If you have a bunny, you’ve probably noticed that your little buddy is an adorable chewing machine. Rabbits have open-rooted teeth, which never stop growing. Unfortunately, that means that bunnies are quite susceptible to dental issues. A local Tampa, FL vet discusses bunny dental troubles below.
Common Issues
Floppy can develop a variety of dental problems. Malocclusion is one of the most common ones. Some others include overgrown, abscesses, uneven wear, periodontal disease, and dental caries, which are essentially spots of decay on the tooth. These are all quite painful, and can seriously impact your furry pal’s health and quality of life.
Warning Signs
Keep an eye out for signs of trouble. These can be subtle to the untrained eye. Poor appetite is a definite red flag. Other warning signs include depression, overgrooming or undergrooming, halitosis, bloating, nasal discharge, wheezing, drooping, changes in feces, swelling, grinding the teeth, and unusual behavior or vocalizations. It’s not uncommon for dental issues to go undetected until they have gotten quite serious, so be vigilant. Contact your vet immediately if you notice anything amiss.
Causes
Although several things can cause Floppy to develop dental issues, poor diet and lack of suitable chew toys are probably the two most common culprits. Genetics, trauma, metabolic problems, and illness can also play a role. Sometimes rabbits’ teeth grow unevenly, which can also lead to issues. Ask your vet for more information.
Care
Wild bunnies wear their teeth down on tough roots and branches, but pets eat softer foods. You’ll need to provide Floppy with plenty of things to chew on. You can buy chew toys, but you can also make quite a few of them yourself. In fact, many common household items can be repurposed as chew toys. For instance, the cardboard tubes from paper towels or toilet paper can be used to make all sorts of toys. Many wood and wicker objects are also fine.
Never give your cute pet anything with small parts or sharp edges, or anything coated in paints, stains, or other decorative products. It’s also important for your furry pal to eat a proper diet. This should include lots and lots of fiber, and unlimited quality grass hay. Ask your vet for specific advice, including tips on serving sizes, treats, and chew toys.
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