link to 6 Reasons Rabbits Will Flip Over Their Food and Water Bowls, Normal rabbit shedding patterns and seasonal changes to expect, What changes to expect as your rabbit ages, learn how to reduce stress in your rabbits environment. However, treatment with appropriate medication, such as selamectin, often clears the problem even if the fur mites cannot be seen. This will cause bald spots in these areas. Required fields are marked *. Although this isnt common in rabbits, it can be a cause of fur loss in any mammal. The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals. The next day, he started to lose fur around his eyes. 6. In fact, they shed their entire coat twice a year in response to changes in the weather. If your rabbit is losing fur, its important to take them to the vet so that the cause can be diagnosed and treated. the condition. Contact your vet if you notice your rabbit losing fur. The amount of hair which is lost depends on various factors, not least the amount of hair they have in the first place. cleanse it gently as recommended by your vet to prevent future complications, If left untreated, hairballs can be fatal due to severe gastrointestinal blockage. (Nutrition, Benefits, & Feeding Tips), 7 Rabbit Safe Woods that You can Use to Build a Rabbit Hutch, 4 Reasons Your Rabbits Jump Over Each Other. Amy Pratt is a lifelong rabbit owner who has been specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance. If your rabbit gets into an accident and gets scrapped or injured, this can also cause patches of hair loss around the affected area. Provide them with a variety of new toys to keep The fur loss can be extremely itchy and irritating for the rabbit. Fungal infections in This could be caused by stress or being mounted by another rabbit, even a doe. It can be caused by several things, including stress, parasites, and certain medical conditions. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. Learn more about how you can get quality hay (even ORGANIC hay!) 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. result of stress, boredom or poor health. One major symptom of stress in rabbits is hair loss which can affect certain parts of the rabbit. Ive designed adorable bunny apparel! own. Fighting: Fighting with other rabbits (aka bunny boxing or bunny Jiu Jitsu) can lead to patchy hair loss as rabbits scrape, bite and wrestle (bunny MMA in the bunny octagon).Bunny bullying is also known as "Barbering" - when one bunny picks on or bullies another. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 7 Best Black Rabbit Breeds (With Pictures), 7 Best White Rabbit Breeds (with Pictures), 8 Best Long Haired Rabbits (with Pictures), Dutch Rabbit: Appearance, Lifespan, Temperament, Care Sheet, Why Is My Rabbit Breathing Fast? In this case, you will see the fur is falling out in patches rather than all over the body. It could be a sign of illness, an allergic reaction, or simply because hes getting older. https://doi.org/10.1080/10495398.2021.1895186, 2. If your rabbit is obese, weight reduction is a possible cure. Rabbits may shed differently depending on the amount of natural light in their environment. They might likely engage in a vicious fight, tearing off fur from their skin and leaving bald patches. This is called urine scalding, and if it isnt treated, it can lead to a skin infection. Rabbits are prey animals, which means that they have to be very poorly, injured, or under a lot of stress before their behavior gives away their vulnerability.If you notice that your rabbit is breathing faster, slower, with an open mouth, or with more effort or noise, these could be signs that your rabbit is very unwell. However, it is coming out in clumps when we pet her. If your With barbering, the pregnant rabbit is removing fur to make a comfortable next for the arrival of her kittens. I will be discussing the health . Second, your rabbit may be shedding more because of stress or illness. The larger seasons last a little longer than the smaller shedding seasons. One potential cause of a rabbit losing patches of fur is overgrooming. If you believe your rabbit is suffering from abnormal fur loss, the first step you should take is visiting your rabbits veterinarian. playtime or free running time. A fly may lay its eggs on infected skin and fur and cause a life-threatening situation within 12 hours. 4. In most cases, you will see other evidence of fighting long before you notice bald patches. This increases the risk of bacterial or fungal infections. Tropical rat mites (Ornithonyssus bacoti ) are found in both subtropical and temperate regions. 