How To Groom A Longhaired Rabbit

Have you adopted a longhaired bunny, like an Angora? These extra fluffy rabbits are extra cute. But, Floppy can’t maintain the grooming of all that fur herself. You’ll have to regularly groom her. A veterinarian provides some bunny grooming tips below.

Summer

In the summer, you’ll want to be careful that you keep your bunny dry and clean. If not, Floppy might develop flystrike. Check her coat and skin everyday. Your veterinarian might also recommend a flystrike preventative medication. Also, make sure your rabbit doesn’t get overheated!

Molting

Floppy will shed her old fur and grow in a new coat a few times a year. Known as molting, it’s a little more intense than regular shedding. It’s especially crucial to groom your bunny during molting seasons. If your rabbit swallows her fur, she isn’t able to vomit it back up the way a cat can. Those hairballs can cause extremely dangerous—even life-threatening—intestinal blockages. Talk to your veterinarian for signs and symptoms to look for.

Tools

Choose your tools wisely. You want to make sure that your combs, slicker brush, mat rake, or other brushes, don’t pull on Floppy’s fur too hard. Rabbits have extremely delicate skin that tears easily. You’ll generally want to start with a special mat comb or wide-toothed comb. Then, finish up with a tool that has narrower teeth.

Problem Areas

Longhaired bunnies have some problem areas. Their ‘armpits’ and the spots between their legs often mat the most, causing pain and discomfort for Floppy. Your veterinarian might recommend that you clip or shave these areas. Talk to him for specific advice.

Bathing

Never bathe a bunny. If your rabbit gets something spilled on her fur, gently clean off the dirty part. One way is to hold Floppy carefully and, if possible, put just the part or her that’s dirty into a lukewarm tub or sink, and swirl the water around. Never put your bunnies head or whole body under water. This is terrifying for bunnies, and they can actually go into shock.

Convincing Floppy

Every bunny reacts differently to grooming. Choose a time when your rabbit feels relaxed. Gently talk to her and offer her praise and treats while you brush her. Don’t try to groom in long sessions. Floppy can only do about 10 or 15 minutes at a time.

If you’d like more information about grooming a bunny, contact your local vet clinic!