Have you recently adopted a longhaired rabbit, such as an Angora or a Lionhead? These super fluffy bunnies are extra adorable. However, they do need more grooming than rabbits with short fur. You’ll need to groom your fuzzy friend regularly. A veterinarian offers some advice on this below.

Summer

In summer, you’ll need to be extra careful to keep Floppy dry and clean. Otherwise, she could develop flystrike, which is very painful and dangerous. Check your pet’s skin and coat daily to make sure everything looks ok. Your vet may also recommend a flystrike preventative. It’s also very important to make sure that your bunny buddy doesn’t overheat!

Molting

A few times a year, your furry pal will shed her old coat and grow a new one. This is called molting, as it’s a bit more intense than regular shedding. Grooming is especially crucial at these times. If Floppy swallows her own hair, she won’t be able to vomit it back up the way a cat could. That means those hairballs can cause very dangerous—and even life-threatening—intestinal blockages. Ask your vet for more information.

Tools

Be very careful when selecting grooming tools. Whether you opt for combs, a slicker brush, a mat rake, or another brush, make sure you don’t pull too hard. Rabbits have very delicate skin that rips easily. Generally, you’ll want to start with a wide-toothed comb or special mat comb. Then, finish up with a tool that has narrower teeth.

Problem Areas

With longhaired rabbits, 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 areas. Be super gentle, and use scissors with round ends.

Bathing

Did you know that you should never bathe a rabbit? If Floppy ever gets something spilled on her fur, you can gently clean off the dirty area. One option is hold your pet carefully and submerge just the part or her that’s dirty into a tub or sink of lukewarm water. Gently swish the water around to clean her. Never submerge your bunny’s head or whole body. Being submerged in water is extremely stressful and scary for bunnies, and they can actually go into shock from it.

Convincing Floppy

Rabbits are very opinionated, and they vary greatly in how they react to being groomed. It’s best to pick a time when Floppy feels relaxed. This can also be a great bonding experience. As you brush her, talk to her gently, and offer her treats and praise. Don’t try your pet’s patience with long sessions. About 10 or 15 minutes is plenty.

Please contact us for more information about rabbit care. We’re hoppy to help!