Teeth grinding when warmer, but not too warm

[mia]

Why does he grind his teeth every time it’s a bit warmer? Other than the fact he’s a very emotional bun (earthquake inducing thumps, stares you in the eyes and pees where he’s not suppose to as protest, etc) and also grinds frequently when he’s sleeping… It’s NOT hot; I checked underneath that fur. Everytime I hear teeth grinding I freak out thinking there’s something wrong. And yes, it’s grinding, not purring, super duper loud you’d think he was dying.

His friend, who looks almost identical to him with a bit shorter fur, decided to copy him the other day and I shot out of bed falling over thinking she was dying; I have never heard her grind her teeth but last year, first summer with me, she was just settling in.

I hope it’s not contagious and spread to 3rd bun.

Can I assume, if it was actually pain, it’d be much louder?

(previously had lil ones who grind from pain that I rushed to emergency or gave opiods)

[LBJ10]

I had a bunny who would grind his teeth when he was very displeased about something. It was typically one sharp grind though. It was loud. He would do it when, for example, I had stopped him from doing something he wasn’t supposed to be doing. I have never heard of tooth grinding because it is hot. I would say to just keep an eye. If he’s still behaving normally otherwise, eating, pooping, etc. then it may just be a quirk of his.

[Wick & Fable]

Teeth grinding is often associated with pain, but it’s all about context. Some rabbits like to bathe in the sun and warmth (why is beyond me considering they’re wearing fur coats 24/7) and the grinding can come from relaxation. As LBJ mentions, it could also be disapproval with the weather.

Also, because rabbit owners can be very attentive, it could be completely separate from weather altogether and you’re just noticing it happening while it also happens to be a hot time of year.

 

Lots of potential explanations. I tend to veer towards “It’s probably fine” in a lot of cases unless objective signs of illness appear.

 

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]

I had a bun (Bam) who chopped his teeth so loud it could be heard into another room. This hapoened when he was super-relaxed and comfo and melted into my mum’s lap. (He loved my mum and always wanted to hop into her lap for cuddles). So the loudness doesnt necessarily mean it’s not purring. Teeth chopping in a poorly bun tends to be accompanied by rather obvious signs of discomfort. Refusal to take a treat, shifting positions often bc cant find a comfortable position or laying/sitting very still in a sort of tense manner. Look up the Rabbit Grimace Scale for facial/head signs that a bun is in distress!

I had one bun (Vilde) who loved sunbathing. He sought out sunspots to lie in. He was an elderly, skinny little bun, very fluffy but without undercoat fur. He cuddled up next to the radiator in the winter.

It’s very, very good that you check your bun for hyperthermia, because it is indeed a risk during hot days. You can place sth cold in the room, like a chilled bottle of water and see if he seeks it out to lie next to it.

[Author]

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