After brushing, you may notice small tufts of fur sticking out of the coat. Go ahead and pull them out, your rabbit will not mind. Rabbits will groom themselves regularly, though they cannot vomit like cats, so they are susceptible to hairballs if they swallow too much hair. Removing loose hairs will help prevent your rabbit from choking. [1] X Research source Brush more frequently during shedding times, which occur about every 3 months.
You can do this on your own with a pair of rabbit nail clippers. Make sure your rabbit is lying on its back with the feet up so they are easy for you to get to, and gently clip the nails on one foot at a time. Make sure your rabbit is secure so it can’t kick or scurry away. Once you are finished, you can give your rabbit a treat as a reward. When cutting, a good rule of thumb is to trim the nail to the same length as the fur. Hold up the rabbit’s foot, and trim off the edge in one motion. You shouldn’t cut a nail more than once. If your rabbit has sensitive nails, and struggles some, lightly close the clippers on the area you wish to cut. If your rabbit reacts, move a little further down the nail and away from the skin. It can be helpful to shine a light underneath the nail so you can see where you are cutting. You don’t want to clip the blood vessel at the base of the nail. Baby rabbits will have very sharp, but very small nails. These are probably best trimmed with a emery board instead of the full-size clippers.
If there is a lot of gunk, or it seems like your rabbit has a lot of tears, take it to the vet to make sure there isn’t a more serious problem.
If you have a problem with wax in the ears, your vet may also recommend some wax removal products that you can apply. [4] X Research source Make sure you use a cotton ball and not a smaller swab like a q-tip. If your bunny twitches or jumps during cleaning, you can accidentally push it into the ear, puncturing an eardrum and causing your rabbit to go deaf. [5] X Trustworthy Source Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Leading veterinary medicine training institution and biomedical research center Go to source
Make sure you cushion your rabbit’s back and neck so that they are well supported in case he decides to start kicking. While your rabbit is lying there, stroke it smoothly and talk soothingly to keep things calm and relaxed.
Do not use powders that contain talc, as it is a respiratory irritant, and can even cause cancer in rabbits.
Fill a bathroom sink or small basin with about 2. 5 inches of lukewarm water. Mix in a tablespoon of hypoallergenic, non-medicated shampoo. It is best to get a shampoo specifically intended for rabbits, and not one used on people. [12] X Research source Slowly lower your rabbit’s rear into the water. Gently wash the solution over the affected areas, then rinse with lukewarm water. Dry off your rabbit’s bottom. First use a soft towel, being careful not to rub too hard. Then use a blow dryer set on low to finish drying. Keep one hand close to the rabbit’s skin so you can feel if the air is too warm. Clip fur away from the irritated skin, then apply a soothing balm.
Get a small tray with low walls so your rabbit can get into it, and fill with paper or untreated wood chips, then hay. Make sure you keep the tray near places your rabbit usually uses the bathroom so it’ll get used the box as a place to go. If you notice your rabbit squatting, carry it over to the box. Remember to clean and disinfect the tray at least once a week. Do not use oil-treated wood chips like pine or cedar, or cat litters.
