PARTICULAR FEATURES AND FREQUENT HEALTH PROBLEMS IN RABBITS

Being a herbivore, it is important that your rabbit not only eat fiber, but that he eats it often. Allowing your rabbit to nibble all day ensures a continuous digestive transit. As previously stated, rabbits are incapable of vomiting and cannot belch, so if the digestive transit stops (stasis), a significant amount of gas can accumulate in their stomach and put their life in danger. Many factors can contribute to a digestive stasis: stress, obesity, lack of exercise, inadequate diet, dental problems, excessive ingestion of hair, ingestion of non-digestible objects or materials, pain, or other diseases. Thus, it is imperative that you consult your veterinarian immediately if, for any reason whatsoever, your rabbit stops eating for several hours!
Rabbits’ teeth grow continually. Because of this, to ensure proper wear of their teeth, they need a diet rich in fiber. Rabbit’s dentition is less adapted to chewing pellets because the chewing movement is done vertically and uses only a part of their teeth. This can cause excessive growth of certain teeth which can then deviate or form edges that can wound the cheeks and the tongue. Hay is the best choice for dental health because it promotes a circular motion of the jaw and an equal wear of the teeth.
Because rabbits are prey animals, they are naturally more nervous and are easily stressed. Patience and kindness are of great value when taming your new companion. It is also a good idea to supervise interactions between your rabbit and his feline or canine housemates. Rest assured though, many rabbits will develop a friendly relationship with fellow cats and dogs. However, contact with ferrets should be avoided, as rabbits are prey for these types of carnivores.
A light body frame combined with strong muscles make rabbits quick and agile creatures. However, because their bones are so thin, they are susceptible to fractures. Knowing this, it is important that you carefully handle your rabbit in order to avoid falls and accidents. When you pick up your rabbit, make sure you firmly hold his rear-end and properly support his back. Hiding his eyes can help to reassure him and keep him calm while being handled. In order to gain his confidence, reward him with his favorite vegetables when handling him. Eventually, he will allow himself to be handled more easily.
Are you wondering if the thick and whitish urine of your rabbit is normal? Absolutely! Rabbits expel calcium through their urine, making it more opaque. The urine can also take on a yellow to red-orange coloration. This is because of the presence of pigments called porphyrins that are also expelled in the urine.