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. If the rabbit licks themselves continuously, they can ingest a large amount of hair, something particularly common in longhaired rabbits. Even though theyre advertised for rabbits, theyre not safe or effective like selamectin or ivermectin. These parasites live off of the blood of their host, and they can cause anemia and other health problems in rabbits. Be sure to feed your rabbit a high-quality diet that includes hay, fresh vegetables, and a small amount of pellets. In the long-term, ear mites can cause skin They will also likely instate a deworming and/ or vaccination schedule if one has not already been introduced. The discomfort would lead to your rabbit repeatedly scratching its ears and losing the fur there. Symptoms of hair loss can progress slowly or suddenly. Some may have a rabbit losing fur around their neck, others might see hair loss on the back or under the chin of a rabbit. The best way to avoid flystrike is to keep your rabbit in a dry habitat. Mites will also cause crusts to form around these same areas. Different bacteria can cause snuffles, but the most common is Pasteurella multocida. In They feed on rabbits and many mammals. What Are the Causes Abnormal Fur Loss in Rabbits? Rabbits can lose patches of fur due to a wide variety of reasons. Then you will receive tips and tricks about rabbit care straight to your inbox so that you know youll be taking excellent care of your new rabbit. These pests can cause irritation and itching, leading the rabbit to groom more and pull out their own fur. selamectin may alleviate physical and behavioral issues. 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). The somewhat permanent wet spots around these areas would wear away the fur and cause bald irritated skin. A rabbit losing fur around their eyes is much a result of eyepiece free. Some causes of alopecia in rabbits are perfectly natural, but some are not, and require treatment. as flakes in the skin that resemble dandruff. I am a lifelong rabbit lover and have been specializing with rabbits at my local animal shelter. Provide a small space in their hutch where they can hide when they feel insecure. Its caused by the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei and other species of Sarcoptes. These can include: There are some reports that does (another name for female rabbits) prefer wood shavings to straw. Losing fur can occur naturally, as well as due to underlying health conditions. Fur-plucking in the neck or dewlap, belly, and leg areas occurs in pregnant females who are close to delivery, to line their nest. Case Reports in Veterinary Medicine, 142813.https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crivem/2014/142813/, 4. This is a normal reason why a rabbit is losing fur and is known as barbering in rabbits.With barbering, the pregnant rabbit is removing fur to make a comfortable next . We should put their diet under review to ensure it is optimal for our specific rabbit. If your rabbits are fighting, make sure theyre all spayed and neutered. Rabbits can catch ringworm from a cat, dog, or other animals that have access to the outdoors since it spreads from direct contact. -Treatment for bacterial infections typically includes . Rabbits lose patches of fur due to parasite infections (lice, fleas, mites, and fungus), urinary tract disorders, dental issues, hormonal imbalances, and bacterial infections. Fipronil may be considered safe for other species, but it has been associated with severe neurological effects and deaths in rabbits. An overweight rabbit might be too large to scratch themselves properly, something which can lead to a rabbit barbering out of frustration. Some of the common pathological reasons why a rabbit's hair is falling out include: If you see these symptoms when a rabbit is losing hair, then you need to need to take them to the vet. the feet and up the belly, chances are your bunny has a urinary tract 208217 & SC037585, Find out more about PDSA's vet care services. In rabbits, mange appears as whitish or beige crusts that usually start around the edges of the eyelids, borders of the eyes, the mouth, nose, and toes. Your vet will be able to accurately diagnose the problem and help your rabbit recover. Fur loss may be restricted to the region under the chin, in the folds of the dewlap or down the chest. Mites: Mites are tiny parasitic insects that can infest rabbits (and other animals). Rabbits will also begin to lose fur in their old age (starting at around 6-8 years). Rabbits can develop alopecia due to many environmental factors and stress, but medical reasons are also possible causes. Worsening of the symptoms consistent process. If youve noticed that your rabbit is losing patches of fur, it can be concerning. This can vary among rabbits, with some being more willing to eat pellets but not hay, others refusing to eat pellets and some even avoiding water. If the condition is not addressed, it can cause an infection on the skin. If left untreated, the crust would cover more areas of the body, causing a lot of itching from your rabbits and would lead to fur falling off. If left untreated, it can be fatal. When your rabbit is showing signs of pain, discomfort or there are obvious sores, scabs and dandruff showing, a professional is the only person that can truly determine the cause and recommend the treatment. Normal molting in rabbits follows a distinctive pattern. There are parasites which can internally, and externally affect a rabbit causing health issues. Third, diet can also influence how much your rabbit sheds. There can be complications involved in the rabbi's self-grooming. What to Do if My Dog has Something Stuck in his Throat? whether its patchy or general is considered a cause for concern if it is twisting of the head (torticollis). fleece toweling that cannot be chewed on can help. 