Why does a decorative rabbit shed: causes, types and features of care

Rabbits periodically change their hairline. At the same time, the old animal hair falls out, and it is replaced by a new one. Why does a decorative rabbit shed? This process is the result of age-related changes or seasonal factors. At this time, rabbits require special care, as they often lick themselves and swallow wool. Sometimes it even provokes death.

Types of molting

The loss of wool in decorative rabbits can be due to the influence of various factors. This is usually a natural age or seasonal process. But sometimes shedding is associated with diseases or vitamin deficiencies.

Mature

By the end of the first month of life, a fairly thick cover appears on the body of the rabbits. Moreover, the wool still has a soft and delicate texture. But already in 1.5 months it begins to fall out. The coat change takes 50-60 days and then stops. After a couple of weeks, a second molt occurs, which has a certain cyclicity. This process also takes approximately 2 months.

Determining the onset of the molting period is quite easy - while the coat becomes dull and sheds heavily.

When changing fur on the body of a pet, small bald spots may form, on the surface of which a delicate fluff appears. The hairs are unevenly shed. First, the neck, tail and hind limbs shed. Then there is hair loss on the abdomen, thighs, shoulder blades. Fur is also lost in the lumbar region.

The next stage of wool change has the same pattern as the first.The rate of hairline renewal depends on the characteristics of nutrition, maintenance, and breed of the animal. It should be borne in mind that in a cool environment, animals molt faster. At the same time, protein food helps to renew the coat and makes it look he althier.

Seasonal

Moulting is also connected with seasonal factors. It is observed in autumn and spring. This process differs by gender. The beginning of the seasonal molt occurs at the end of August or the first half of September. It takes 2-2.5 months. With the advent of spring, the coat changes on the front legs and neck. After that, the croup sheds and, last of all, the tail. After the change, the coat of females acquires a dirty brown color. If the rabbit is pregnant, the fur becomes thinner.

The molting of males has certain differences. First, there is a loss of fluff, and then a change in wool. In autumn, the process proceeds in the same way as in spring. The difference lies in the structure of the coat - it becomes more dense and dark in color.

The quality and time of wool change depends on the living conditions of the rabbit. Thanks to proper care, balanced nutrition and vitamin supplements, the process becomes faster and does not lead to negative consequences.

Features of caring for rabbits during molting

During the molting period of a rabbit, the risk of intestinal obstruction increases significantly. These animals are considered very clean. They lick themselves all the time. As a result, a large amount of falling hair enters the body.

Shedding requires more careful care of the animal. To do this, use a special brush or small comb. To remove excess hairs, it is recommended to wet your hands with water and carefully stroke the animal. This is worth doing from all angles. The fact is that rabbits cannot regurgitate their own fur. That is why it is important to take action. This will help to avoid violations of the functions of the digestive system.

Stomach blockage can be suspected by the following symptoms:

constipation for more than 12 hours;
loss of appetite;
depression associated with abdominal pain;
round belly - this symptom is due to the accumulation of gases;
smaller stool diameter when emptying;
tight fastening of feces balls with each other.

The listed signs indicate the development of intestinal obstruction. To deal with the violation, you should do the following:

massage the stomach with light movements - it is worth moving clockwise;
water your pet frequently;
give the rabbit 2-3 milliliters of vegetable oil.

When refusing fluid, it is important to inject a glucose solution - 10 cubes each.It is recommended to do this several times a day subcutaneously. To avoid intestinal obstruction during molting, it is worth giving your pet a special paste. With the help of this substance, it is possible to avoid the appearance of hairballs in the digestive organs. This composition can be purchased at veterinary pharmacies or pet stores.

It is worth considering that during the molting period, wool accumulates in the corners of the cage and disrupts the pet's breathing. That is why it needs to be cleaned every day. It is advisable to use a vacuum cleaner for this. In general, molting does not provoke negative he alth effects. However, to prevent hair breakage, the rapid growth of new hairs and the occurrence of dandruff, it is recommended to give the animal a sulfur-based supplement. A rabbit will need 0.01 grams of funds per day.

It should be borne in mind that sulfur must be contained in the pet's food during the period of seasonal, age-related or pathological molting.

In addition to pharmaceutical products, there are special natural supplements that help avoid the formation of hairballs in the stomach.With the help of fiber fibers, it is possible to normalize the functions of the digestive tract. The use of fresh and dry leaves and grass is considered optimal. Useful fiber is present in the composition of the branches of willow, ash and birch.

Diseases and infections requiring treatment

Sometimes molting is due to the development of pathologies or infection of the rabbit with parasites. The pathological causes of hair loss include the following:

Ringworm. Microscopic fungi lead to its development. Pathology is considered highly contagious. Its characteristic symptoms include the appearance of limited areas on the skin that are devoid of wool. In this case, the epithelium is covered with red spots and irritation. A special vaccine is administered to treat the pathology.
Fleas. Cats and dogs can spread these parasites. With the appearance of allergic reactions, hair loss is observed. There is also a risk of developing a serious pathology - myxomatosis.
Ticks. Rabbits can be attacked by many different types of mites. They are able to parasitize not only on the surface of the skin, but also under it. Also, mites can live in the structure of hair follicles.
Dermatosis. This pathology is also called skin fungus. It provokes the appearance of severe itching and hair loss around the ears. For treatment, it is worth using an antifungal ointment, which should be used to treat problem areas.
Hormon imbalance. A blood test helps to identify a violation.
Lack of vitamins. To cope with the problem, vitamin supplements must be introduced into the diet. To maintain the normal condition of the fur and skin, rabbits need sulfur and nicotinic acid. They also need vitamins A, E, B12.

Shedding rabbits at an early age is considered a variant of the norm. It is also possible to change wool in spring or autumn. In other cases, the presence of various diseases can be suspected. In such a situation, it is imperative to consult a veterinarian and take appropriate measures.