Dealing with matted fur

[Max-N-Ruby]

Hi! I am new here.  I have two Dutch rabbits, Max and Ruby.  I am having trouble with Max having matted fur.  What can I do for this?  I’ve been able to get a little bit unmatted by brushing it out and using my fingers.  I was wondering if there is some kind of solution I can use in addition to brushing?  Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Hi Max-n-Ruby! Welcome to binkybunny!!

Where abouts is the matt? Is it dirty at all? Usually it’s easiest to cut the matt out but you have to be very very careful that there is no skin stuck in the matt….so use clean sissors just in case and cut very slowly, small sections; Take your time. Bunnies have very stretchy skin so it could easily be in the matt, and if you make a little cut it can end up being a big cut in no time.

An alternative is bathing. You could try shampooing the area and combing from there. How bad is the matt? Keep us posted!!

And we’d love to see pics of Max and Ruby!

[KatnipCrzy]

sometimes bathing can make mats tighter- so try that as a last resort- as it will likely not make the bunny very happy and you still have the mat to deal with.  I always advise caution when using scissors on any mats- it is best to use either a mat rake

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3307+5+56+843&pcatid=843

Electric clippers are also a good tool – as you can get between a mat tight to the skin without cutting the skin. (like clippers dog groomers use)

IF you ever use scissors on any of your pets- I would strongly advise doing it while your vet it open!!  An accidental cut after hours can mean an emergency fee plus others fees (sedation, wound treatment, antibiotics, pain meds).  You would not believe how often people accidentaly cut their pets skin with scissors while grooming- even though they think they are being ultra careful- it still happens.  I have seen these type of visits cost easily 4 times what one professional grooming would have cost.

There are alot of different textures to fur- some short, some long, super fine, silky, soft, wavy, coarse- and they each responds to grooming and mat removal a little differently.

What type of bunny do you have?  What type of fur? where is the mat?  Is it related to shedding, the animal not grooming, or a messy bum?

Julie

[KatnipCrzy]

Sorry- I see that you mentioned it is a Dutch bunny- so a short haired soft bunny.  where is the mat and do you think it is from shedding?  or something else?

[Gravehearted]

yes – where is he matting? generally – mats are from the undercoat – but if he’s short haired it’s less common.

[Author]

Messages