risk of scratching the skin underneath. The Kong brush is perfect for rabbits with very soft fine hair. It is also perfect for light everyday grooming and bonding with your rabbit(s). The silicone bristles help simulate a massaging feel when used.
Grooming Steps
Rear: Start with the rabbit’s back and rear. This is a great place to determine which tool is best for your rabbit.
Side 1: After the rabbit’s back and rear, pick one side of the rabbit to groom. Place particular emphasis on the rear of the rabbit. 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, rotate the rabbit and groom the other side
Face: For the face, rabbits tend to get a little grumpy. Clean, unused mascara brushes can be used to get around the eyes and nose but most rabbits get very upset with this. Focus on the cheeks, chin, and if applicable the mane of the rabbit. Small matts can accumulate in these areas. Go carefully and if the rabbit gets fed up, give them a break and come back to the area.
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 you have a very furry rabbit that accumulates mats on their paws, there is no need to remove fur from their 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 them. 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 they are going through a particularly major shed, it can help to develop a routine of weekly brushing until their coat returns to normal.
Other Tips & Tricks
Try Different Tools: Some rabbits prefer the feel of some tools over others. If they don’t like the feeling of a Hairbuster Comb, maybe a Soft Grip Comb instead. Or if they dislike combs altogether, perhaps the Kong Zoom Groom. Some people have had success with glove brushes.
Take Breaks: If grooming stresses out your rabbit, continuing to push past their tolerance level may cause them to be less cooperative for future grooming sessions with your or other people. Take a moment to pause in your grooming session and if they seem calmer in 2-5 minutes, you can keep going. If not, trying again in a few hours or even the next day may help your rabbit decompress.
Bunny Burrito: If a rabbit is particularly squirmy, gently, but firmly wrapping them in a blanket helps reduce wiggling when it helps them feel more secure.
Tag-Teaming: Some rabbits may be too large or strong to handle by yourself. If this is the case, having assistance with one person holding the rabbit while the other person has two full hands to focus on grooming can make the grooming process much quicker and less stressful for all parties involved.
Can’t See the Quick?: For rabbits with darker nails, shining a flashlight can help you see the blood vessel and where to avoid.
Poops Stuck to Fur: Are your rabbit’s poops mushy and more likely to stick to their fur? You may want to work with your vet to examine your rabbit’s diet and health to reduce occurrences of mushy poops or excess cecals that may stick to their coat.
Tangles and Matts: While more likely to occur with long-haired rabbits like lops, lionheads, angoras, and jersey wooleys, any rabbit can develop tangles and matts depending on their coats and living environment. Depending on the severity, tangles matts may be groomed out gently with a comb, but may sometimes require a trim with grooming scissors or shave with clippers. Grooming scissors and clippers are tools to be used with great caution because rabbits may shift during the grooming process and accidentally get cut. If you need help with heavy matting in your rabbit, reach out to your local rabbit vet to see if they can help shave the problem area. Once the area is clean, make a note to check the area weekly to detangle before the fur becomes matted once again. Consistent upkeep is key for rabbits that are more likely to develop tangles and matts.
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
