🪶 1. Brushing & Fur Care
Rabbits are naturally clean animals and groom themselves often, but they still need help to stay tidy and healthy.
- Short-haired rabbits: Brush once a week to remove loose fur and prevent hairballs.
- Long-haired breeds (like Angoras): Brush daily to stop tangles and mats.
- Use a soft-bristle brush or grooming glove to avoid hurting their skin.
- Always brush gently — rabbits have delicate skin.
Tip: During shedding season (spring & fall), increase brushing to prevent fur ingestion which can cause digestive blockages.
🛁 2. Bathing
❌ Do not bathe rabbits unless absolutely necessary.
Rabbits get very stressed during baths, and cold or wet fur can cause hypothermia.
If they get dirty:
- Use a damp cloth or pet-safe wipes to clean the dirty area.
- For serious messes, a “dry bath” using cornstarch powder can help — sprinkle gently, massage, and brush it out.
✂️ 3. Nail Trimming
Rabbit nails grow continuously and can curl or break if not trimmed.
- Trim every 4–6 weeks using small animal nail clippers.
- Avoid cutting too deep — look for the pink vein (quick) inside the nail and cut just before it.
- If you’re unsure, ask a vet or groomer to show you the safe method.
🦷 4. Teeth Care
Rabbit teeth never stop growing — they must chew constantly to wear them down.
- Provide timothy hay daily – it’s essential for dental health.
- Offer wooden chew toys or apple sticks for natural grinding.
- Check for signs of dental problems: drooling, loss of appetite, or uneven teeth.
🍑 5. Bottom & Scent Gland Cleaning
Sometimes, rabbits’ bottoms can get dirty (especially older or overweight ones).
- Gently clean the area with a warm, damp cloth.
- Check the scent glands (located near the genitals) — they can get clogged with waxy buildup. Use a cotton swab dipped in warm water to clean gently if needed.
🧺 6. Litter Box Hygiene
Rabbits can be litter trained! Keep their litter area clean to avoid odors and infections.
- Scoop waste daily.
- Wash the litter box weekly with mild soap and warm water (avoid strong chemicals).
- Use paper-based or wood-pellet litter – never clumping cat litter.
🩺 7. Regular Health & Grooming Checks
While grooming, also check for:
- Bald patches or fleas
- Lumps or sores on skin
- Ear wax or discharge
- Runny eyes or nose
If you notice anything unusual, consult a rabbit-savvy veterinarian immediately.
💡 Quick Summary Table
| Task | Frequency | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Brushing | Weekly / Daily for long hair | Soft brush, comb |
| Nail trimming | Every 4–6 weeks | Pet nail clippers |
| Litter box cleaning | Daily/Weekly | Paper litter, mild soap |
| Bottom cleaning | As needed | Damp cloth, cotton swab |
| Teeth check | Weekly | Hay, chew toys |
Leave a Reply