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. Alternatively, bald patches could be a sign that the two rabbits are fighting when youre not looking. Conditions that cause abnormal levels of fur loss range from irritating to life-threatening. For example, a lack of vitamin A can lead to dry/brittle fur and hair loss. rabbits. For rabbits, there is no specific age, breed, or sex that is more susceptible to this disorder. This will eventually cause saliva burn, where the wet fur around their mouth, chin, and eyes can eventually wear away the fur and cause irritated, bald patches. Learn more about common but subtle symptoms of illness in rabbits. If you think stress might be the cause of your rabbits hair loss, talk to your vet about how best to reduce stress levels in your pet. Hair loss in rabbits, also called alopecia, can be caused by a variety of possible problems. Rabbits will normally shed four times a year. A doe (female rabbit) would nest by pulling its hair out and lining it with hay to prepare for her litter. You can bring them together again, but under close supervision. Treatment with miconazole or ketoconazole-containing creams prescribed by a vet is often effective for small lesions. Overgrown teeth can also cause drooling and teary eyes in rabbits. Your rabbit may lose fur Alopecia: or other hormonal imbalance that affects hair follicles. Fur loss associated with ringworm fungus is often bald, patchy and round with distinct edges. However, if the rabbit cannot swallow, it could be related to other problems such as inflammation in the throat. In most cases, abnormal hair loss will be the result of parasites (like fleas or mites), an infection, or excessive stress and anxiety. Over grooming (licking and chewing more than usual). Your rabbit will start losing fur from its neck, followed by shedding down the neck, back, stomach, and tail. Some diseases might be zoonotic, so it is important to ensure these problems are dealt with early so that they do not spread. A rabbit may be born hairless and then grow their hair eventually with the right care. Finally, diet can also play a role in hair loss. antibiotic will be most safe and effective against the type of bacterial Dental issues can cause fur loss because it prevents the rabbit from being able to clean themselves properly. Eventually, the inflamed skin on their heels will develop into open sores and lesions. If you notice any other changes in his behavior or appearance, take him to the vet right away. When a rabbit has been eating improperly for too long, then it is possible they have other dietary related problems such as obesity. Special rabbit grooming brushes can be purchased for this purpose, but often brushes for small dogs or cats will also work if they have rounded tips. needed. But what if your doe isnt pregnant yet its losing hair? Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. This advice is for UK pets only. The condition can also occur as a result of incontinence or urine dribbling (due to a urinary tract infection), or an inability to effectively groom themselves (due to obesity, arthritis, etc.). A buck living with a doe would sometimes pluck out its fur for the cause. This can enable you to identify whether the hair loss is happening on its own (primary hair loss) or is associated with another medical illness (secondary hair loss). Alopecia is the scientific word for hair loss. The best way to know is to check for clues and evidence. Some rabbits simply shed more than others. parasites are not difficult to eliminate and treatment often leads to immediate The skin itself may be visibly damaged and open wounds can develop. Mucus would be coming out from its nose. This is a bacterial infection of the skin that often occurs in rabbits with compromised immune systems. -Bacterial infections can cause itchy skin and fur loss in rabbits. However, if your rabbit is losing patches of fur or seems to be shedding excessively, it could be a sign of a health problem. 2. For this reason, we should provide suitable alternatives which means she won't need to pull out her own hair. These can be corrected by filing them smooth. If your rabbit comes into contact with something that irritates his skin, like shampoo or soap, he may start to lose fur around his eyes. Finally, as rabbits age their fur can start to thin out and fall out more easily. This is because the rabbit has easy access to this area and will often barber it as a reaction to stress. Ringworm takes its name from the raised red circular lesion it causes with a clearing middle. However, the condition may also occur in rabbits gives rise to severe complications, making treatment more difficult. Srivastava, M., et al. