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

These three 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

1. Rear: Start with the rabbit’s back and rear. This is a great place to determine which tool is best for your rabbit. 

2. 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.

3. Side 2: When one side is done, rotate the rabbit and groom the other side

4. 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.

5. 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, do not groom their feet.

6. 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 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