Prepare by sharing health, mobility, diet, medication, coat and handling information; keeping the rabbit in a secure familiar enclosure; maintaining normal access to hay and water; and preparing a quiet, cool, non-slip handover area. Do not bathe, fast or forcefully remove mats before the appointment.
Rabbit preparation must be different from dog or cat preparation.
Rabbit grooming checklist
When booking
- Confirm the exact coat or nail concern.
- Share breed and coat length.
- Report mats, shedding and soiling.
- Disclose medical conditions and medication.
- Report appetite and droppings.
- Explain handling history.
- Send photographs.
On appointment day
- Keep normal access to hay and water.
- Keep the rabbit secure.
- Use a quiet cool area.
- Prepare a non-slip surface if requested.
- Separate other pets.
- Report new illness or behaviour changes.
- Keep the owner reachable.
Do not fast a rabbit
Rabbits need normal access to food, especially hay.
Do not withhold food before routine grooming unless a rabbit-savvy veterinarian has given a specific medical instruction.
Reduced appetite before an appointment is a medical warning sign.
Share health information
Tell the provider about:
- age;
- medication;
- dental problems;
- arthritis;
- mobility;
- previous surgery;
- breathing or heart concerns;
- urine or faecal soiling;
- wounds;
- appetite;
- and droppings.
A dirty bottom, reduced eating or fewer droppings may require a veterinarian before grooming.
Prepare the coat without causing pain
Routine gentle brushing is reasonable when the rabbit accepts it.
Do not:
- pull tight mats;
- use scissors;
- bathe the rabbit;
- apply flea products;
- or hide severe soiling.
Send clear photos and allow the provider to assess the safest option.
Create a quiet and cool environment
Rabbits can become stressed by:
- loud noise;
- heat;
- dogs or cats;
- unfamiliar people;
- and excessive handling.
Prepare a calm secure handover area away from direct sun and household traffic.
Safe handling and carrier considerations
The body and hindquarters must be supported.
Do not trance the rabbit.
Follow the provider’s carrier or handover instructions. Keep doors and gates secure.
Medical warning signs
Contact a rabbit-savvy veterinarian before routine grooming for:
- reduced appetite;
- fewer droppings;
- diarrhoea;
- breathing difficulty;
- severe weakness;
- wounds;
- urine scald;
- flystrike risk;
- severe pain;
- or a major behaviour change.
Grooming should not delay medical care.
Confirm the service scope
Explain whether the priority is:
- loose-fur removal;
- daily-coat maintenance support;
- mat assessment;
- nail care;
- hygiene observation;
- or a maintained shorter coat.
The provider may reduce the service when the rabbit is distressed.
SMS mobile rabbit grooming
SMS Pet Grooming provides Basic and Full rabbit grooming at the customer’s Dubai home.
Review the current packages on the rabbit grooming page and explain health, coat and handling details before confirming.
Related grooming guides
Frequently asked questions
Should a rabbit be fasted before grooming?
No. Maintain normal access to hay and water unless a veterinarian directs otherwise.
Should I bathe the rabbit first?
No. Routine full-water bathing is discouraged.
Can I remove mats before the appointment?
Only manage loose coat gently. Do not force tight mats or use scissors.
Should the rabbit be brought in a carrier?
Follow the provider’s handover instructions. A secure familiar carrier may be useful.
What if the rabbit has a dirty bottom?
Persistent soiling may be medical. Contact a rabbit-savvy veterinarian.