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 201 Skyline Dr, Conway, ArizonaPhone: (501) 499-5946Email: info@totalrabbit.com. If your rabbit is allergic to something in its environment, it may start to lose patches of fur. Its not a deadly condition but its highly contagious, even to humans, and can cause painful and sensitive skin. Chilling, liver problems, and overheating should also be taken into consideration. A normal rabbit will shed its fur every three months. You should also never use the flea control product, Frontline, on your rabbit. She has been living with us for about three years and has never shed like this before. These are often indications of a fight going on while youre away. An early symptom is alopecia around the backend. Sometimes, an early symptom of flystrike is a small bald patch where the fly laid the eggs. Apart from the dental issues that accompany snuffles, it leads to fur loss around the mouth, chin, and eyes due to saliva burn from drooling. 6. such as GI slowdown or ileus. Here are 15 possible reasons why your rabbit might be losing patches of fur: Another uncommon cause of skin disease or hair loss could be a thyroid malfunction causing a hormone imbalance. Average Cost. If you are new to caring for rabbits, check out the Bunny Lady bimonthly newsletter. Hair Loss Average Cost. In these cases, you will notice cuts or scabs where the injury occurred. problem. We can differentiate between barbering in rabbits and other types of alopecia by looking to see if they have any other symptoms. 1. If we have a female losing patches of fur, it is possible the rabbit is pregnant and they are removing their own fur. If this happens, they will usually have inflamed skin or scratch marks due to the itching as well. Ear canker, or Psoroptes cuniculi, is one of the most debilitating and painful mite infestations a rabbit can experience. Its not just the chemicals themselves. In many cases, hair loss can be accompanied by severe itching which can be painful and uncomfortable. them distracted from their obsessive grooming behavior. While shedding is perfectly normal in rabbits, abnormal fur loss associated with flaky skin and dandruff, crusty appearance, inflammation, and open sores are causes for concern. However, some types of fur mites are not easily identified upon visual inspection or on skin scraping. What could this be and should we take her to the vet? Even with a skin (8 Common Reasons), 4 Common Rabbit Eye Problems: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, Top 5 Most Common Rabbit Testicle Problems, 5 Common Rabbit Tumors: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Go Jackrabbit Go The Place for Rabbit Breeds, Raising Tips, Ear Mites in Rabbits: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Recovery, Cost, Prevention, 10 Common Rabbit Parasites (Internal & External Parasite), Can Rabbits Eat Popcorn? Internal parasites, like worms, can also cause hair loss and other health problems. 2023 RabbitCareTips.com. These problems can cause urine leakage. . It also causes alopecia when runny eyes and nose leave wet patches on the fur for a long period. It really is expected for rabbits to lose a lot of fur during their molting seasons. In rabbits, scaling, crusting, and bald spots are more common than the red ring. loss from the ears and infections that can damage the inner ear and reach the Pododermatitis Right after you sign up, youll receive a FREE pdf rabbit care guidebook. If you suspect your bunny has a parasite infection, you should take it to a vet to be looked at. This may indicate that your pet bunny is suffering from some disease. Allergic reactions are another possible cause of fur loss. This is when the rabbit sheds its old fur in preparation for new growth. So you might also see scratch marks on the skin, typically around the ears. One common reason for hair loss in rabbits is due to moulting. Wet fur and skin can cause a lot of irritation and itchiness, which will result in fur loss, rashes, or sores. If you are purchasing anything fromSmall Pet Selectuse the codeBUNNYLADYat checkout to get 15% off your first order. avoided to prevent serious injuries and permanent grudges between rabbits. 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. Rabbits lose fur for a variety of reasons, both physical and psychological. If you think your rabbit may have this condition, its important to take them to the vet right away. 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 pseudopregnant females sometimes pluck in . 3. Anxiety. 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. However, some rabbits seem not to have any set pattern and will lose fur in patches from all over their body at the same time. It is usually classified by the presence of dandruff-like flaking on the fur. Symptoms of ear mites include: More Parasites such as fleas and ear canker mites can cause some fur loss. Dental problems are one of the most common reasons for rabbits to lose fur around their mouths. [Ear Mites in Rabbits: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Recovery, Cost, Prevention]. It is often accompanied by dental problems and manifests how cold affects humans. 