What causes hair loss in rabbits?

Answer 1

Various issues may cause hair loss in rabbits. One in particular would be "Nesting" due to pregnancy or false pregnancy. The rabbit will pull hair out of their pelt to line an area in preparation for birth. This is Normal activity. Fur mites are another problem. They appear as a white crusty patch, usually on and around the ears. You need to apply to the affected area a small amount of antibiotic gel. Bacitracine works well. Other hair loss problems may be due to Tooth spurs, which in it's self is a very serious problem. This issue needs immediate attention. Tooth spurs will cause reduced appetite and dangerous weight loss ending in Gut sluggishness and stoppage and eventually death. The Gut or digestive system is very complex in rabbits and requires that food move through the gut all the time. If the digestive system is slowed by excessive hair accumulation or because of Tooth spurs and mouth sores due to tooth spurs, it is very hard to get the gut moving again without help from you. If this happens to your bunny you will need to visit a vet immediately start force feeding your rabbit a mixture of what is call "Critical Care" formula (you can et this from your vet) that includes high fiber and vitamin additives. Additional hair loss causes include, Fleas, emotional stress "Yes bunnies get stressed out", Parasites, poor diet and a more critical issue like a dirty living area. Excessive nail length will cause the rabbit to scratch deeper than normal and tear more hair out than required. Also, rabbits eat some of their poop. Nasty I know but essential to the growth and well being of the rabbit's digestive system. The Cecum poop looks like a dark raspberry. This poop contains a high level of vitamin "A". This needs to be consumed by the rabbit every day. Over weight rabbits may not be able to get around to the poop factory to get this Cecum You need to know what weight is proper for your bunny breed. Always consult a trusted vet to these symptoms for additional insight. Rabbits are very smart and know that you are trying to help them. Holding your bunny and talking to them will help with the social issues such as stress and boredom. They are very close to a dog type personality so give them room to run and play. You will know your rabbit is happy by how much Binking they do. Binking is a bunnies way of letting you know they are happy and healthy.