Rabbit Grooming Guide

Routine coat care

Most rabbits^★ groom themselves, but owners still need to monitor coat condition and help when necessary. PDSA notes that regular brushing can help maintain healthy coats, with long-haired rabbits often needing much more frequent grooming, especially during moulting. Use a gentle approach and choose grooming equipment appropriate to the rabbit's coat rather than pulling through knots.

Hygiene and flystrike awareness

Hygiene is especially important around the rear of the rabbit. RSPCA advises checking the bottom and tail area every day to make sure they are clean, while PDSA highlights the serious risk of flystrike when flies lay eggs on dirty fur. A rabbit with persistent soiling, diarrhoea, reduced mobility or difficulty keeping itself clean may have an underlying health problem. Cleaning the living area and seeking veterinary advice when hygiene changes are unexplained are important parts of prevention.

When veterinary help is needed

Grooming should be calm and should never involve rough restraint. Check the skin for redness, wounds, parasites, mats or unusual lumps and discuss anything concerning with a vet. Teeth and nails should also be monitored, but overgrown or misaligned teeth require veterinary treatment rather than home trimming. Grooming is therefore both a coat-care routine and a useful opportunity for regular health observation.