Effective Cleaning and Care Tips for Rabbit Ears

How to Properly Clean a Rabbit's Ears

1. Begin by gathering all the necessary cleaning tools, including a rabbitspecific ear cleanser, a soft towel, and some clean water.

2. Before you start cleaning your rabbit's ears, it's essential to help the rabbit relax. This can be achieved by offering some healthy snacks or engaging in play to distract and entertain them. Alternatively, wait until the rabbit is tired and has settled down to proceed with the cleaning.

3. Before applying the ear cleanser, gently stroke your rabbit and give a light massage to their ears to ease their alertness. Then, carefully place a few drops of the cleanser into one of your rabbit's ears. While holding the rabbit steady with one hand, use the other to massage the ear. Once the rabbit is aware of the cleanser, release them to shake their head, which will help to dislodge any softened earwax. Use a towel to wipe the ear clean.

4. Repeat the process for the other ear. Having someone assist you can make the task quicker and less stressful for the rabbit. After cleaning both ears, use a clean towel or paper towel to remove any remaining cleanser from around the ear edges and to clean off any earwax that has fallen onto the rabbit's body, ensuring they are completely tidy.

5. It's normal for rabbits to lower their ears and tuck them against their backs after cleaning, as they may feel a bit uncomfortable. However, if the ears remain down for 12 days after cleaning, it's wise to take your rabbit to a veterinarian for a checkup.

Additionally, here are some important points to consider when cleaning your rabbit's ears:

1. Preparing your rabbit for the cleaning process is crucial. The more relaxed your rabbit is, the easier the cleaning will be for you.

2. Regular ear cleaning is necessary as rabbits tend to produce earwax periodically. Generally, cleaning their ears once a month is sufficient. However, if your rabbit frequently scratches or shakes their head, it might indicate an ear infection, and you should consult a veterinarian promptly.

That concludes our tips from Oxygen Pet Doctor. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below! We hope this guide has been helpful to you.