Properly brushing a rabbit's fur contributes to a healthy and fluffy coat. Bunnies are cute and fuzzy, but those hairs can get out of control fast! If you have a new bunny, it's essential to learn how to brush it so that you can keep its fur from getting too matted.
Brushing a rabbit won't take so much of your time if you know how to do it correctly and if your bunny is comfortable.
Why Do We Need to Brush Our Rabbits?
Brushing a rabbit's coat is important because it helps to remove loose fur and keep their skin free of mats and tangles that can lead to skin irritation. If you don't brush your bunny regularly, they can develop health problems in their digestive system if they ingest so much hair.
How Often Do We Brush a Bunny?
Rabbit’s big shedding season happens twice a year. Brushing a rabbit depends on its breed and when it's time for heavy sheds. For example, Lionhead and French Angora rabbits must be brushed daily because they have thick and long fur, sometimes multiple times a day.
Other rabbit breeds that don't have thick fur will need brushing every 3-7 days and when the shedding is heavy, consider brushing them more often than every 3-7 days.
Some bunnies take a couple of weeks to fully shed, while some take only a few days. In both duration of shedding, it's vital to help your bunny groom to at least lessen the hair it is ingesting.
Important Reminders When Brushing Rabbit's Fur
Prepare the brushes needed in one palace or tray for easy access while holding your bunny. You don't want to stand every time you need something to finish the work, right? Preparing everything is convenient when you don't have another person to brush a fluffy bunny.
Keep your bunny calm first before proceeding to brush the fur. Again, bunny parent, don't forget the treats! That will keep everything in place, or should we shay the fluff on your lap?
If your bunny has calmed down, brush the fur in one direction; follow the pattern and don't brush in any direction you like. Avoid brushing your bunny harshly because it might escape. Give it a comfortable feeling so you can finish the process without a problem.
Remove and brush the fur using your hand after using a comb. The loose fur must be removed to ensure your bunny will not lick it.
How to Brush a Rabbit That Hates It?
Yes, some bunny parents experienced this situation. It's always an easy process with rabbits that don't want brushing. They will need a lot of petting. Here are tips that you can try:
Treats and brush. You must ensure that your bunny can see the brush you're holding. In this case, we'll be trying association. You will associate brushes with treats for your bunny. Slowly get the brush closer to the bunny, give it a treat, and repeat until it's more comfortable with the process.
Damp hand or cloth. No, you're not going to bathe your bunny. Use a damp cloth or your hand to pet your bunny to make the shedding fur easily stick to what you're using.
Types of Brush That You Can Try
Fine-toothed comb
Rubber brush
Glove Brush
The brush you use will depend on where your bunny is more tolerant. Some brushes like glove brushes and rubber brushes are suitable for removing surface coats and finer combs for undercoats.
Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits. We volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, did extensive pet product research, and asked experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Finals Thoughts on Properly Brushing a Bunny
Remember to not force your bunny with the process because it might worsen the behavior every time it needs brushing. Be patient; your bunny needs your help during shedding season because that's crucial for your bunny's health.
Visit us at HoppScotch.bun and follow our social media platforms (@hoppscotch.bun) to update you on new products, blogs, and exciting announcements.