There’s a lot of confusion when it comes to rabbit and guinea pig grooming – and trust me, I’ve heard it all. Even well-meaning owners (and sometimes professionals!) often get conflicting advice. So let’s break down some of the most common myths I hear and set the record straight.
Myth 1: “If they run on concrete, their nails will wear down naturally.”
In theory? Sure, maybe a little. In practice? Not enough to skip trims. I visit rabbits and guinea pigs on all kinds of surfaces — concrete, carpet, grass, fleece — and honestly, I rarely see any major difference in nail length.
Nail trimming is still essential, no matter what floor they live on.
Myth 2: “They don’t need grooming.”
Some people are surprised to hear that rabbit and guinea pig grooming is even a thing. I’ve even had clients say their vet told them grooming isn’t needed! But in truth, all rabbits and guinea pigs need at least:
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Regular nail trims
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Occasional brushing, especially in moulting seasons
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And careful coat checks for mats or debris
Just because it’s not a full-on poodle blow-dry doesn’t mean grooming isn’t important.
Myth 3: “They should be bathed regularly, like dogs.”
Nope! This one’s actually dangerous. Rabbits should never be given a full body bath – it can cause shock, hypothermia, and even serious skin issues. It is much safer to bath guinea pigs and they can even benefit from it, but care needs to be made to make sure they are fully dried and don’t become ill from the cold.
So yes, this myth actually does us a favour by reminding us that rabbit and guinea pig grooming is not the same as dog grooming.
But it doesn’t mean no grooming – it just means a different kind of grooming.
Myth 4: “They’ll groom each other, so I don’t need to.”
Guinea pigs? Not so much. They usually mind their own business.
Rabbits? Yes, they do groom one another – but that can actually be risky. If they ingest too much fur (especially during moulting), it can lead to dangerous gut blockages.
So while it’s sweet to see them grooming each other, they still need your help.
Myth 5: “If they’re short-haired, brushing isn’t needed.”
Actually, even short-haired rabbits and guinea pigs benefit from brushing – particularly when they’re shedding or moulting. Brushing helps remove loose fur before it can be ingested, and gives you a chance to check for sore spots, parasites, or signs of illness.
Every coat type benefits from a bit of TLC.
Myth 6: “They’re too nervous to travel, so I’ll just skip the nail trim.”
This is one I hear a lot, and I get it – small pets can be sensitive to travel. But skipping grooming altogether can lead to overgrown nails, posture problems, and even injuries.
Fortunately, many groomers (like me!) offer mobile rabbit and guinea pig grooming, so you don’t even have to leave the house.
And if travel is needed, there are lots of ways to make it stress-free – I’ll be sharing tips on that in an upcoming blog.
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The truth?
Rabbit and guinea pig grooming is a vital part of keeping your pets healthy, happy, and comfortable. It’s not about fancy bows and bubbles – it’s about prevention, welfare, and spotting issues before they become problems.
If you’d like to learn more or book a gentle grooming session, you can check out what I offer here.
