27/01/2024
Rabbits can die if groomed incorrectly - 4 rabbit deaths through grooming were reported in December in a grooming Facebook group amongst dog groomers.
Rabbits are a whole different ball game when it comes to grooming. A bath and blowdry that a trained dog groomer would give to a dog could kill a rabbit. ๐โ ๏ธ
A simple google on how to trim a rabbit's nails can easily lead to dangerous and inhumane restraining practises, despite being posted with intentions to help people and their rabbits. When I googled rabbit courses only last year, the first thing I came to was recommending 'trancing', which places rabbits on their back, putting them in a state of fear that can be fatal. ๐ฌ๐ฐ
Being prey animals, a very different approach is needed to handling. If you have rabbits, you will know how different they are to dogs in many ways (but just as great!) although their need for nail trims, brushing and sometimes even haircuts can be just as regular. โ๏ธ๐
Don't be afraid to ask your rabbit groomer what handling techniques they use, whether they 'trance', what their experience is and even how they can ensure your rabbit is kept away from dogs and cats in a grooming environment. โฎ๏ธ
Qualifications for rabbit grooming are near enough non-existent (something I hope to change one day), so experience and understanding in rabbit behaviour is a must. That being said, myself and only one other groomer in the UK are currently on the directory of groomers for rabbits https://furrytailspress.com/directory-of-groomers after undertaking training with Ceritifed Rabbit Groomer Anjie Coates. ๐๐ฐ
I've always had a way with little critters since having my first rabbit, Pepper, at 4 years old, and have been called 'the little critter whisperer'! ๐น๐๐ญ๐ฐ
Many people don't know where to go for rabbit grooming so don't forget to add a review for me on Facebook to help spread the word or simply share the importance of finding the right groomer to your rabbit owning friends. ๐๐ฃ Many of you do already, and little critter owners and I are very grateful ๐