Caring For Rabbits
Grooming
Yes, it is necessary to groom your rabbit. Rabbits need grooming/brushing to remove excess fur, but you should not bathe your rabbit. Rabbits do need their nails trimmed regularly.
Shedding
Rabbits shed on average every three months. They do groom themselves, but need regular brushing to help remove excess hair. If a rabbit ingests too much hair, severe digestive issues leading to GI stasis may result. Grooming your rabbit is also an excellent time to bond with your rabbit. Rabbits have extremely sensitive and thin skin. You will want to be very gentle and use the right tools. Below are two of the brushes we suggest.
How-to-Videos
If you need a visual example of grooming a rabbit, hop on to the links below for some great grooming tips and examples
How to Groom Your Rabbit by House Rabbit Society
My Rabbit's Grooming Routine by 101 Rabbits
Do Rabbits Shed?
Some rabbits need more help with grooming. If you are uncomfortable with trimming your rabbit's fur, specialized groomers can help. Below are some rabbit-savvy groomers in Central Florida.
Most all vets provide nail trimming by appointment and it usually only costs between $8-$15 depending on the vet and area. Visit our Veterinarian page to find a Vet near you!
Nail Trimming
Rabbits' nails can grow to be exceptionally long and sharp if not trimmed regularly. Overgrown nails will curve and cause the rabbit to walk/hop unnaturally, resulting in arthritis, loss of the nail, or more severe injury down the line. Rabbits have eighteen toenails, four on each of their back feet and five on each of their front feet. Just like cats and dogs, rabbits have a vein in their nail called a quick. You need to avoid this area when clipping your rabbit's nails. Rabbit nails need trimming every six weeks.
This process can be terrifying for a rabbit, and they will often kick or try to break loose from your hold. Putting your rabbit in a “bunny burrito” will help alleviate the struggle. Having a second person hold the rabbit or clip the nails may help. Use a flashlight to locate the quick on a dark-colored nail. If you are uncomfortable trimming your rabbit's nails, your local rabbit-savvy vet or groomer can trim them for a small fee and will often give you some tips on how to do it at home.
How-to-Videos
If you need a visual example of how to clip a rabbit's nails, hop on to the links below for helpful tips and examples.
How to Trim Your Rabbit's Nails by House Rabbit Society
How to Trim a Rabbit's Nails by 101 Rabbits
Teeth
Rabbits' teeth grow their entire lives. A healthy diet of hay and suitable chew toys will wear down their teeth naturally. However, some rabbits are prone to dental issues. If you notice any of the following, you should take your rabbit to the vet for a checkup:
- drooling
- swelling
- weight loss
- bad breath
- aversion to petting on the facial area
- tooth grinding while eating
If your rabbit is experiencing any of the above concerns, contact your veterinarian for instructions on what to do next. DO NOT WAIT.