Rabbit Grooming (Continued)

Trimming Nails - Your bunny’s nails grow continually. Domestic rabbit life does not offer enough digging to keep the nails trimmed naturally. Once a month or so the nails should be trimmed. Nails that are too long can catch on rugs or even grow into the rabbit’s foot. And being scratched by a rabbit's sharp nails is no fun.

Begin by laying your bunny on his back on your lap. Two people working together is best for nail trimming because it makes for less stress (for you and the bunny). For the first few sessions it is good to use a "Bunny Burrito" (fitting a towel around your bun to restrain all the paws except the one being trimmed). There is something about laying a bunny on his back that produces a mystical effect, for once your bunny relaxes in this position he will go into what seems like a trance (hopefully he will remain so until the nail trimming is complete). Do not become alarmed at the trance state - rabbits can sleep with their eyes open. Another trick to use if your bunny becomes too fidgety is to cover his eyes with your hand.

Use guillotine clippers (available at pet stores or online). Invest in a quality pair because the sharper the clippers the better. Be careful when clipping not to hit the “quick”, the pink area where the vein is located. For buns with dark nails use a small flashlight to get a clear view of the quick. If you do cut the quick, blood will flow freely. But do not panic and rush off to the Vet because all you need to do is put the bleeding paw into some flour or corn starch and the bleeding will stop.   You may want your rabbit-savvy Vet to do the first clipping so you can see how a    professional does it.

Examination- The rabbit grooming session is a great time to give your bunny the once over.
    Check his rear for sores or inflammation (you should be daily checking for smeared fecal matter);
    Check the ears for mites (tiny insects that burrow into the skin to feed on the blood), and for wax build up;
    Check fur for fleas (tiny, reddish, and mobile), or lice (tiny gray creatures who lay white eggs);
    Check teeth for sores or misalignment of bite (“malocclusion”) by gently holding the rabbit upside down;
    Check feet for sores;
    Check skeleton for any lumps that should not be there.

In other words, be like your Vet.

Conclusion

If your bunny fights too much and will not remain still for long periods, you may need to do the rabbit grooming session activities at different intervals - just so it is done on a regular basis. When the rabbit grooming session is over and you let your furry friend loose, he may kick up his foot, sound out a snort, and give you a “rabbitude” (sitting down with his body pointed away from you), but do not take it personally. Over the months and years your bunny will learn to value what your are doing for him. And be sure to give your precious companion a special treat at the end of each rabbit grooming session, along with much excited praise.
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