Rabbits usually bite when they are sick, scared or not used to being held. Rabbits, like any other pet, need regular grooming and health checks at the vet. If you want to clean your rabbit without getting bitten, here are some tips.

 

If possible, enlist the help of a second person. Although most rabbits groom their bodies and fur themselves to a certain extent, there are often some soiled areas that stick to the fur, especially around the anus. For these areas, the rabbit needs some assistance to prevent wounds from developing.

You should have all the utensils you need to wash your rabbit ready. This includes a flannel, a large bowl of warm water, pet shampoo and a soft towel.
You will also need thick gloves (work or garden gloves) that can withstand a rabbit bite and long clothing to protect your arms and legs.

Sit on the floor next to the rabbit cage, open the gate and wait for the rabbit to come to you. You can lure it in with a carrot. If the rabbit eats its carrot, grab it by the scruff of the neck and lift it up. The grip on the rabbit's neck will partially immobilise it, so it won't be able to bite you as long as you hold it there. It won't hurt the rabbit either. When lifting the rabbit, take hold of its hind legs and hold them firmly together so that it can't kick out.

While you are still holding the rabbit by the neck, your helper washes the rabbit's fur with the flannel, using soft, light strokes. Wet the flannel again and again. If you don't have a helper, hold the rabbit firmly by the neck with one hand and secure it to the floor with your body. Even if the rabbit kicks, you should not loosen your grip and continue washing it.

Wrap the wet, freshly washed rabbit in the towel, dry it and blow dry it with a hairdryer if necessary. Only return the clean rabbit to the cage once it has been cleaned so that it doesn't get dirty again straight away.