If your rabbit’s poops are linked together, chances are it’s ingesting too much hair. Try brushing it more often. If you don’t see much loose hair after grooming your rabbit, you’re probably okay to wait a little longer between brushing sessions.
Depending on the rabbit, its shed might happen all in one day, over a period of several days, or even over a few weeks. It’s common for rabbits to develop some bald spots while they’re shedding. Don’t worry too much if you see this, as long as the spots aren’t flaky and don’t seem to bother your rabbit. Ask your vet if you’re not sure, though. [4] X Research source
Flea comb Rubber brush[6] X Research source Fine-tooth comb made for people Glove brush
Most rabbits will be most comfortable if you groom them on the floor, but if your rabbit doesn’t mind being handled, you can put it on your lap. [8] X Expert Source Jamie Freyer, DVMLicensed Veterinarian Expert Interview. 7 December 2021.
This will also make sure you don’t accidentally spread urine or feces while you’re brushing your rabbit’s fur. If your rabbit is overweight, it might especially have a hard time keeping its bottom clean.
If you’re using a comb, hold it sideways so it’s almost parallel to your rabbit’s skin. [12] X Research source Brush in the direction that your rabbit’s fur grows—most rabbits won’t like it if you brush the other way. To keep your rabbit calm, start by brushing the top of its head and its back. Once your rabbit has had a few grooming sessions, gradually move down to brushing its lower face and chin. [13] X Research source
You can also use a glove brush or a rubber brush to help you collect these tufts.
A fur splitter is a specialized wide-tooth comb that allows you to tease the mats out of your rabbit’s fur without yanking. Mats often form on the pads of a rabbit’s feet, so remember to check there, as well. [16] X Research source If the matted fur is too clumped to comb, it’s best to take your rabbit to your vet or a professional groomer. If you’re comfortable using animal clippers, you can shave away the mats, but be very careful, because it’s very easy to tear or cut your rabbit’s skin. Don’t use scissors to remove the mats from your rabbit’s fur, as it’s very easy to accidentally cut them.
Fleas are tiny black insects, and you’ll tend to notice them around your bunny’s head or groin area. Ticks are larger, round insects, and you might see them crawling in your bunny’s fur or attached to their skin. Mites will look like dandruff. Also check for dark debris in your bunny’s ear, which could be a sign of ear mites.
Don’t ever put a rabbit completely in water—it could lead to shock. You can also give your rabbit a dry bath. To do that, sprinkle a little cornstarch onto the area that needs to be cleaned and massage it into your rabbit’s fur. Then, comb the cornstarch out of the fur and use a cloth to wipe away any excess. [19] X Research source
Also, feel around its jaw to make sure it doesn’t have any lumps or abscesses.
In addition, make sure your rabbit isn’t drooling and doesn’t have a bad odor coming from its mouth. These could be signs of a problem with its back teeth.
Only wipe the area around your rabbit’s eyes—never touch its eyeball. This will also remove any hay that might get into the rabbit’s eyes.
If brushing the hair doesn’t help, use a small pair of scissors to carefully trim it out of the way.
If your bunny has wax buildup deep in their ear, ask your vet to recommend an ear wash solution, and talk to them about the safest way to use it. However, this is best done under a vet’s supervision. [25] X Research source
Bunnies have glands near their anus that release their scent. These glands can become clogged, so if you notice a bad odor coming from your rabbit, it’s a good idea to clean their scent glands. These glands are made of a very sensitive membrane, so be extremely gentle when you do this, or the membrane could tear. [27] X Research source
If you’re not comfortable trimming your bunny’s nails yourself, take them to your vet for a trimming. [29] X Expert Source Jamie Freyer, DVMLicensed Veterinarian Expert Interview. 7 December 2021.
If you have a baby bunny, it’s easiest to just file its nails with an emery board until it gets big enough for this type of clipper. [31] X Research source
It’s pretty easy to see the quick if your rabbit has light-colored nails, so don’t worry about using a light.
It’s a good idea to have one person cradle the rabbit in the towel while the other person holds the clippers. [33] X Research source If your rabbit is super calm, you might not even need the towel. Just hold the bunny at the edge of a table so it’s cradled against your body. This will help it feel secure as you trim its front paws. [34] X Research source Be patient—the rabbit will likely try to pull its paws back as you do this. Pet the rabbit to keep it calm, and take a break if it starts to panic.
Some people find that it’s actually easier to trim the back paws. It can help to have someone else hold the bunny upright as you clip.
You can also use flour or cornstarch if you don’t have styptic powder on hand. [37] X Research source If the bleeding doesn’t stop after about 10 minutes, call your vet.