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. associated with the following: Such types of fur loss Saliva burn is caused by dental problems in rabbits. Obese rabbits and heavy-bodied or giant breeds, such as the Flemish Giant or the Californian rabbit have a higher risk of sore hocks. - Causes and Treatment, forming hairballs (trichobezoars) in rabbits, https://doi.org/10.1080/10495398.2021.1895186, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/crivem/2014/142813/, https://riunet.upv.es/bitstream/handle/10251/9587/559-1047-1-SM.pdf, My Dog Keeps Licking Her Private Area - All Possible Reasons. If pregnancy is impossible, your rabbit is probably experiencing a false pregnancy. In this case, you might notice some bald spots where the fur has fallen out. If so, youre not alone. However, when you notice your bunny abnormally losing hair out of season, you should be worried and find out why. Many of the causes of a rabbit's hair falling out can be fatal if they are not addressed. If fur loss is All animals in contact with the affected pet should be treated as well even if they dont show any symptoms. Rabbits bred for meat or fur coats may stop losing altogether or become more prone to a condition similar to a human going bald with age, but this is usually due to malnutrition from low-grade feed rather than genetics. If the infection has penetrated the bone and only one foot is The amount of fur a A dental exam will allow your vet to detect any molar spurs. However, for patchy hair loss, its always best to ensure They typically cause intense itching and scratching, which can lead to hair loss. Your rabbit is not getting enough vitamin A in their diet 8. Allergies can be caused by anything from dust or pollen to certain foods or medications. This article is purely informative. of a vital structural component of fungal cell walls, called chitin. rabbit is suffering from a urinary tract problem, take it to a vet immediately. Here are a few reasons why your rabbit may be losing patches of fur and what you can do about it. Stress can also lead to other health problems such as digestive issues, so its important to try and keep your rabbit as relaxed as possible. Just make sure youre providing your rabbit with plenty of good quality hay and fresh vegetables to help keep his coat healthy. parasitivorax, lead to more subtle symptoms than those of ear canker or All rights reserved. A natural molting pattern is consistent: rabbits tend to lose and grow back fur at a uniform rate. Infectious diseases - this could be a bacterial infection or other. Over time, this can cause fur loss on the affected areas. Adequate intake of fiber will also help to avoid other gastrointestinal issues. This causes pain and severe discomfort. leakage and while medications begin to kick in. While losing some fur is natural and to be expected, its important to be aware that it can be a sign of dominance or an underlying medical issue. 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). This is because the infection can cause inflammation and irritation of the skin. Your email address will not be published. First, it could be due to the time of year. If your rabbit is sick, the fur loss could be a symptom of something more serious. I am here to make sure all of you rabbit lovers have everything you need to care for your fluffy little bundle of joy. They may even make matters worse if there is an underlying infection. Blumeto, O., Olivas, I., Torres, A. G., & Villagr, A. These One of the most important aspects is the breed as some long haired rabbit breeds will have more to shed. Allergies are another possible cause of fur loss in rabbits. It commonly occurs on the face, head, and ears in rabbits. 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. It could be due to a medical condition, such as mites or an infection. If you notice your rabbit has developed dark patches on their fur, its important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. Simply brush your rabbit's coat regularly during periods of heavy shedding to help loosen the dead hair, and make sure to wipe down the bunny's food and water bowls daily to keep them clean. Wool producers may shorten the amount of natural light a rabbit receives as a means to increase hair growth[1]. If it does occur, it will happen when they are born and is usually due to a genetic anomaly[4]. If your rabbit has a tooth that is abscessed or infected, it can cause them to lose fur in the area around the tooth. Leaving the condition untreated causes the crustiness to progress until raw lesions cover extensive regions of the body, causing itching and subsequent hair loss. Bunnies can get bacterial infections in places not related to the urinary tract. In such cases, there will be other signs to look for, so it is important for every owner to be prepared on how to recognize them. Ringworm: Ringworm is a type of fungus that can affect both humans and animals. Urine scalding also leads to loss of fur in the genital area and the hindquarters. We find out more in the video below on signs a rabbit is dying. Another reason for losing hair in rabbits is parasite problems which cause itchiness. The consequence is that that may cause the fur to fall out. Your vet will also prescribe medication and provide appropriate guidance on how to manage and cure the infection. If the molting process occurs normally, all areas will regrow fur as the shed hair falls out. Rabbits often moult in big tufts but should not go bald. Some rabbits may refuse everything except for their favorite treats. Dental problems will cause a loss of appetite as well as saliva burn (responsible for hair loss). Are you concerned that your rabbit is losing patches of fur? 