Reflexive paw grooming from left ear rub

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This topic has 4sd replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 5 months ago by Gordo and Janice.

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- 06/14/2018 at 5:08 PM
  Wick & Fable
  Moderator
  5813 posts
  Wick’s going through a shedding stage that has a lot of loose strands wisping around, rather than large chunks. From this, they sometimes tickle or get in his ears, so I help coax them out from the outer ear.
  
  I noticed that with Wick’s left ear, if I rub the inside, he reflexively begins grooming his paws. Since this is compulsive, I’m not doing it anymore in case it’s somehow stressful for him not to be able to control that.
  
  I am curious if this is the case for anyone else’s rabbit?
  
  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.
- 06/14/2018 at 6:02 PM
  OnyxMoon
  Participant
  260 posts
  Something similar happens with Pumpkin. If I pet/touch in between her ears, she shakes her head and starts grooming them.
  
  I thought It was a one time thing, until I did it again without thinking and she repeated shaking her head, grooming, and added a grunt that time.
  
  I just assumed it tickled or something, but I remind myself not to pet there anymore since it bothers her.
- 06/15/2018 at 1:34 AM
  kurottabun
  Participant
  908 posts
  Absolutely yes.
  
  Some time ago I thought of posting this question as well out of curiosity but it somehow slipped my mind lol!
  
  I realised this when one day I was just stroking Kurotta as he was lounging. When it came to stroking his ears (the motion was actually more like rubbing), he started to lick his paw. I did it again a few times and even a few days later just to be sure it was caused by me rubbing his ear, and everytime it was the same.
- 06/15/2018 at 7:06 AM
  ThorBunny
  Participant
  824 posts
  Yes! Thor does the reflexive paw grooming after every petting session. Especially if I groom her ears.
  
  I’ve always wondered if it was a sort of single-bun thing. Like, ‘ooohh that feels so good, must groom back!’ but there aren’t any other bunnies around so they groom their front paws instead
- 06/15/2018 at 8:12 AM
  Gordo and Janice
  Participant
  703 posts
  Yes I agree with ThorBunny. Icey was the same. Ear rubbing between the thumb and fingers would seem to elicit and “Ahhhhhhh, yeeeesssss!” reflex and she would begin to lick away incessantly. Sometimes her paws, sometimes the floor, whatever. It was just lick city while the ears were being rubbed. But it seemed to me it was more of an “Oh yes, oh yes! That’s the spot! Don’t stop!” kind of enjoyment.
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