Decreasing brushing anxiety

[Nolan]

I am a new owner of two well-bonded six year old neutered male bunnies.  They are super sweet unless I am holding them or brushing them. They will go hide if I don’t hold them for brushing, so I generally sit on floor, and tuck their head under crook of my arm and hold their hocks with one hand to brush them. I’ve tried other holding positions, but this is the position where they are least likely to fuss. I’ve tried 5 different kinds of brushes to see if brush comfort was an issue. I offer them treats while they sit on my lap, but they will refuse to eat. I’ve tried different times of day to catch them in sleepier times or more active times. But it all comes down to same thing – they absolutely hate it, and will give me nips on my elbow to get away and thump when they do finally get away. They will be so stressed after a grooming session that they breathe heavily for 30-60 min after and refuse to eat. They need brushing about once a week, but I feel like the stress it causes them is hurting my relationship with them.

I’m willing to try almost anything help them feel less stressed about grooming sessions.  I’m considering things like CBD oil, valerian root, or sugar water.  Has anyone tried these methods?  Any other ideas?

[LBJ10]

I have never heard of these methods, so I’m not sure what they are supposed to do. They don’t sound appropriate for bunnies to me though.

What type of coat are we dealing with? I think that will help us give grooming tips. Depending in the fur type, you could try “plucking” to see if that at least helps you cut down the the amount of loose fur. Personally, I have been able to do this without any holding. But you might have to experiment. Have you tried “sitting” on them? I’ve had a lot of luck with that as well. You sit on your knees and then put bunny between your legs. Cross your feet so there isn’t a place to wiggle out in the back.

[Louiethebunny]

I would recommend Small Pet Select’s Zen Tranquility Blend. It’s a natural herb blend to calm rabbits down for nail clippings, the vet, etc.

[DanaNM]

Do they let you pet them while sitting on the ground? If so then I don’t think all these methods are necessary… you prob just need to find a different brush that doesn’t bother them. I don’t hold them, I just sit next to them on the ground. Whenever I’ve had buns that like petting, I’ve been able to find a brushing method that they will tolerate as well. Ones to try that are usually liked: glove type brushes, bristle brushes (usually use this first to kind of get them used to the brushing), sticky lint roller, kong groom zoom, and the fur buster comb, and hand plucking. Different buns are fine with different types!

For the scared buns that won’t let me pet them, I usually just pop them on the table on a towel and do a deeper grooming when needed. And give some treats during and after (but expect some foot thumps after).

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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