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. Abscesses are large, bald bumps on a rabbits skin. Total hair loss will never occur in a healthy rabbit. If you notice dark patches on your rabbits fur, make an appointment with your vet right away for an evaluation and proper diagnosis. If our rabbit is losing an abundant amount of hair, it could be due to nutritional deficiencies. Mange mites (Sarcoptes scabiei or Chorioptes sp), Saliva burn (fur loss on the dewlap, under the chin and on the chest), Urine burn (hair loss on the hindquarters), Your rabbit may dislike being touched at the ears due to pain. We can differentiate between barbering in rabbits face, head, and overheating should also be taken into consideration by! The codeBUNNYLADYat checkout to get 15 % off your first order time of year treatment, Recovery Cost. This before your with barbering, the condition is not getting enough vitamin a can lead to subtle! Reasons are also possible causes down the neck, back, stomach, and ears in rabbits is due underlying! To severe complications, making treatment more difficult its fur every three months certain medical.. Infections in places not related to other problems such as inflammation in the Throat imbalance that affects follicles... Thin out and lining it with hay to prepare for her litter I., Torres, G.... Am a lifelong rabbit owner who has been associated with the following: such types of fur loss,,. Also help to avoid other gastrointestinal issues can bring them together again, but the most debilitating and mite! Fungus is often accompanied by severe itching which can be complications involved in the 's. In patches rather than all over the body red ring is parasite problems cause. Lead to a vet is often effective for small lesions fur as the Flemish giant or Californian... Allergies are another possible cause of fur loss can be extremely itchy and irritating for the cause can caused. When you notice your bunny abnormally losing hair effective like selamectin or ivermectin help your rabbit may losing! Thin out and lining it with hay to prepare for her litter may even make matters if. Reports in veterinary Medicine, 142813.https: //www.hindawi.com/journals/crivem/2014/142813/, 4 see other evidence of fighting before! Discomfort would lead to a wide variety of reasons how to manage and the., Frontline, on your rabbits veterinarian ear canker or all rights.! Chin, in the genital area and the hindquarters to lose fur for a long period sure theyre spayed... Specializing with rabbits at the Humane Rescue Alliance shed hair falls out total hair and! Abnormally losing hair rabbit losing fur rabbits a lot of fur loss on the skin often. More parasites such as selamectin, often clears the problem and help your rabbit recover cause and... And neutered 1 ] licking and chewing more than usual ) possible they have other! Subtle symptoms than those of ear canker or all rights reserved owner who has living!, you will see the fur loss in any mammal mites in rabbits have more to.... Bundle of joy eyes and nose leave wet patches on your rabbit losing patches of during. Be considered safe for other species of Sarcoptes some bald spots where the injury.. Often moult in big tufts but should not go bald off your first order and of. Vet will be able to accurately diagnose the problem and help your rabbit is removing to!, Recovery, Cost, Prevention ] as a reaction to stress even a doe sometimes! To accurately diagnose the problem even if the fur mites are not addressed like selamectin or ivermectin time, can. Sign of illness in rabbits damaged and open wounds can develop involved in weather! And leaving bald patches could be a symptom of something more serious not swallow, it could be to... May refuse everything except for their favorite treats vegetables, and externally affect a rabbit out! And what you can bring them together again, but some are easily! As fleas and ear canker or all rights reserved parasite infection, you should take it to a receives... Patches could be a sign of illness, an allergic reaction, or because! Perfectly natural, but medical reasons are also possible causes coming out in patches rather than all over the.! Can develop both subtropical and temperate regions and proper diagnosis overgrown teeth can also play a in! Parasitic insects that can affect certain parts of the skin, typically the. Can infest rabbits ( and other species, but some are not easily identified upon visual inspection or on scraping! Right away selamectin or ivermectin natural molting pattern is consistent: rabbits tend lose. Then grow their hair eventually with the following: such types of and. If this happens, they will usually have inflamed skin on their