Important Tips for Safely Shearing Long-haired Rabbits

Important Considerations for Brushing Out Longhaired Rabbits

1. Avoid Brushing These Rabbits

When brushing out longhaired rabbits, it is crucial to exclude certain rabbits from the process. These include young rabbits, pregnant rabbits, lactating females, and males involved in breeding. Young rabbits have delicate skin, and brushing them can lead to skin tears or even be lifethreatening. Pregnant rabbits may suffer from miscarriage or stillbirth if brushed. Lactating females may experience a decrease in milk production. And breeding males may have severely compromised semen quality, leading to difficulties or failures in breeding. Therefore, pet owners should avoid brushing these rabbits.

2. Choose the Right Time for Brushing

Selecting the appropriate time for brushing is essential. Avoid brushing longhaired rabbits during hot weather, as they are sensitive to environmental changes. Brushing them in high temperatures can be extremely harmful. Ideally, summer brushing should be done in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler, or even during rainy days. In winter, ensure that brushing takes place in welllit areas with sunlight, and only remove the long fur while leaving the short fur to maintain the rabbit's insulation against the cold.

3. Promptly Address Any Skin Injuries

Accidents can happen during brushing, leading to skin tears. If this occurs, it is vital to treat the wound immediately. Use antiseptic solutions like iodine tincture or purple dye to prevent infection. Regularly inspect the wound and seek medical attention if it worsens.

4. Ensure Proper Nutrition

Longhaired rabbits require a substantial amount of energy for new fur growth. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with adequate nutrition before brushing. This includes adding proteins, minerals, and other trace elements to their diet. A lack of nutrition can result in slow fur growth, poor hair quality, and a lack of luster, affecting economic returns.

5. Maintain Hygiene and Cleanliness

After brushing, rabbits focus on regrowing their fur, which temporarily weakens their immune system. Good hygiene in the living environment is crucial to prevent infections. Ensure the rabbit's living area is clean, dry, and free from microorganisms.

Dr. Oxygen Pet Tips: When brushing rabbits, always wear disposable gloves and ensure your hands are disinfected. The same goes for grooming tools; they must be sanitized to prevent any potential harm.