Rabbit Nail Clipping and Grooming
Grooming is an important and regular part of rabbit care. It keeps your pet comfortable, happy and healthy.
Read more on nail clipping and general grooming to keep you rabbit looking and feeling their best!
❌ Bathing Your Rabbit
Do I need to bath my rabbit?
No - rabbits do not need baths and bathing them can actually be very stressful. Their fur is dense and takes a long time to dry, which can lead to chills or skin problems. Rabbits are very good at keeping themselves clean. Bathing can also strip the natural oils from their skin and cause dryness or irritation.
If your rabbit gets dirty, it’s better to spot clean with a damp cloth or use unscented, rabbit-safe wipes. Only a full bath should ever be used in rare cases where a vet recommends it.
✂️ Nail Clipping
Rabbits have four toes on their front feet and four on their hind feet, each ending in a nail that grows continuously throughout their life. Because of this, rabbits need regular nail trimming to prevent overgrowth, discomfort, or injury.
Each nail has a blood vessel called the "quick", which is pink or red. It’s easier to see on light-coloured nails, but the location is the same on darker nails. See a diagram below for guidance on where the quick is.
Rabbits should have their nails trimmed every few weeks or as needed. When the nail grows back, there will often be a slight indent where it was last trimmed, making future clipping easier.
If you’re nervous about trimming your rabbit’s nails, your vet or local rabbit rescue can provide guidance or demonstrate the correct technique.
🪮 Brushing and Coat Care
Regular brushing keeps your rabbit’s coat healthy, reduces shedding, and prevents hair from matting. Short-haired rabbits usually need brushing once a week, while long-haired breeds often need brushing several times a week.
Check your pet's fur over for any matt or tangles, and cut out gently with scissors if necessary.
Brushing is also a great opportunity to check for skin issues, parasites, or lumps.
👀 Checking Eyes, Ears and Fur
A quick weekly check helps you spot potential health problems early. Rabbits’ eyes should be clear, their ears clean and free of crusts, and their fur smooth and shiny.
Look for signs of discharge, bald patches, swelling, or parasites. Early detection can make a huge difference to your rabbit’s health and comfort.
Grooming Essentials
Featuring brushes, nail clippers, shampoos and more, it's the perfect way to give your small animal the spa-day they deserve. .
Improving the lives of guinea pigs and rabbits, one WHEEK at a time!
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