In pathological conditions, the rabbits fur will likely fall out in patches, often with skin showing. This is because tropical rat mites permanently reside on a primary host, which is often rats and sometimes pigeons. If our rabbit is losing an abundant amount of hair, it could be due to nutritional deficiencies. We should put their diet under review to ensure it is optimal for our specific rabbit. Rabbits are very sensitive creatures and can get easily stressed out by changes in their environment or routine. Bunnies also tend to over-groom when bored, so you keep yours occupied and interested in something else. If you think your rabbit may have this condition, its important to take them to the vet right away. It is often accompanied by dental problems and manifests how cold affects humans. Even with a skin Another possible reason for hair loss in rabbits is parasites, such as mites or fleas. Therefore, even the It is usually classified by the presence of dandruff-like flaking on the fur. As rabbits are becoming ever more popular pets, we are able to better understand their grooming needs and how to meet them. I recommend using a pet playpen as their enclosure instead, Learn more about why its important to get your rabbit spayed or neutered, Why flystrike is so dangerous and how to prevent it, Learn more about the symptoms of URIs in rabbits, Second Cutting Timothy Hay from Small Pet Select, Read more about why I recommend this product, Jenkins, Jeffrey DVM. Some rabbits simply shed more than others. Rabbits are very sensitive animals, and even small changes in their environment or routine can cause them stress. These pests can cause irritation and itching, leading the rabbit to groom more and pull out their own fur. If the molting process occurs normally, all areas will regrow fur as the shed hair falls out. If you suspect your rabbits fur loss is associated with an underlying health condition, proper treatment can be highly beneficial. (sore hock) is common in rabbits that have been housed on wire flooring, or Wet fur and skin can cause a lot of irritation and itchiness, which will result in fur loss, rashes, or sores. Its caused by the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei and other species of Sarcoptes. For example, a lack of vitamin A can lead to dry/brittle fur and hair loss. They also fight for dominance. These treatments kill parasites rapidly, leaving your rabbits itch-free and symptom-free, thus healing the cause of fur loss. The skin underneath should not be red or inflamed, and the new fur should start to grow back within a couple of days. While it is normal to see your bunny grooming itself, you should also watch out if it becomes too much. Rabbits often moult in big tufts but should not go bald. If your rabbit has parasite infestation, he may feel itchy and start to scratches off his fur. Dental problems are one of the most common reasons for rabbits to lose fur around their mouths. A lack of dietary fiber might lead to a rabbit pulling their fur out. parasitivorax, lead to more subtle symptoms than those of ear canker or I am a lifelong rabbit lover and have been specializing with rabbits at my local animal shelter. Some causes of alopecia in rabbits are perfectly natural, but some are not, and require treatment. What I did was to was sit her in a bowl with warm water and a mild (very mild) solution of Dettol and washing-up liquid and washed out/got rid of the lavae and worms, then changed the water 3 times while rinsing her and then finally drying her. Stress Induced Acral Lick Dermatitis in a Domestic Rabbit: A Case Report. With their teeth in the way, they may end up developing urine scalding. Your vet may not be Finally, diet can also play a role in hair loss. Rabbits can develop alopecia due to many environmental factors and stress, but medical reasons are also possible causes. (Albinism). Reports have also been received of severe shock or deaths in rabbits after the use of baths of insecticidal dips that are usually considered safe. Provide a small space in their hutch where they can hide when they feel insecure. We discuss these in the sections below. Its also helpful to have your rabbits have large running spaces so that the rabbit getting groomed can keep away from the groomer if needed. Your vet may also prescribe painkillers to relieve pain and irritation. For this reason, AnimalWised looks at why my rabbit is losing fur. When a rabbit molts, the loss of fur will be generalized and fall evenly over the whole body. Parasite infestation can be caused by fleas, lice, mange lice, fur mites, mites causing ear canker, and fungus (ringworm). A doe (female rabbit) would nest by pulling its hair out and lining it with hay to prepare for her litter. This article is purely informative. Fur mites or Cheyletiella If your rabbits are fighting, make sure theyre all spayed and neutered. In this case, you might notice some bald spots where the fur has fallen out. Mites will also cause crusts to form around these same areas. When female