Have you rece ntly adopted a longhaired rabbit, such as an Angora? If so, you have a truly adorable pet. These super fluffy bunnies are almost impossibly cute. However, Floppy won’t be able to keep up with all that fur herself. You’ll need to groom your pet regularly. A vet offers some advice on this below.

Summer

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

Molting

A few times a year, your cute pet will shed her old fur and grow in a new coat. This is called molting, as it’s a bit more intense than the type of shedding you see in most dogs and cats. Grooming Floppy daily is especially crucial at these times. If she swallows her fur, she can’t vomit it back up the way a kitty could. That means those hairballs can cause dangerous—and even life-threatening—intestinal blockages. Ask your vet for more information.

To  ols

When selecting tools, don’t get anything sharp! Whether you opt for combs, a slicker brush, a mat rake, or another brush, be very, very careful not to pull too hard. Bunnies have very delicate skin that rips easily. Generally, you’ll want to start with a wide-toothed comb or special mat comb. Gently remove mats and dead fur. Then, finish up with a tool that has narrower teeth.

Problem Areas

With longhaired bunnies, their ‘armpits’ and the spots between their legs often get the most matted. Your veterinarian may recommend clipping or even shaving these trouble areas. Ask for specific advice.

Bathing

You should never bathe your rabbit. If Floppy gets something spilled on her fur, you can gently clean off the dirty area. One option is hold your bunny carefully and, if possible, submerge only the part of her that’s dirty into a tub or sink of lukewarm water, and swish the water around. Never submerge your pet’s head or whole body. This is extremely scary for bunnies, and they can actually go into shock from the experience.

Convincing Floppy

Bunnies vary greatly in how they react to being groomed. Some enjoy their beauty sessions. Others? Not so much. Pick a time when Floppy feels relaxed. 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 fine.

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