Grooming Rabbits

Combs

Flea combs (far left) are good for removing the undercoat. Combs that have teeth more spaced out are used for long-haired bunnies, like angoras, where they are used to work out knots and mats. The Hair Buster comb on the right is ideal during heavy sheds in removing a great deal of loose hair from the undercoat.

Finishing Brush

This is a soft bristle brush that is good for getting that "halo" of loose fur that sits on top of the coat. It's used at the end of the grooming session, and most bunnies seem to enjoy being brushed from nose to tail. Alternatively, you can use a grooming glove or wet your hands and run it along your bunny.

Scissors

For typical short-haired grooming, a small pair of blunt-nose scissors will do the job. The small size and rounded tip will make sure you safely trim away mats. The larger pair is more helpful if you need to trim a big section of fur, such as on an angora. 

Small Trimmers

Small pet clippers or hair trimmers for men are small enough to trim the fur in the groin area, should your bunny need it. It's good for the occasional spot trim and safer around the groin than scissors, especially if your bunny kicks a lot during grooming sessions. These clippers are cheaper than regular grooming pet clippers, however, they are only good for small, hard to reach places like the groin.

If you are trimming a long-haired rabbit, you want to invest in high-quality pet clippers. 

1. Set up your grooming station with everything you need.

2. Place a towel on your lap and your bunny on top of the towel. The towel acts like a temporary floor, which will make your bunny feel more secure than just standing on your legs. If your bunny is nervous, spend a few minutes petting and speaking softly to him.

3. While petting your bunny, pay attention to how he feels. Do you feel anything unusual, such as lumps, cuts, swelling or wetness? These kind of changes can indicate dental disease, infections or tumors. Early detection can mitigate these issues.

You will also get to know what is normal for your bunny and when you need to make a vet appointment.

4. Take your flea comb. At a 45 degree angle, start at the tip of the nose and slowly move the comb towards the ears.

Cover one eye with your hand and comb out the cheek. Repeat on the other side. Be careful not to pull out whiskers.

5. Angle the head slightly up and comb the chest. Always keep your comb at a 45 degree angle. 

If you are grooming a lionhead, carefully feel for mats in the mane. Often, they form closer to the skin, out of sight.

6. Comb out one side at a time.

From the back of the neck to the tail, work the comb through the fur. If this a heavy shed, you can switch to the hair buster comb and/or you can gently remove some of the tufts by hand. The fur should come out easily. You should not have to use more force than a slight tug. Your rabbit should never be in pain.

Alternatively, for the area around the butt, you can use scissors or clippers to trim the fur. Be sure to use your hand to protect the tail so you don't seriously cut your bunny.

7. Starting from the butt, slowly move your palm up towards the spine. With your other hand, comb the fur as it falls back back into place.

You should see the skin. It should be a light pink. If the skin turns irritated and red, you are overgrooming. Stop and move to a different section. 

8. Continue combing the side.

9. Once the one side is completed, turn the bunny 180 degrees and comb out the other side of the bunny.

10. Put your right hand (if you are left handed, do the opposite) on the bunny's chest. The middle finger should be under the left armpit and your thumb should be under the right armpit. 

With your right hand, gently push the bunny back towards the crook of the left arm. Your left forearm should secure the bunny against your body.

The bunny should be sitting up and only slightly leaning back. The rabbit should never be flat on his back!

11. Inspect the abdomen, groin, legs, feet and tail for any mats and use the flea comb to comb out. Work on the feet only if there are mats. If it feels like there is a one big mat on the bottom of the foot, leave it. The foot needs some thick fur for protection.

12. Take a cotton swab and dip it in warm water or diluted chlorhexidine solution. Examine the scent glands, located on either side of the anus. A brown, waxy substance builds up in the pocket. If left for a long time, it hardens like dried nasal mucus. Loosen it with a cotton swab soaked in warm water and gently wipe the skin clean. This area is very delicate, so take your time and don't be aggressive.

13. Trim nails.

For more details on how to trim nails, click here.

14. Once all the nails are trimmed, gently guide the bunny back to his initial position with all four feet on your lap. Use the finishing brush on the back and sides of the bunny to remove any loose hair that may have settled on top of the coat. Alternatively, you can wet your hands and run them along the bunny's body. 

15. Finished! Give your bunny a treat!