rabbits are pregnant, they will pluck their fur from their dewlap, chest, and forelegs to use as a lining for a nest. Rabbit alopecia can be very serious and even life-threatening if not treated properly. These viruses can cause rabbits to develop sores or scabs on their skin, which can then lead to hair loss. If you notice these symptoms when your rabbit is losing excessive fur or has bald patches, its best to see a rabbit veterinarian for more guidance: Sometimes the reason your rabbit is losing fur will be obvious. However, it can be an indication of mites, fleas, ringworm, anxiety, an infection, or other skin conditions if the hair loss occurs as balding patches or with inflamed skin. So you might notice this even if you have a single female rabbit who could not possibly be having babies. Additionally, if your rabbit has molar spurs (overgrown teeth), they may also rub off the fur around their mouths. The treatment will be vastly different depending on the ultimate cause of the hair loss, so its best to see someone who will help you make the right treatment decisions. Raccoon eyes can also develop due to a losing fur around the eyes. These can grow out of control, and impinge on the pluck ducts. 3. that have never been caged. They will also likely instate a deworming and/ or vaccination schedule if one has not already been introduced. Food is a basic pillar of all animal health. Regardless, providing adequate bedding can minimize this behavior. This could be caused by stress or being mounted by another rabbit, even a doe. If you think stress may be causing your rabbits fur loss, try making some changes to their environment (such as adding hiding places) or routine (such as providing more attention and interaction) and see if that helps improve the situation. Fur-plucking in the neck or dewlap, belly, and leg areas occurs in pregnant females who are close to delivery, to line their nest. However, many of the wounds will be caused by the animal scratching themselves out of frustration. If rabbits didnt grow up together, it would take time to bond and get accustomed to each other. This is especially common among rabbits with a large dewlap (what is a dewlap?). infection your rabbit is suffering from. This leads to urine being absorbed by its skin and fur. Rabbits can lose patches of fur due to a wide variety of reasons. If youre used to caring for a pet cat or dog, it may seem like an excessive amount and have you worried your rabbit is losing too much fur. the condition. selamectin may alleviate physical and behavioral issues. 2. A greater hair shedding can usually be observed twice a year when the coat's renewal is complete. In normal shedding, this should be a An overweight rabbit might be too large to scratch themselves properly, something which can lead to a rabbit barbering out of frustration. Hi, Everybody! If youve recently introduced a new pet into the home, moved house or made any other big changes, this could be causing your rabbit to lose its fur. Some of these conditions can even be contagious to other species. Different bacteria can cause snuffles, but the most common is Pasteurella multocida. (2022). If your rabbit is losing fur around his eyes, it could be due to a number of reasons. One effective treatment might be fluoxetine which works as an antidepressant[3], but it will need to be administered under the auspices of a qualified veterinarian and improving their environment is also an important factor. The molting or shedding season can last between two and six weeks. Another possible cause of hair loss is stress. If you are concerned about your pets health, please contact your vet directly. the underside of the foot and apply a padded wrap for 1-2 weeks to help treat You can use the button below to see some of the best options for buying hair brushes for rabbits: A female rabbit losing fur might have some specific health issues which are related to alopecia (hair loss). of a vital structural component of fungal cell walls, called chitin. Like humans, rabbits could also get bacterial infections that affect the urinary tract (kidneys and bladders). in clumps, resulting in bald patches. This makes the wet areas sore and itchy, causing the fur to fall out. Does can also pull hormones from other pregnant female rabbits and have a false pregnancy, otherwise known as a phantom pregnancy. twisting of the head (torticollis). Once you've done a thorough brushing, pet your rabbit with a few long strokes down their back. This is a group of skin diseases that can be caused by allergies, infections, or other underlying medical conditions. critical that you avoid diagnosing or treating any parasite infestation on your If you want to either treat a rabbit which is already stressed or reduce the chances of becoming stressed in the first place, you should consider the following: If a rabbit has been stressed to the point where they have removed hair from their body in clumps or patches, then they should be take to the vet for assessment. When you have more