How to Clean Rabbit

Rabbits only require a little maintenance to keep them healthy and happy.

Keeping your rabbit clean is very important to your rabbit's health. Not only does this prevent the spreading of fur and skin conditions, as they are easily spotted and treated, but it also prevents the rabbit from becoming covered in dirt and germs that may cause infections or health problems. It is important to clean rabbits correctly, however, or you may cause injury or illness.

Things You'll Need

• Soft rabbit brush

Instructions

1. Trim your rabbit's claws every month. This is easy to do with nail clippers. Shine a light from the bottom of the nail up, and ensure you do not cut too close to the pink line, which is the nerve. You may need somebody else to hold your rabbit if it will not sit still.

2. Brush your rabbit with a rabbit brush regularly. This removes leaves, dirt and loose fur from the rabbit and provides you with an opportunity to check that it does not have any bald patches or skin conditions.

3. Check for fleas. These are quite small and dark brown in color. They live close to the rabbit's skin and move very fast. You can spot fleas by looking at the root of the hair and checking for specks of flea droppings. If you suspect your rabbit has fleas, treat it with a flea-removal treatment and buy a house treatment for rugs, carpets and bedding.

4. Monitor your rabbit's eyes and ears. Your rabbit may get sleep in its eyes, which you can gently wipe away, but neither the eyes or ears should produce discharge or look unclear. Make an appointment with your vet if you are unsure about the condition of your rabbit's eyes and ears.

5. Run a small amount of warm water into a container if you need to wash your rabbit. For healthy rabbits, this is not necessary, as the above steps and its own grooming will keep it clean. Use a gentle baby shampoo in the water and ask a helper to hold the rabbit so its back legs are in the water, with its front half being held. Gently wash the rabbit using your hands and then rinse with clean, warm water. Dry your rabbit with small towels.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find your rabbit has bald patches or a dandruff-like condition, it may have mites. Your veterinarian will be able to provide medication for this.

• Do not point a hair dryer at your rabbit, as this may burn its skin.

• Do not put your rabbit into water. Rabbits do not like being immersed in water, and they are likely to enter a state of shock, which may lead to fatality.

References

• "RSPCA Pet Guide - Care for your Rabbit; RSPCA; 2004."
• Animal Welfare Association : Rabbit Advice
• Fuzzy Rabbit FAQs