How to Keep Your Rabbit’s Teeth Healthy -The Best Way to do it!
If you want to keep your furry friend’s teeth healthy, this article is for you! Rabbits are unique animals with amazing teeth.
Did you know that, unlike humans, rabbit teeth never stop growing? This means it’s essential to take extra special care of your rabbit’s dental health.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to keep your rabbit’s mouth clean and healthy so they can enjoy their life without discomfort or pain.
Read on for a comprehensive guide to healthy rabbit teeth!
What Do Healthy Rabbit Teeth Look Like?
Healthy rabbit teeth should be white, uniform in length and shape, and not discoloured or have any visible cracks.
On the upper jaw, rabbits typically have six incisors and two large molars in the back. On the lower jaw, rabbits usually possess six incisors and one large molar.
All teeth should be well-aligned with each other; any misalignment or gaps may indicate an underlying dental condition that needs to be attended to by a veterinarian.
Additionally, healthy rabbit teeth should always remain sharp and be able to grind food properly.
How to Brush Your Rabbit’s Teeth
Brushing a rabbit’s teeth is an important step in oral health care. It helps prevent the buildup of plaque, which can lead to pain and other dental issues.
Special Toothbrush
You’ll need a specialised toothbrush for small animals to brush your rabbit’s teeth. You should also use toothpaste meant for small animals.
1. Make Your Rabbit Comfortable
Start by getting your rabbit comfortable with having its mouth touched and the brushing process. Use your finger to massage around the outside of their mouth gently, then move to their gums and teeth.
2. Start Slowly
After several days of this, you should then be able to introduce the toothbrush itself. Start slow and gentle. Use light strokes and gradually increase pressure while brushing in small circles along each tooth’s surface.
3. Apply a Pea Size Amount of Toothpaste
It’s important to only use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on the brush at each session, as too much can cause your rabbit discomfort due to its strong taste. You should also brush back toward the throat, not up towards their eyes or nose, as this could cause irritation or injury if done incorrectly.
4. Check for Signs of Gum Disease
Finally, check for any signs of bleeding or redness at each brushing session, as these might indicate that your rabbit has gum disease or other oral health issues that require veterinary attention immediately.
With regular brushing sessions twice a week and close monitoring of their overall oral health by a veterinarian, you can help keep your bunny’s smile bright and healthy!
Tips For Keeping Your Rabbit’s Teeth Healthy
Along with regularly brushing your rabbit’s teeth, there are several other things you can do to keep their pearly whites in tip-top shape:
- Feed them the right type of hay – High-fiber hay like timothy hay helps wear down your pet’s teeth and remove plaque buildup over long periods.
- Provide appropriate chew toys – Chew toys like wooden blocks provide stimulation for your pet’s mouth as well as help reduce tartar buildup on their front incisors
- Avoid sugary treats – Too many sugary snacks can lead to the rapid erosion of enamel as well as dental disease
- Make regular trips to the vet – Have your veterinarian check your pet’s dental health every six months to ensure no underlying issues go unnoticed.
The Importance Of Healthy Rabbit Teeth
Having healthy teeth is essential for rabbits for them to properly eat and digest their food.
Suppose they develop dental issues such as malocclusion (misalignment) due to improper growth or bad habits such as excessive gnawing. In that case, they may struggle when it comes time to feed themselves, which could lead to malnutrition and weight loss. This could lead to even death if untreated for too long.
Additionally, dental diseases such as cavities can cause pain and discomfort, leading to behavioural changes such as aggression or lack of appetite if left untreated – highlighting just how important it is to take care of your rabbit’s oral health!
Healthy Rabbit Teeth – Wrap Up
Rabbits are known for their healthy and shiny teeth, but as you have just learned, this healthy smile requires some effort. Just like humans, brushing your rabbit’s teeth regularly is important to keep them healthy and free of plaque and tartar buildup.
Why Furrr.co.uk?
At Furrr.co.uk, we understand the importance of having healthy teeth for your pet rabbit, and that’s why we offer affordable dental insurance to our members. Our policies include full coverage for routine checkups, x-rays, extractions, and more, so you can rest assured knowing that your furry friend is always taken care of.
If you’re not already a member, sign up today and get a free dental insurance quote – there’s no obligation to buy!
