Brushing
Rabbits moult several times a year, and having central heating on inside
the house must confuse them. A soft brush can be used to brush out
excess hair. Rabbits are good at keeping their fur clean and tidy, so
you don't need to bother brushing them everyday.
Nail / Claw Trimming
Rabbits need their claws trimmed every 4-6 weeks. The claws are like
fingernails, and never stop growing. Most indoor rabbits won't wear
their claws down enough, so they will need to be clipped. You can do
this yourself using nail clippers, or you can take your rabbit to a vet.
If you are doing it yourself, it helps to shine a light from underneath
the claw so you can ensure that you don't clip the blood vessel (the
pink bit).
Rabbits need their claws trimmed every 4-6 weeks. The claws are like
fingernails, and never stop growing. Most indoor rabbits won't wear
their claws down enough, so they will need to be clipped. You can do
this yourself using nail clippers, or you can take your rabbit to a vet.
If you are doing it yourself, it helps to shine a light from underneath
the claw so you can ensure that you don't clip the blood vessel (the
pink bit).
Cleaning out scent glands
Rabbits have a scent gland either side of their anus. The scent gland needs cleaning out as the scent is a liquid that can clog up the gland. Its a yucky stinky job, but it needs to be done. To clean the scent glands out, get a cotton bud and wet it with warm water. You may need to get someone to help you hold the rabbit upside down securely. Gently swab at the scent glands until the discharge comes off. If you have any trouble doing this, ask your vet to do it for you.
Rabbits have a scent gland either side of their anus. The scent gland needs cleaning out as the scent is a liquid that can clog up the gland. Its a yucky stinky job, but it needs to be done. To clean the scent glands out, get a cotton bud and wet it with warm water. You may need to get someone to help you hold the rabbit upside down securely. Gently swab at the scent glands until the discharge comes off. If you have any trouble doing this, ask your vet to do it for you.
Use towels and paper towels to dry as best you can, then use a hairdryer
to direct warm air in the general vicinity of the rabbit. Do not point
the hairdryer at the rabbit as you may burn the skin. Generally rabbits
will try and lick themselves dry. Don't be surprised if your rabbit
sulks for a while afterwards !!!
Put a towel in the bottom of the bath so the bunny has some grip. Use
some gentle shampoo or soap in the water. Try and hold the front half of
the bunny out of the water. This may stop her struggling. Gently
massage the hind leg/tail area with your fingers and remove any poops.
Tip the water out and then replace it with clean water to rinse the
bunny.
Do I have to wash my rabbit?
NO!!! Never wash a rabbit unless it is very dirty or has soiled
itself. Rabbits can go into shock when you immerse them in water.
Rabbits do a very good job of keeping themselves clean and only need
help when they are very sick. If you have to wash your rabbit, fill a
bath/tub with about an inch of water.
NO!!! Never wash a rabbit unless it is very dirty or has soiled
itself. Rabbits can go into shock when you immerse them in water.
Rabbits do a very good job of keeping themselves clean and only need
help when they are very sick. If you have to wash your rabbit, fill a
bath/tub with about an inch of water.
Cleaning ears
You should regularly check inside your rabbit's ears to make sure there isn't any build up of wax or other gunk. If there is, take your rabbit to the vet. Rabbits can get ear mites, which cause itching and a build up of yucky stuff. Never poke anything into your rabbit's ears as you can damage the inner ear.
You should regularly check inside your rabbit's ears to make sure there isn't any build up of wax or other gunk. If there is, take your rabbit to the vet. Rabbits can get ear mites, which cause itching and a build up of yucky stuff. Never poke anything into your rabbit's ears as you can damage the inner ear.
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