{"id":922,"date":"2021-02-03T16:57:42","date_gmt":"2021-02-03T16:57:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rabbitinformer.com\/?p=922"},"modified":"2021-08-04T17:17:06","modified_gmt":"2021-08-04T17:17:06","slug":"why-your-rabbit-bites-his-cage-causes-and-fixes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rabbitinformer.com\/why-your-rabbit-bites-his-cage-causes-and-fixes\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Your Rabbit Bites His Cage: Causes and Fixes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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While the typical cute rabbit is usually portrayed as one with large front teeth, this can actually be dangerous. These oversized teeth are a big reason why rabbits bite their cages<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rabbits bite their cages due to their constant need to maintain their teeth. Rabbit teeth continue to grow for their entire life, and if their teeth are not worn down, it will lead to a serious illness called malocclusion. Rabbits should be provided with alternatives to chew on such as hay or wood.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many reasons rabbits stop themselves from having large teeth. There are also many simple solutions to the problem of them chewing or biting their cage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Your Rabbit Bites Their Cage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When was the last time you cut your nails? Last week? Last month? Our nails grow constantly, and if not well maintained, they can cause several different health risks. Rabbits’ teeth act very similarly to human nails, in that they are growing constantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rabbits belong to a group of animals called lagomorphs. These lagomorphs are known for their \u201cteeth [which] are unrooted and grow continually.” Source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rabbits belong to the family of lagomorphs,<\/strong> which are related to the rodent family of animals, such as rats and squirrels. The main difference between these two groups is that rodents are omnivores who eat meat and plants, while rabbits are herbivores and only eat plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A common trait among lagomorphs and specifically rabbits is their ever-growing teeth. This makes it necessary for their chompers to be well maintained and trimmed just like human nails. Chewing is necessary<\/strong> for rabbits because \u201cin the act of chewing, the teeth wear against each other, which keeps them trimmed.\u201d Source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ever Wonder Why Rabbit’s Teeth Keep Growing?<\/a> This is a question many rabbit lovers ask themselves! By reading this article, you’ll see that it’s natural for rabbits to knaw and grind their teeth in order to keep them at the propper length. My article also contains an interesting video of how to propperly file your rabbit’s teeth, if needed. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The problem that rabbit owners run into is that this grinding and chewing needs to happen almost 24\/7. According to Peta\u2019s website, \u201ceven 12 hours without food can be deadly.” Source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

They explain that the important part of rabbits eating is not always necessary for nutrition. Letting them eat is a good way of letting them chew in a non-destructive way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With all of this in mind, rabbits likely chew and bite their cage because they need to grind down their teeth. If they are not provided with something to chew on, they will chew and bite whatever is nearby, and this can include the cage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Happens if They Don\u2019t Chew Enough?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Explanation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A lot of vague problems have been mentioned already if rabbits don\u2019t chew enough. With this being said, there are very specific and dangerous problems that can come if a rabbit does not chew or bite or maintain its teeth well enough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Simply, when a rabbit\u2019s teeth are not maintained well enough, malocclusion takes place. Below is a table describing the causes symptoms and treatments for the dangerous problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Condition<\/td>Cause<\/td>Symptom<\/td>Treatment<\/td><\/tr>
Malocclusion <\/td>Inherited condition. Occasionally can be due to accidental tooth breakage.<\/td>Elongated upper or lower teeth. May prevent the animal from eating.<\/td>Clipping of teeth is a temporary solution. Affected animals should be culled.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Source<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

This happens in humans as well, but it is a very serious and common problem<\/strong> for rabbits. Which if not well watched can lead to serious issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two very specific problem areas that rabbit owners need to look out for in a rabbit\u2019s mouth. The front teeth and the molars are the typical problem areas when it comes to the overgrowth of teeth.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Above is a veterinarian checking a rabbit’s teeth and gums for some sign of dental disease. To see what serious malocclusion looks like, all it takes is just one Google search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned by veterinarians when speaking of dental disease in rabbits, \u201cRabbits have easily visible incisors (front teeth) plus molars in the back of the mouth for grinding and chewing.” Source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typically, if the teeth get too bad, especially in the front or back, they will need to be clipped by a veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Worst Case Scenario<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many issues and problems come with the overgrowth of teeth in rabbits. These all range from mild to extreme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To start with the extreme, \u201cWithout the proper attention, overgrown teeth<\/strong> can cause serious trauma, anorexia (lack of appetite), and even death from the inability to chew and swallow.\u201d<\/strong> Source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rabbits can die if their teeth are not maintained well enough. <\/strong>It is extreme, but it’s a possibility in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When rabbits have overgrown teeth and malocclusion forms, extreme pain and discomfort can occur. This extreme pain and discomfort can lead the rabbit into doing drastic things to avoid the pain.<\/strong> This makes it hard to see the problem sometimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Veterinarians are in consensus that rabbits \u201ctry to hide pain and discomfort because showing any sign of weakness in the wild would make them a target for predators\u201d Source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of the pain of their now overgrown teeth, eating and chewing altogether is usually avoided. This obviously can lead to extreme weight loss and eventual death<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mouth of a rabbit needs to be constantly reviewed and maintained. If they are not chewing enough, it can be extremely dangerous, and there is no way to tell unless someone is paying attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In order for your rabbit to live a happy, healthy life, dental problems need to be addressed. Do Rabbit Teeth Grow Back if They Fall Out?<\/a> This article that I wrote will help you take the best possible care of your rabbit’s teeth! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Look Out For<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The worst-case scenario is that your rabbit grows out their teeth, you don\u2019t get help, and they die early. With that being said, rabbit owners need <\/em>to know what to look out for<\/strong> and whether or not their rabbit is healthy or needs caring for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the People\u2019s Dispensary for Sick Animals, there are several tell-tale signs of dental disease in rabbits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n