Mini Lop Rabbit Coat Care Instructions

The mini lop rabbit weighs only 3 lb. when fully grown. It is the smallest of all the lop breeds. They are a popular pet because of their loving disposition. The rabbit adores being held and attaches deeply to its owner. It is a highly intelligent rabbit that makes an excellent house pet because it is easy to house-train. Mini lop rabbits sport two tiny ears that flop on either side of the head. Their coat is easy to maintain and care for. In America, the mini lop is commonly called the Holland mini lop.

  1. Brushing

    • Brush the mini lop once every other day gently. The mini lop tends to adore being groomed, and grooming is an excellent bonding experience. Gently work the brush through the fur on the head, and work your way toward the mini lop's rump. Remember to groom the tummy area and under the armpits where the fur of the mini lop often rubs. Use a soft-bristle brush for daily grooming.

    Shedding

    • Groom the mini lop heavily as it grows because its baby coat will be replaced quickly by an an adult coat. The mini lop molts out the baby fur in large clumps. It is best to use a metal comb or metal brush to remove the molting hair. During this time period, brush the mini lop daily. It is important to keep the mini lop's molting fur brushed out, or the rabbit could consume the fur trying to groom itself. Mini lops can easily die from consumed hair because it forms an intestinal blockage that may require immediate surgery. Mini lops continue to molt in adulthood once a year. The molt normally occurs in July. So be prepared for daily brushing during the molt.

    Mini Lionhead Lop

    • If you have a mini lionhead lop, brush the rabbit daily. The mini lionhead lop is the same as any other mini lop except that it sports a lush and full mane that resembles a lion's mane. The hair around its ears and head requires a quick daily brushing to maintain and keep it free of knots. A steel comb works well for the mini lionhead lop. Keep all wood shavings brushed out of the abundant mane.

    Fleas

    • Watch for infestations of fleas in the mini lop's coat. Fleas tend to congregate around the rabbit's ears. Mini lops often become infected with fleas from cats. Purchase a topical monthly flea treatment from your veterinarian, and apply it to the back of the rabbit between the shoulder blades. Most of these treatments last for 30 days; then reapplication may be needed. Wash all bedding at the time of treatment to remove stray fleas.

    Mites

    • Excessive scratching, head shaking and fur loss might indicate a mite infestation. Mites are very serious in mini lops because they invade the ear and can pose a serious infection risk. Mites in the fur can be treated with an on-the-spot topical treatment that you can purchase from your veterinarian, but an infestation of mites in a rabbit's ears requires a rigid course of treatment from a veterinarian.

    Fur Stains

    • Remove grass and food stains from the mini lop's coat by using hydrogen peroxide. Gently dab the stain with a cotton ball dipped in hydrogen peroxide to remove any marks from the mini lop's fur easily.