Nail Clipping

Since house rabbits are not able to dig and wear down their nails inside your home, their nails will invariably grow much too long. Keeping your bun’s nails at an appropriate length is essential. Long nails may curl into your rabbit’s foot, or they may snag on something and get ripped off or cause great discomfort to your pet. Clipping your rabbit’s nails may seem a daunting task. And many rabbit owners elect to let their veterinarian handle it. Frequent vet visits can get expensive. Often vets will show you how to clip your pet's nails if you ask them.

We do offer nail trimming services. Check our out rabbit shop for more information.
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If you're going to do it yourself a few things we recommend:

• It is easier to trim your rabbit’s nails quickly and effectively when the rabbit is properly restrained. We burrito wrap our bunnies when we trim their nails. Even our most tolerant bunnies, just to keep them safe.
• If possible, ask someone to assist you and then wrap your bunny in a towel to reduce movement and to isolate each paw.
• Have on hand: A small nail clippers that work well. A flashlight if your bun has dark nails. Styptic Powder if you accidently clip their nail too short and cause bleeding.

Examine the claw to locate the vein inside the nail. This vein is called the quick, and you should avoid cutting it. Cutting into the quick will cause your pet to experience some pain, and they will bleed. Some rabbits’ nails are quite dark, so you will need to use your small flashlight or light to see it. If you do accidentally trim the nails too short (it happens!), use flour or styptic powder to stop the bleeding.
Some bunnies are startled by the sound of clipping, it also can feel weird to them. In these situations, you may consider simply filing the nails down, but this may be a longer process if your rabbit’s nails are quite long.

Teeth

You should check your bunny’s teeth about once a week. Their front teeth, two on top and two on the bottom right in the front are called incisors. It’s important that the top teeth slightly overlap the bottom teeth. This ensures that their teeth properly grind down as they eat and chew. There’s a genetic issue called malocclusion, where the teeth don’t properly align and can cause issues if they overgrow. This issue is easy to spot before 6 months of age. Also checking to make sure the gums are pink and healthy rather than purple or bright red. Behind the incisors are two small peg like teeth Calle auxiliary incisors. These rarely cause problems.

The cheek teeth, molars, are far back in the mouth and not easy to check unless you’re experienced or have a vet look.
Rabbits should have once a year check ups, in which vets can do a dental exam.
Offering unlimited hay and safe chew items are essential to your rabbits overall health but specifically their teeth health.

Handling Your Rabbit

It’s important to hold your bunny safely and in a way that helps them feel secure. You can pick them up with both hands around the belly firmly. And hold them close to your body.

It’s also important to not pick them up by the scruff of their neck, by their ears, feet or upper body, since this can harm them and even cause them pain.