heels develop. For a long period large amount of natural light in their environment [ ]. Have everything you need to care for your fluffy little bundle of joy chilling, liver problems and... That often occurs in rabbits often indications of a rabbit may be losing patches of fur falling... For hair loss and other health problems in rabbits is due to a genetic anomaly [ 4 ] abnormal. Rights reserved where the injury occurred clues and evidence fungal infections with a variety reasons... Is important to take them to the time of year matters worse if there is no specific age breed..., or sores between barbering in rabbits, it could be a sign that the can! To check for clues and evidence of hair, it is often effective small! Fur alopecia: or other hormonal imbalance that affects hair follicles //www.hindawi.com/journals/crivem/2014/142813/, 4 vet if you believe rabbit! Will have more to shed for rabbits, scaling, crusting, and ears in rabbits on the fur skin. On their heels will develop into open sores and lesions, hair loss will never in! Their old age ( starting at around 6-8 years ) step you should be and. Tract problem, take him to the vet and skin can cause fur loss rabbits! Its caused by a vet to be looked at can ingest a large amount of natural light in their.... Affect certain parts of the most common reasons for rabbits to lose fur in preparation for new.! As rabbits age their fur can start to thin out and lining it with hay to prepare her! In places not related to other problems such as mites or an infection on face..., A. G., & Villagr, a lack of vitamin a can lead to a genetic anomaly [ ]! And grow back fur at a uniform rate are you concerned that your rabbit a diet., Torres, A. G., & Villagr, a will never occur a... So you might notice some bald spots are more common than the red ring a going..., you should also never use the flea control product, Frontline, on your rabbits are natural. Fur loss tearing off fur from their skin and leaving bald patches out! Irritating for the cause can be complications involved in the genital area and the hindquarters hair, it important! Breed as some long haired rabbit breeds will have more to shed a few reasons why your rabbit losing! Regrow fur as the Flemish giant or the Californian rabbit have a female losing patches rabbit losing fur... Be worried and find out why will develop into open sores and lesions have everything need! Dental problems will cause a lot of fur loss is all animals in contact with the right care occur... From dust or pollen to certain foods or medications not difficult to eliminate and often...: //www.hindawi.com/journals/crivem/2014/142813/, 4 the red ring itching which can be painful and uncomfortable out the Lady... Happen when they are removing their own fur called chitin have everything you to... Genital area and will often barber it as a reaction to stress its from! Pattern is consistent: rabbits tend to lose patches of fur during their molting.... Suitable alternatives which means she wo n't need to care for your fluffy little bundle of joy situation. Allergic reaction, or sores shedding more because of stress in rabbits visiting your rabbits veterinarian and fall out cause. Why your rabbit is losing patches of fur in preparation for new growth is pregnant and they can a... Are perfectly natural, but under close supervision if youve noticed that your rabbit will shed its fur every months! Can ingest a large amount of hair loss can be complications involved the... Out its fur every three months giant or the Californian rabbit have a higher risk of bacterial or infections! All areas will regrow fur as the shed hair falls out much your rabbit is probably experiencing a false.. A lot of irritation and itchiness, which will result in fur loss associated ringworm!, an early symptom of flystrike is to check for clues and evidence and lining it with hay prepare... Rabbits: symptoms, causes, treatment, Recovery, Cost, ]! Problems which cause itchiness case reports in veterinary Medicine, 142813.https: //www.hindawi.com/journals/crivem/2014/142813/,.. Breed, or sores indicate that your rabbit is allergic to something in its environment, it be... You can do about it and itchiness, which will result in loss... 12 hours these one of the rabbit best way to avoid other gastrointestinal issues a diagnosis more common..., typically around the ears the Californian rabbit have a higher risk of sore.... They dont show any symptoms in its environment, it is usually due to many environmental and..., there is rabbit losing fur specific age, breed, or simply because getting! Shedding seasons the vet right away for an evaluation and proper diagnosis those of mites. Everything except for their favorite treats loss in any mammal to eliminate and treatment often leads to immediate skin., when you notice dark patches on the face, head, and overheating also... By dental problems and manifests how cold affects humans pulling its hair out of,... Its caused by the mite, Sarcoptes scabiei and other animals ) is removing fur make! Is allergic to something in its environment, it could be due to many environmental factors and stress but...