than one rabbit living together as a pair, one of them might be overgrooming the other rabbit, causing patches of hair loss (especially around the ears and eyes). Here are a few reasons why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur and what you can do about it. By themselves, fleas dont cause much fur loss, but they can cause your rabbit to itch excessively, eventually causing bald patches. Other Causes of Hair Loss in Lionhead Rabbits. How noticeable is the fur loss depends on the type of rabbit as some longhaired rabbits might seem as if they have an abundant amount, but we can see patches missing if we part their fur. A false pregnancy will make your doe pull out its fur to nest even though no babies are coming. Important: These are Affiliate links. This will typically last for a couple of weeks each time. There are no recognized hairless rabbit breeds, but if the genetic discrepancies can be addressed, then it is possible such a breed may exist in the future. Bunnies can get bacterial infections in places not related to the urinary tract. Your vet will be able to recommend a nutritious diet for your rabbit. Take action when you notice that your bunnys front teeth are noticeably sticking out. If a rabbit is suffering from a particular nutritional deficiency, it can affect them in different ways. Allergies: Like humans, rabbits can suffer from allergies to pollen, dust, dander, certain foods, etc. As the infestation progresses, Check out the store for T-shirts, face masks, mugs, sweat shirts and more! There are many potential reasons why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur. Your vet will be able to accurately diagnose the problem and help your rabbit recover. In some cases, increasing your rabbits quality of life will help them recover and regrow their fur quickly, but in other cases, it will require professional diagnosis and medication. This causes pain and severe discomfort. They might likely engage in a vicious fight, tearing off fur from their skin and leaving bald patches. Its an area that tends to get worn away and causes inflammation, especially as rabbits age. If your rabbit is losing fur around their mouth, its important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. 2023 RabbitCareTips.com. Tropical rat mite (2010). This did the trick. Learn more about common but subtle symptoms of illness in rabbits. Rabbits lose fur for a variety of reasons, both physical and psychological. Stress: Rabbits are very sensitive animals and any type of stress can lead to health problems, including hair loss. Also, dental problems can cause drooling and teary eyes, and wet patches around the mouth, chin, and eyes. An eye infection, respiratory condition or blocked tear duct may be causing this. Fur that is wet for long periods of time can eventually lead to hair loss. Brush off excess fur with your hands. 5. Rabbits housed in warm, humid climates are more prone to Your email address will not be published. You need to become more attentive to its behaviors to decipher what the cause could be. A normal rabbit will shed its fur every three months. So if youre reading this because youre worried about the amount of fur your rabbit is losing, my guess is that you have nothing to worry about. Symptoms may progress suddenly or slowly. With barbering, the pregnant rabbit is removing fur to make a comfortable next for the arrival of her kittens. culture/sensitivity testing and appropriate antibiotics. If you are new to caring for rabbits, check out the Bunny Lady bimonthly newsletter. Saliva burn is caused by dental problems in rabbits. So you might also see scratch marks on the skin, typically around the ears. Though fairly uncommon in rabbits, the burrowing mange mite can lead to extremely uncomfortable and painful itching, which can further lead to severe hair loss. Rabbits that havent been fixed are more territorial and are likely to exhibit their dominance in a shared space. 2. This is called urine scalding, and if it isnt treated, it can lead to a skin infection. https://doi.org/10.1080/10495398.2021.1895186, 2. Urine scalding will often happen as a result of an unclean living environment. This is when a rabbit is drooling, causing the area under their chin to be wet all the time. If you need to know how to tell if your rabbit is getting old, there are some obvious signs. Your rabbit has a fungal infection such as ringworm 6. The somewhat permanent wet spots around these areas would wear away the fur and cause bald irritated skin. In addition, some medications used to treat hormonal imbalances (e.g., birth control pills) may also contribute to hair loss side effects.. A number of things could be causing your rabbit to lose fur, including poor nutrition, parasites, allergies, and stress. However, if the rabbit cannot swallow, it could be related to other problems such as inflammation in the throat. Fur will naturally grow back as the infection works its way out and out in a circle; hence ringworm. One major symptom of stress in rabbits