Rabbit
Haven
Gig Harbor, WA
A shelter and sanctuary for unwanted and mistreated rabbits … until they all have homes.
GROOMING
SHEDDING
Rabbits shed every three months. Alternate shedding will be light and may not be that noticeable. You will not be able to miss the heavy shedding time.
Rabbits are fastidious groomers. They lick themselves like cats, and like cats can accumulate hairballs. Unlike cats, they can not vomit. Hairballs that are allowed to form mix with food and block the exit from the stomach. The rabbit may starve to death while his tummy looks very fat. Rabbits need weekly brushing to remove any loose hair and prevent matting. During heavy shedding you will need to brush daily. Some rabbits shed over a couple of weeks and others loose their entire old coat in just a day or two. These rabbits can not be neglected. A grooming glove, small toothed comb or a soft brush will help remove the shed hair.
Bald spots on rabbits are common while they are shedding; especially the ones who loose their coats all at once. These spots will grow in within a week or two.
NAILS
:Rabbit nails grow to be very long and sharp. Using a pair of dog nail trimmers, you can clip the nails to a proper length. On light colored nails, the quick (blood vein) is easy to see. Trim about one eighth of an inch beyond quick. Dark colored nails are harder to see. It is helpful to hold the rabbit’s foot up to a bright light.
People are often afraid to clip their rabbit’s nails for fear that they will cause the rabbit to bleed. If this happens, use Kwik Stop on the toe or apply pressure with a cotton ball until the bleeding stops. Be sure to remember that rabbits have a dewclaw higher up on their front legs. Their nails should be clipped about every 6 – 8 weeks. If you are not comfortable doing this yourself, your vet or Rabbit Haven can do this for you.
TEETH
:Rabbits teeth grow constantly. They must be checked periodically to ensure they are properly aligned and wearing evenly. Rabbits teeth that are improperly aligned will not wear down evenly causing the rabbit to have difficulty eating and possible starvation. If the teeth are not wearing properly they will need to be clipped. Your vet or Rabbit Haven can do this for you or show you how to do it. In any case it must be done. Drooling may be a sign of misalignment of the back teeth and should be examined by your vet.
ANGORA & OTHER LONG HAIRED RABBITS
:These types of rabbits are truly beautiful to look at but require a lot more attention. As a house pet, we recommend that you use scissors and trim the long fur to one inch or so. This keeps the rabbit cooler in the summer and helps prevent hairballs and mattes. A matted rabbit is not a pretty sight. They are not comfortable either.
|
Medical
The
New
|
Food/Diet Housing Rabbit Proofing Miscellaneous Grooming Behavior Toys Litter Box Health Checkups Medical Concerns Publications Veterinary Referrals