How to care for rabbit fur?

Decorative rabbits have a stunning fur coat. In some it is long, silky and glossy, in others it is curly like a lamb, and still others resemble fluffy dandelions! However, the owner should understand: wool, especially long, needs daily reverent care. If you do not monitor the condition of the fur coat, it will quickly lose its appearance and begin to bring discomfort to the rabbit.

Caring for the long hair of rabbits has its own characteristics. But don’t worry. Once you learn the intricacies and practice, this task will seem like a breeze.

Short-haired rabbits are usually brushed 1-2 times a week. But long hair needs more attention. The rabbit should be inspected daily and combed if necessary: ​​to remove dirt from the coat or to untangle the hairs. During the molting period of the rabbit, it is recommended to comb out every day. When kept in an apartment, due to dry air and central heating, the molting process is stretched. Therefore, a domestic rabbit sheds more often and longer than a rabbit living in an aviary outside the city.

What do you need to take care of your pet’s coat?

• Combing tool: brush, sparse comb (for combing fur), slicker brush or Furminator (anti-shedding tool that effectively removes dead undercoat). The choice of tool depends on the individual characteristics of the rabbit and your personal preferences: what is more convenient for you to use. It is best to consult with the groomer or breeder of your rabbit variety on this matter.

• A tangle cutter or scissors (for cutting out tangles that could not be disassembled by hand);

• Basin (for bathing a pet if it gets dirty or picks up parasites);

• Special shampoos, sprays, lotions for tangles and to facilitate combing.

Dullness, brittleness, hair loss, constant formation of tangles, dandruff, redness and sores on the skin, itching is not the norm, but a symptom of improper care, parasite infection or disease. If your rabbit’s coat looks unhealthy, be sure to check with your veterinarian.

It is necessary to introduce a rabbit to hair care even in childhood. So the pet will get used to the procedure more easily and will begin to receive sheer pleasure from it. After all, this is such a chance to get the attention of the owner – and a favorite treat, of course!

Some owners shave their long-haired rabbits to prevent tangles and make them easier to care for. This procedure is best performed by a specialist and only when a haircut is really necessary.

Step by step guide on how to comb a rabbit

• Provide a calm environment so that other people or animals, as well as loud noises, do not scare your baby.
• Approach the rabbit, talk to him calmly and stroke his forehead (such actions will calm the pet, and he will be able to trust you).
• Take the baby in your arms and place it on a table or other stable, non-slip surface.
• Take a comb and begin to gently comb your pet in the direction of hair growth, continuing to talk to him calmly.
• It is advisable to use a special spray to facilitate combing, so that the coat is obedient, does not tangle and is not damaged.
• Smoothly comb your friend, starting from the back and gradually shifting to the sides.
• Sit on a chair and place the rabbit on your lap, paws up. Ask the assistant to comb the baby’s tummy, groin area, tail and armpits (over time, the pet will get used to such procedures and the need for an assistant will disappear).

If you see small tangles, sort them out with your fingers. Large mats of wool will help remove the mat cutter.

• To improve blood circulation, you can scratch your pet against the coat, and then along its growth. The main thing is to do it carefully and do not forget to calm the baby.

Decorative rabbits are naturally very clean, and they are excellent at taking care of their coats. If the owner properly cares for the rabbit and regularly cleans the cage, if the rabbit is healthy, then his coat looks well-groomed. If the baby is still dirty, try to remove the dirt locally: with a damp brush or napkin.

Remember that rabbits are bathed only in extreme cases. For example, if the wool is very dirty or if the rabbit has parasites. Bathing itself is a huge stress for a rodent. In addition, during washing, the sweat-fat layer is washed off and the work of the sebaceous glands is disrupted – hence dermatological problems.

If you do intend to bathe your pet, use a shampoo specially formulated for rabbits.

Pet grooming procedures should be carried out daily. This will reduce the risk of tangles and the accumulation of contaminants in them. Since grooming can be stressful for your pet, we recommend following these guidelines:

• Cage cleanliness and proper feeding.

Your long-haired handsome man’s cage should always be clean. Clean up leftover food and contaminated filler in a timely manner. Otherwise, all this will get tangled in a beautiful rabbit coat, and this is bad for both wool and skin.

The beauty of wool directly depends on proper feeding. When a rabbit has a balanced diet and the baby receives all the nutrients he needs, this is reflected in the coat: it is well-groomed, thick, shiny. By the way, while washing, rabbits lick and swallow the fallen hair, which causes the formation of hairballs – bezoars. If you feed the rabbit correctly and the main part of the diet is hay, then the swallowed wool is easily excreted from the stomach in a natural way.

• Groom your rabbit with a partner.

The companion will be able to hold and soothe the baby while you carry out the procedures. In addition, the partner will keep the rabbit and will not allow him to escape or bite you out of fear.

• Do not pull the tangles with a comb.

If during combing you stumble upon a matted ball of wool, then first disassemble it. Small balls can be removed by hand, while large ones should be carefully cut off.

• Wash your pet only when necessary.

Rabbits love to groom themselves and do not need frequent bathing. Bathe your pet if it is very dirty or, for example, infected with parasites. Be sure to choose a special shampoo for decorative rabbits.

• First remove the mats, and then put the baby in the water.

The mats can crumple even more when in contact with water. First comb your pet, and then arrange water procedures for him.

• Bathing your baby is safest in a basin.

In such a container, the rabbit will be calmer. Yes, and a jet of water will not be able to get into the ear and cause otitis media.

• It is better to dry the fur with a towel.

Of course, the easiest drying option is a hair dryer. But the animal may be frightened by the noise and try to escape. It is better to use several towels, changing them as they get wet.

• Seek help from a specialist.

Some rabbit owners are afraid to brush their fur or bathe the rabbit themselves. With questions about pet care, you can always contact your pet’s groomer or breeder. A veterinarian can also help with care.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions: no one will judge you for it. On the contrary, it will show your interest in your pet’s health and well-being.

Rabbits are very beautiful and funny creatures. By their very presence, they can lift your spirits and help you cope with stress. The best coin you can pay him with is the right care. By brushing your pet regularly, you make him even happier and establish a close relationship with him.