Do you have a longhaired rabbit, such as an Angora? These super fluffy bunnies are extremely cute. However, Floppy won’t be able to keep up with all that fur herself. You’ll need to groom your furry friend regularly. A vet offers some advice on this below.
Tools
Be very careful when selecting grooming tools for Floppy. Don’t use anything sharp. Whether you opt for combs, a slicker brush, a mat rake, or another brush, you’ll also need to take care not to pull too hard. Bunnies have very delicate skin that rips easily. Generally, it’s best to start with a wide-toothed comb or special mat comb. Then, finish up with a tool that has narrower teeth. Ask your vet for more information.
Problem Areas
With longhaired bunnies, it’s often their ‘armpits’ and the spots between their legs that mat the most. Your vet may recommend clipping or even shaving these trouble spots. Ask for specific advice.
Summer
You’ll need to be extra careful to keep your bunny dry and clean in summer. Otherwise, she could develop flystrike, which is both painful and dangerous, not to mention disgusting. Check Floppy’s skin and coat daily. Your vet may even recommend a flystrike preventative. It’s also very important to make sure that your bunny doesn’t overheat!
Molting
A few times a year, your furry pal will shed her old coat and grow in a new one. This bunny explosion is called molting, as it’s a bit more intense than regular shedding. Grooming is particularly crucial at these times. If Floppy swallows hair, she won’t be able to vomit it back up the way cats can. Therefore, hairballs can cause very dangerous—and even life-threatening—intestinal blockages. Ask your veterinarian for what to look for.
Bathing
You should never bathe a rabbit. Being submerged in water is extremely scary for bunnies, and they can actually go into shock. If your pet gets something spilled on her fur, you can gently clean off the dirty area. One option is hold Floppy carefully and, if possible, submerge just the part or her that’s dirty into a tub or sink of lukewarm (not hot) water, and gently swish the water around. Never submerge your rabbit’s head or whole body.
Convincing Floppy
You may find that bunnies vary greatly in how they react to being groomed. Pick a time when your pet seems happy and relaxed. As you brush her, talk to her gently, and offer her treats and praise. Don’t try your furry pal’s patience with long sessions. About 10 or 15 minutes is fine.
Please contact us for more information about rabbit care. We’re hoppy to help!
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