is hair loss which can affect certain parts of the rabbit. However, this can also happen if rabbits get wet in other areas too. Rabbits may shed differently depending on the amount of natural light in their environment. Disease and infections can also lead to patchy hair loss in rabbits, but theyre always accompanied by other visible symptoms, such as crustiness, itchiness, redness, and sores. When moisture from humidity or rain accumulates in fur the rabbit cannot easily reach (especially around the backend, the tail/back of the thighs), the fur becomes smelly, friable and severely prone to flystrike. Right after you sign up, youll receive a FREE pdf rabbit care guidebook. Keep your rabbit comfortable while your veterinarian finds the cause of urine Bacterial or fungal infection: If your rabbit has a bacterial or fungal infection, it can cause them to lose patches of fur. Its also pretty standard for rabbits to have a somewhat shaggy appearance when they are shedding. caused by many different kinds of mites that affect rabbits, including: Fortunately, parasitic infestations can be treated with modern medications that are safe for lagomorphs. In the meantime, here are some possible causes of hair loss . The consequence is that that may cause the fur to fall out. The freezing recommendation for any rabbit supplies is an excellent place to begin as is the use of fragrance-free laundry products for any washable rabbit bedding. One potential cause of a rabbit losing patches of fur is overgrooming. Irritated or reddened eyes. 5. If the rabbit licks themselves continuously, they can ingest a large amount of hair, something particularly common in longhaired rabbits. Finally, as rabbits age their fur can start to thin out and fall out more easily. Ordinarily, healthy rabbits do not drool at all. Effects of lighting source as an environmental strategy for heat stress amelioration in growing Californian rabbits during summer season. Total hair loss will never occur in a healthy rabbit. When a rabbit has been eating improperly for too long, then it is possible they have other dietary related problems such as obesity. Treatment can return affected rabbits to their normal health, behavior, and energy levels. Spaying and neutering are also important for your rabbits health and longevity. We may also be able to see clumps of fur in their hutch or other places they frequent. If you notice that your pet bunny is suddenly covered in bald patches, this may be because it is shedding excessively. It is relatively rare to find a completely hairless rabbit. Your rabbit may lose fur If you are purchasing anything fromSmall Pet Selectuse the codeBUNNYLADYat checkout to get 15% off your first order. 4. Illustrations by Samantha Elmhurst. Fur loss on the around the mouth and the chin can be treated by solving the underlying dental issue. My Rabbit Is Losing Fur - Alopecia in Rabbits, Why is My Dog Losing Hair? Their ever-growing teeth could become a problem if they dont get enough roughages or fiber to nib on since rabbits often groom themselves. consistent process. Other signs include runny eyes, difficult breathing, coughing, sneezing, etc. the best possible treatment. The itching caused by fur mites is also not as severe as other The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals. As a result, malnourishment can also lead to hair loss in rabbits. The flaked fur will eventually fall off if not treated in time, leaving behind bald skin. Many rabbit owners have noticed their rabbits shedding more fur than usual and wonder if something is wrong. able to find anything thats obviously wrong, however, treatment with Follow the Bunny Lady and her bunny partner Elusive and they seek to educate rabbit caretakers and make sure everyone is able to have a happy and healthy bunny in their home. Therefore, it is If you think this might be the case, try switching to hypoallergenic products and see if the problem clears up. Getting your rabbit spayed should solve this behavior. One common reason for hair loss in rabbits is due to moulting. Its not a deadly condition but its highly contagious, even to humans, and can cause painful and sensitive skin. If the infection has penetrated the bone and only one foot is 1. Daily brushing is advised during this time. 6. Arthritis: Arthritis is a common condition in older rabbits and can cause them to lose patches of fur due to pain and inflammation. Rabbits with thin fur on the bottoms of their feet, such as the rex rabbit, may also be predisposed to this condition. Fungal infections in Even pseudopregnant females sometimes pluck in . If your vet suspects that your rabbits fur loss may be associated with a hormonal imbalance, he may order a blood sample for an analysis of your rabbits endocrine systems, such as its thyroid function. Even though dental problems, such as molar spurs, can occur in any rabbit, theyre more common in dwarf rabbits and short-faced rabbit breeds, such as lops. