Grooming a Longhaired Bunny

Longhaired bunnies are undeniably adorable, but their luxurious coats demand attentive care to keep them happy and healthy. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into your home or you’re a seasoned rabbit owner, learning how to properly groom a long haired rabbit is essential for preventing tangles, matting, and hair-related health issues. Regular grooming not only supports good hygiene but also helps strengthen the bond you share with your pet. By incorporating proven techniques and tools, such as gentle combs designed for delicate fur, you can reduce stress for both you and your bunny. This article explores evidence-based best practices for coat care, including bathing tips, coat maintenance schedules, and how to monitor for common problems like fur block and skin irritation. With the right knowledge and a little patience, you’ll be well-equipped to help your longhaired companion look and feel their very best. Let’s get started now!

Have you recently adopted a longhaired rabbit, such as an Angora or a Lionhead? These super fluffy bunnies are of course super cute. However, your pet won’t be able to keep up with all that fur herself. You’ll need to groom her regularly. A vet offers some advice on this below.

Summer

In summer, you’ll need to be extra careful to keep your bunny dry and clean. Otherwise, she could develop flystrike, which is painful and dangerous, not to mention really gross. Check Floppy’s skin and coat daily. Your vet may also recommend a flystrike preventative. It’s also very important to make sure that your furry friend doesn’t overheat!

Molting

A few times a year, your rabbit will shed all of her old fur and grow in a new coat. This is called molting, as it’s a bit more intense than the shedding dogs and cats do. When learning to groom a long-haired rabbit, it’s important to recognize that these fluffy pets require more frequent care. Their long fur can easily mat and tangle if not regularly brushed and trimmed. If Floppy swallows her fur, she can’t vomit it back up the way a kitty could. Because of that, hairballs can cause very dangerous—and even life-threatening—intestinal blockages. Ask your vet for more information, including tips on hairball prevention and warning signs.

Tools

Be very careful when selecting Floppy’s beauty tools. Whether you opt for combs, a slicker brush, a mat rake, or another brush, it’s very important for you not to pull too hard. Bunnies have very delicate skin that rips easily. Generally, you’ll want to start with a wide-toothed comb or special mat comb. Then, finish up with a tool that has narrower teeth.

Problem Areas

To effectively groom a long-haired rabbit, pay special attention to areas prone to matting such as the ‘armpits’ and the spaces between their legs. These spots can develop dense mats that are uncomfortable for your rabbit. Consulting with your veterinarian is advisable; they might suggest clipping or shaving these areas to maintain your rabbit’s comfort and hygiene. Always seek tailored grooming advice to ensure you’re using safe techniques that won’t harm your pet.

Bathing

You should never bathe your rabbit. If Floppy ever gets something spilled on her fur, you can gently clean off the dirty area. One option is hold your bunny carefully and, if possible, submerge just the part or her that’s dirty into a tub or sink of lukewarm (not hot) water, and swish the water around. Never submerge your rabbit’s head or whole body. This is extremely scary for bunnies, and they can actually go into shock, which can be fatal.

Convin cing Floppy

Bunnies reactions and opinions on being groomed vary greatly. Some love it. Others? Not so much. Pick a time when Floppy feels relaxed. As you brush her, talk to her gently, and offer her treats and praise. Don’t try your pet’s patience with long sessions. About 10 or 15 minutes is fine.

How to Safely Groom Long-Haired Rabbits in 2025

How to handle the rabbit safely during grooming?

Bunnies thrive on gentle handling. Secure the chest and support the hindquarters, keeping legs firmly but gently in place. Use slow, careful movements when brushing or combing, and avoid pulling on tangled fur. Provide soft vocal reassurance and offer small treats to keep the rabbit relaxed. If mats need trimming, use blunt-tipped scissors or clippers while maintaining a calm environment. Avoid bathing the entire body, as immersion can cause shock. Sessions lasting 10 to 15 minutes help prevent overstimulation and reduce stress for both the rabbit and the person grooming them.

What are all the specific tools needed for different coat types?

Longhaired rabbits may require a wide-toothed comb or special mat comb to avoid pulling delicate skin, while a slicker brush can then be used to smooth out leftover tangles. A mat rake works well for thicker coats prone to dense clumps. Shorthaired bunnies typically benefit from a gentle bristle or rubber brush that collects loose fur. Always proceed with light pressure to protect sensitive areas. Regularly rotating among these specialized tools, depending on coat length and texture, promotes healthy fur and reduces the risk of uncomfortable matting and debris accumulation.

What are the specific challenges of each coat type?

Diverse coat types bring unique grooming concerns for rabbits. Short-haired breeds encounter minimal tangling but still risk fur ingestion during molting, which can cause harmful blockages. Their skin remains susceptible to irritation if brushing becomes too forceful, especially near armpits and between legs. Longhaired bunnies, such as Angoras and Lionheads, face frequent matting that requires consistent combing and occasional trimming. Their dense fur also increases flystrike vulnerability in warmer weather if moisture accumulates under the coat. Gentle handling, regular checks, and an appropriate brushing schedule help maintain a healthy coat for both long- and short-haired varieties.

What should owners look for when examining the feet and footpads?

When examining a rabbit’s feet and footpads, owners should watch for dryness, redness, or signs of soreness, particularly near the heel and toe area. Overgrown claws may cause discomfort or even wounds, so regular checks and careful trims support proper alignment. Any matted fur around the toes can trap moisture, risking infections and flystrike. Look for lumps, swelling, or discharge that might indicate underlying issues. If the skin appears cracked or irritated or if open wounds are seen, prompt veterinary attention is recommended. Thorough yet gentle inspection of each foot supports overall wellness.

What to do if accidental bleeding occurs during nail trimming?

Accidental bleeding during nail trimming often occurs when the sensitive quick is cut. Gently apply styptic powder or cornstarch to help control bleeding and maintain light pressure until the flow stops. If these measures fail or the wound persists, consult a veterinarian for further guidance. Keep the rabbit calm throughout the process to reduce stress and avoid additional injuries. Following the procedure, observe the nail for any signs of infection or prolonged irritation. Gradual, cautious trimming over time helps prevent future nicks and fosters a more comfortable grooming experience for both pet and handler.

Please contact us your local animal clinic in Fort Myers, FL for more information about rabbit care. We’re happy to help!