How do I know if my rabbit’s teeth are overgrown? A rabbit’s teeth are made to perpetually grow. A healthy rabbit will wear his/her teeth down by every day gnawing at food, toys, and other things in your home. When a rabbit’s front teeth do not meet each other properly, the result is called malocclusion.
The teeth will continue to grow without being worn down resulting in misalignment of the teeth or elongated roots on the bottom incisors which can start digging into the gums causing pain and swelling of the face. This condition needs immediate veterinary attention but can be resolved with regular chewing activities for your pet as well as proper diet supplementing with foods rich in calcium (rabbit feed pellets are usually deficient in calcium).
Providing your bunny with chewable toys, such as apple branches and other fibrous plants will help wear down those teeth. Your veterinarian can show you how to trim your rabbit’s teeth yourself if the condition persists.
How can I check my rabbit’s teeth?
Even if your rabbit has perfect teeth, it is a good idea to check its mouth regularly for signs of disease. With your rabbit sitting in front of you, open his/her mouth and look inside. A healthy tooth line should be white or greyish with no reddening or swelling around the gum tissue outside the teeth. Teeth that are overgrown will usually not meet properly and you may be able to see abnormally long roots on the molars.
How do I keep my rabbit’s teeth healthy?
A rabbit’s teeth are designed to perpetually grow, which can cause misalignment of the teeth or elongated roots on the bottom incisors which can start to dig into the gums causing pain and swelling of the face.
This condition needs immediate veterinary attention but can be resolved with regular chewing activities for your pet as well as proper diet supplementing with foods rich in calcium (rabbit feed pellets are usually deficient in calcium). Providing your bunny with chewable toys, such as apple branches and other fibrous plants will help wear down those teeth. Your veterinarian can show you how to trim your rabbit’s teeth yourself if the condition persists.
How do I know if my rabbits are in pain?
Signs of pain include a hunched-up appearance, unwillingness to move or jump, red/swollen areas on the face and neck, overgrown incisors, face rubbing, and lethargy.
How do I stop my rabbit from biting me?
Rabbits bite when they are in a fearful situation or simply feeling territorial. If you have a carrier for your pet, then it’s best to put him/her inside of it before attempting to pick up the rabbit. If you are comfortable with your rabbit, then give him/her treats to associate you with good things. However, if your bunny continues to bite, she will need professional training from a specialized rabbit veterinarian.
Your bun may benefit from having some human company too! It is not uncommon for rabbits to be left alone during the day or weekend when their owner is away. If your bunny does not have any other rabbit or human companionship, then you can try to spend some time with him/her during the workday by putting half of his/her cage in a quiet room. Your pet will also enjoy an aquarium-sized “cage” where he/she can hop around inside without feeling too confined.
If your rabbit is very anxious or aggressive, then you should consider a second bunny for him/her to play with during the day.
This will not only give your pet company but will also prevent chewing and urine marking behaviors in the house that are commonly seen when rabbits are left home alone too long!
How do I stop my rabbit from biting the cage bars?
Rabbits that live in cages will often bite onto the steel bars and chew them into an oblong shape. This is more than just a habit and can be a sign of misaligned teeth or other dental problems. If your bunny starts to chew on the bars, you should immediately provide him/her with an appropriate chew toy. If the chewing continues, then you should seek the advice of a specialist for your rabbit’s teeth or other underlying conditions. You can check your bunny’s mouth for overgrown teeth by opening his/her jaw and looking inside (please consult with your veterinarian before performing any examination on your pet).
How do I minimize my rabbit’s stress when I take him/her to the vet?
The veterinary office can be a scary place for your rabbit, who rarely experiences it. Use a carrier and put it in the back of the car where your bunny cannot see out or into other cars; then drive slowly and try not to make sudden stops. When at the clinic, you can let your pet sit out of the carrier and near you while waiting for the veterinarian. This way, he/she can see that you’re not leaving him there! The office staff should be able to show you how rabbits are handled safely during a check-up or procedure, too.
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