Shedding in Rabbits

While shedding in rabbits may be alarming for pet owners, it is actually a normal process for the species. A rabbit owner can ensure the health and happiness of his pet by regularly grooming it and being attentive to any changes in appetite or other abnormalities that it may experience.

  1. Normal Shedding

    • Every three months rabbits experience some fur loss, with every second shedding being particularly heavy. So extensive is their shedding, in fact, that rabbits change their entire fur coat every six months. As rabbits tend to constantly groom themselves, they inevitably swallow their fur along the way. Hair ingestion can be very dangerous to rabbits as they cannot vomit it out. This can cause choking and other digestive problems.

    Prevention of Fur Ingestion

    • Responsible rabbit owners groom their shedding rabbit on a daily basis to reduce the amount of fur the rabbit consumes. This is done by brushing the rabbit, or by the pet owner wetting her hands and running them over the rabbit's body. This allows excess hair to stick to the pet owner's hands, making it easy to dispose. In addition, providing the rabbit with a diet of hay, fresh greens and plenty of drinking water helps it extract any swallowed fur from its digestive system.

    Abnormal Shedding

    • At times, rabbits shed hair in large clumps which may leave bald spots. In a healthy rabbit, the fur normally grows back within a few days. When it does not, a veterinarian should be consulted. Crusty skin, dandruff and open sores also contribute to abnormal shedding in rabbits. These symptoms often indicate a greater underlining health issue.

    Causes of Abnormal Shedding

    • Parasites such as mange mites, fur mites and fleas often infest rabbits, causing crusty sores and itching. Rabbit-safe modern medications can easily solve this problem. Hair loss around the mouth is usually a result of dental problems. A molar spur or molar abscess causes excessive drooling, which ultimately results in fur loss. The rabbit may also reject his once favorite foods or refuse to drink. In these cases, a dental exam is required immediately. A urinary tract or bacterial infection may also be the root cause of abnormal shedding.