Rabbit Grooming
Rabbits are very clean animals. Like cats, they groom themselves meticulously by licking their fur. However, they still need help from their humans to look and feel their best. Your pet's eyes, ears, toenails, feet, scent glands, fur, nose, and teeth all need attention on a regular basis.
Grooming time is a good time to get to know your rabbit and check for lumps, urine scald, sore hocks and other potential problems. You should brush your rabbit at least weekly; more often during shedding which occurs four times per year, alternating light and heavy sheds. Frequent brushing during these times is essential, because, unlike cats, rabbits do not have the ability to regurgitate. Any hair they swallow while grooming themselves must go through their system. For standard bunny fur, most of us prefer using a flexible brush with rubber "teeth" like the Zoom Groom. However, if you have a long-haired rabbit like an Angora or Jersey Wooley, their coats will require some special tools and techniques.
For very detailed grooming information on rabbits' eyes, ears, nails, feet, scent glands, fur, nose, and teeth, check out "Bunny Boot Camp: Grooming".
If you need advice on trimming your rabbits nails, a task dreaded by many bunny people, refer to our nail trimming page - complete with pictures!