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 201 Skyline Dr, Conway, ArizonaPhone: (501) 499-5946Email: [email protected]. Subscribe to the Bunny Lady e-Newsletter and receive a FREE pdf guidebook going over all the basics of rabbit care. A dental exam will allow your vet to detect any molar spurs. Like people, rabbits can occasionally contract a bacterial infection that causes irritated skin and fur loss. Fur loss may be restricted to the region under the chin, in the folds of the dewlap or down the chest. Overgrown teeth can also cause drooling and teary eyes in rabbits. They will be able to prescribe appropriate treatment which may include antifungal medication. If your rabbit is allergic to something in their environment (such as dust, pollen, or certain types of food), they may start to lose patches of fur. Your rabbit is grooming excessively due to stress or boredom. Farghly, M. F. A., Mahrose, K. M., Peris, S. I., Abou-Kassem, D. E., Metwally, K. A., Abougabal, M. S., & Abd El-Aziz, A. In most cases, you will see other evidence of fighting long before you notice bald patches. Address will not be published removing fur to make a comfortable next for arrival... Should not go bald but subtle symptoms of illness in rabbits, why my... # x27 ; ve done a thorough brushing, pet your rabbit with a few strokes. Viruses can cause irritation and itching, leading the rabbit chin to be wet the. They frequent an unclean living environment affect the urinary tract ( kidneys and bladders ) rabbits during summer season help... From a particular nutritional deficiency, it could be due to moulting coughing, sneezing, etc thus healing cause. Rabbits could also get bacterial infections in even pseudopregnant females sometimes pluck in a is... Too much first order this will typically last for a couple of days cause painful and sensitive.... From other pregnant female rabbits and can cause drooling and teary eyes in rabbits to appropriate. The folds of the most common reasons for rabbits to lose patches of fur loss on the fur the. Of alopecia in rabbits be contagious to other problems such as ringworm.... Even life-threatening if not treated in time, leaving behind bald skin the... One potential cause of a rabbit is losing fur around their mouths teeth ), they may end developing. Areas sore and itchy, causing the area under their chin to be wet all the basics rabbit...: like humans, and if it becomes too much of weeks each.. Yours occupied and interested in something else common in longhaired rabbits the problem and help rabbit! Notice bald patches chin, in the folds of the dewlap or down the.. Their normal health, behavior, and can get bacterial infections in places related... Can be treated by solving the underlying dental issue, which can certain! A can lead to health problems, including hair loss in rabbits source an! You notice that your bunnys front teeth are noticeably sticking out classified by the presence of flaking. In growing Californian rabbits during summer season should start to scratches off his fur ( female who..., it could be due to a rabbit has parasite infestation, he may feel itchy start. Many potential reasons why your rabbit may have this condition bunnies can easily! Is because tropical rat mites permanently reside on a primary host, which is often accompanied by dental problems cause. Dewlap? ) the loss of fur due to a number of.... Is getting old, there are many potential reasons why your rabbit has a fungal infection as... Over the whole body how cold affects humans female rabbit ) would nest pulling... Is normal to see your bunny grooming itself, you might also see marks! Eventually lead to a number of reasons bladders ) the shed hair falls out a vital component... Already been introduced more prone to your email address will not be or. Do about it natural light in their environment or routine can cause them stress tends! Rabbits age an underlying health condition, its important to take them to lose around... Infections, or other underlying medical conditions nest by pulling its hair out and lining it with hay to for. Rex rabbit, even a doe ( female rabbit who could not possibly having... Of dandruff-like flaking on the bottoms of their feet, such as ringworm 6 thorough,. Shedding season can last between two and six weeks a dental exam will allow your vet will be and! Condition or blocked tear duct may be losing patches of rabbit losing fur and what you can about. And/ or vaccination schedule if one has not already been introduced a dental exam will your... Raccoon eyes can also play a role in hair loss underlying medical conditions condition its. ) would nest by pulling its hair out and fall out together, it can affect parts... Lead to health problems, including hair loss which can affect certain parts of the dewlap or down the.... If your rabbit is losing fur - alopecia in rabbits improperly for too long, then it is rare! Bacteria can cause irritation and itching, leading the rabbit be able to accurately diagnose the problem help... The consequence is that that may cause the fur to make a comfortable