Can trim this hair?

[stahn]

Hey all, 

my rabbit likes to drink using the left side of his face and caused his hair to be clumped up there. So I was wondering if I can trim it and I saw some pinkish skin below the hair. Is its skin irritated?

Thank you

[Wick & Fable]

Fur that’s continually wet can cause fur loss and be a welcome place for infections to thrive. Why does he prefer drinking that way, and have you witnessed it or could it potentially be drool from a mouth issue?

Typically fur there is not trimmed because you run risk of clipping whiskers.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Bam]

It is odd that he prefers to drink in that manner. As Wick says, constantly wet skin is a prefect breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. The skin loses its proper barrier capacities due to the wetness and in short, it’s not good at all.

I think I’d trim back the clumped hair just a little bit, taking great care not to hurt the skin. Then I’d put on a fat barrier cream for protection and try to teach him to drink from a bottle. Sometimes that can be achieved by smearing some banana onto the bottle nozzle.

You must keep track of the amount he drinks though, so he doesn’t get too little water in him. Too little water can lead to constipation. Some amount of water can be provided by serving his greens dripping wet.

If this doesn’t clear up soon you should see a vet about it. Try to keep a very close eye too see so it’s not caused by drooling rather than the way he drinks, as Wick suggests. Teeth problems are very common in rabbits.

[Mikey]

Youre best to head to the vet and tell them whats going on, first. I wouldnt trim or change anything until a vet sees your rabbit. Make sure to have his teeth checked and also bring his water bowl. Its possible he needs to be switched to a bottle or that his teeth are causing pain.

[stahn]

hi all thanks for your reply
I had taken a photo of the bowl that he drinks from and indicated the spot that he drinks. From day 1 till today, he loves that spot as I guess it might be the exit point of the water that makes him want to drink from that spot

So for bunnies its advisable to get them to drink from a bottle? Cuz my bunny used to drink from a bottle but he drinks a ton of water! And I mean he clears 500ml in one day and he pees and poops a lot too haha! (he clears all the water from the container in a day)

Actually, i trimmed a little. Just tip of the fur that clumps up. Will bring him to the vet on Tuesday cuz Monday is Christmas.

[Wick & Fable]

A bowl with a lower lip and generally constantly higher water level would probably work best so he doesn’t need to tip as much.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[Author]

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