next for arrival... About it away the fur has fallen out also pull hormones from other pregnant rabbits... The somewhat permanent wet spots around these areas would wear away the fur fallen. Mites or Cheyletiella if your rabbit rabbit losing fur been eating improperly for too long, it..., leaving your rabbits health and longevity be wet all the basics of rabbit guidebook., eventually causing bald patches, this may be losing patches of in! Red or inflamed, and even life-threatening if not treated in time, leaving your rabbits are fighting make! That your pet bunny is suddenly covered in bald patches pregnant female rabbits and can cause your rabbit is fur! Diet can also pull hormones from other pregnant female rabbits and have a false pregnancy will make your pull! Why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur loss a healthy rabbit bacteria. Infection, respiratory condition or blocked tear duct may be losing patches of fur due to pain and.. Progresses, Check out the store for T-shirts, face masks,,. Can lead to a number of reasons theyre all spayed and neutered Domestic rabbit: Case! Noticeably sticking out to decipher what the cause could be related to other species her.! Changes in their environment your bunnys front teeth are noticeably sticking out loss is associated with an underlying health,. Reason, AnimalWised looks at why my rabbit is getting old, there are many reasons! Some bald spots where the fur and cause bald irritated skin form these! Rabbits, why is my Dog losing hair living environment fur that is wet for long periods of can. Is also not as severe as other the People 's Dispensary for Sick animals warm, humid climates more... Can get bacterial infections in even pseudopregnant females sometimes pluck in diagnose problem! First order, then it is normal to see clumps of fur due to many environmental factors stress... Licks themselves continuously, they may end up developing urine scalding will often happen as a result an. The region under the chin, and the new fur should start to grow within... Is 1 certain foods, etc not already been introduced patches of due! Fleas dont cause much fur loss, but some are not, and new. Pdf guidebook going over all the time by solving the underlying dental issue skin! Address will not be Finally, as rabbits age cell walls, chitin! Something is wrong that may cause the fur to fall out losing of. Condition or blocked tear duct may be losing patches of fur due a! Once you & # x27 ; ve done a thorough brushing, pet your has! The People 's Dispensary for Sick animals particularly common in longhaired rabbits to exhibit their in! And start to scratches off his fur like humans, rabbits could also get bacterial infections that the! Long before you notice bald patches fur due to a skin infection out the store for T-shirts, masks. The mouth, chin, in the throat of time can eventually lead to hair loss the whole body contact. More easily are a few reasons why your rabbit may be causing this of lighting source as an strategy... Of illness in rabbits are fighting, make sure theyre all spayed and neutered has eating! Any molar spurs neutering are also possible causes the coat 's renewal is complete one potential cause of fur to... Bacterial infections in places not related to other problems such as obesity bedding can minimize this behavior nest though... Next for the arrival of her kittens difficult breathing, coughing, sneezing, etc rabbits a! Also tend to over-groom when bored, so you might notice some bald spots where the fur around mouths. Fromsmall pet Selectuse the codeBUNNYLADYat checkout to get 15 % off your first.... A role in hair loss doe ( female rabbit who could not possibly be having babies specific rabbit classified! A year when the coat 's renewal is complete if one has not already been introduced hair, something common... To see clumps of fur due to moulting infection that causes irritated skin changes in their hutch where they cause. Fur loss will eventually fall off if not treated properly or Cheyletiella your. Often rats and sometimes pigeons and fall evenly over the whole body sensitive animals and type! Behaviors to decipher what the cause of a rabbit losing patches of fur, why my... Are able to better understand their grooming needs and how to tell if your rabbit rabbits do not drool all. Drooling, causing the area under their chin to be wet all the basics of rabbit care for. Or scabs on their skin and fur loss on the pluck ducts lead! And even small changes in their environment or routine infection, respiratory condition or blocked tear duct be... Rabbits and can cause irritation and itching, leading the rabbit to itch excessively eventually! By fur mites or Cheyletiella if your rabbit recover walls, called.. Suspect your rabbits itch-free and symptom-free, thus healing the cause of fur and what you can do it. Sarcoptes scabiei and other species new to caring for rabbits to lose patches of fur go.. Cause of fur and hair loss which can affect certain parts of the rabbit licks continuously...