Together we are strong for species-appropriate care for rabbits and rodents, which is why you can now find us in the Fressnap branch in Neutraubling!
Weekly checks on rabbits and guinea pigs are of key importance in order to ensure the long-term health of these sensitive animals and to identify problems early on. As prey animals, rabbits and guinea pigs are designed to hide pain or weakness as best as possible in order not to be perceived as easy prey. However, this behavior can mean that health problems such as injuries or illnesses initially remain invisible to the owner.
It is therefore particularly important to carry out thorough checks on a regular basis in order to detect possible signs of illness early before they develop into serious problems.
Important aspects of the weekly check
The fur of rabbits and guinea pigs provides an initial indication of their general health. A healthy coat should be shiny, thick and even. Dull fur, hair loss or bald patches can indicate various problems, such as malnutrition, parasite infestation (e.g. mites or fleas) or skin diseases. Long-haired breeds, such as the Angora rabbit or Peruvian guinea pig, require particularly intensive care to avoid matting, which can lead to skin irritation. In addition, the skin under the fur should be carefully inspected.
Redness, wounds, hardening or scaling can be signs of skin problems or inflammation that require urgent veterinary treatment.
Rabbits and guinea pigs have teeth that grow throughout their lives.
A problem that often occurs in these animals is overgrowth of the teeth, especially the incisors.
Teeth that are too long can prevent the animal from eating normally and often lead to painful injuries in the mouth.
A common sign of dental problems is increased salivation, changes in chewing behavior or refusal to eat. It is therefore essential to regularly check the length of the teeth.
The gums should also be checked for inflammation or injuries. If the teeth become too long, this may indicate poor nutrition or genetic predisposition.
In such cases, a visit to the vet to correct the teeth is essential!
The eyes of rabbits and guinea pigs should be clear and shiny.
Cloudiness, redness, or watering are possible signs of eye problems, which can range from infections to dental problems.
Since the roots of rabbit teeth are very close to the eyes, overgrowth of the molars can put pressure on the eyes and lead to inflammation. Likewise, a blocked or runny nose is a warning sign that can indicate respiratory infections, allergies or more serious illnesses such as the dreaded rabbit cold. Both symptoms should not be taken lightly and require immediate veterinary examination!
The ears of rabbits and guinea pigs should also be checked regularly. Especially in rabbits with floppy ears, the risk of ear infections (otitis) or mite infestation is increased because the ears are not as well ventilated.
Redness, flaking or an unpleasant smell from the ears can be signs of parasites or infections.
Even with guinea pigs, which are known for their sensitive ears, parasites or ear infections can quickly become a problem.
The claws of rabbits and guinea pigs grow constantly and should be checked regularly and trimmed if necessary.
Claws that are too long can lead to misalignment of the paws, which is painful and restricts the animals' movement.
It is particularly important that the claws grow straight and do not tear or twist.
This can not only be painful for the animals, but also increase the risk of injuries and infections. At the same time, when checking the claws, you should also take a look at the paw pads. Cracks, pressure points or inflammation can indicate incorrect posture or unsuitable ground and should also be treated immediately.
Regularly weighing rabbits and guinea pigs is a simple but effective way to detect changes in health at an early stage.
Sudden weight gain or loss can indicate a variety of health problems, from dental problems to digestive disorders. Changes in eating habits, such as refusing to eat certain foods or drinking more, should also be noted.
These behavioral changes can be signs of illness, such as kidney problems, digestive disorders or misaligned teeth. If an animal suddenly refuses food or eats less, quick action is required, as rabbits and guinea pigs are very sensitive to food shortages and this can quickly lead to digestive problems or even death.
In addition to physical controls, observation of behavior also plays a crucial role.
A change in behavior, such as increased withdrawal, decreased appetite, or increased aggressiveness, may indicate pain or discomfort.
Especially with rabbits, who are very social animals by nature, withdrawal can be a sign that they are feeling unwell.
Guinea pigs that are kept in groups also often show that something is wrong through changes in social behavior. It is therefore important to be familiar with the animals' normal behavior and to pay attention to any deviations.
Genital corners and butt control
Regularly checking the genitals and anal area in rabbits and guinea pigs is an important part of care that is often overlooked.
Both areas can have health problems that go unnoticed without regular checks and can lead to serious problems. Guinea pigs in particular are prone to blockages in the genital area and the accumulation of feces in the anus, which can lead to hygiene and health problems.
Control of the gender corners
Guinea pigs have so-called *genital corners* or *perineal pockets* on their hind legs, in which sebum, hair and dirt can accumulate. These pockets can become blocked, especially in older males, which can lead to inflammation or infection if not cared for.
Regular checks, at least once a week, are therefore essential to remove these accumulations at an early stage.
The genital areas should be gently cleaned with a damp cloth or cotton swab. Sebum plugs that form in the pockets can be removed by carefully wiping them out. If the area is very dirty, it may be advisable to call a veterinarian to avoid injury.
Control of the anal area
Checking the bottom (anal area) is also important, especially in long-haired rabbits and guinea pigs, as droppings or urine can get caught in the fur and cause what is known as fecal stickiness. These stickiness can attract flies, which lay their eggs in the soiled fur. Maggots hatching from these can damage the animal's skin and tissue, which is known as *fly maggot infestation* (myiasis) and is a life-threatening situation.
It is also important to check the anal area regularly and trim the fur if necessary in older or overweight animals that have difficulty cleaning themselves. Any stuck fur should be carefully removed and the skin underneath should be checked for redness, inflammation or irritation.
If the animal has increased diarrhea or produces soft stools, special care must be taken as these animals are more susceptible to stool stickiness.
In such cases, a stool sample should definitely be given to the vet!
Benefits of regular checks
A weekly check brings numerous advantages.
First of all, it allows for early detection of diseases or injuries so that they can be treated more quickly. The earlier a health problem is detected, the higher the chances of recovery and the lower the risk of long-term complications.
In addition, regular physical examinations strengthen the trust between owner and animal. Rabbits and guinea pigs get used to being examined carefully, which can reduce the stress of any visits to the vet.
Another positive effect is the improved quality of life of the animals.
Through continuous care and attention, health problems can be addressed early and the animals stay healthy and active longer.
Healthy and species-appropriate husbandry, combined with regular checks, is the basis for a long and happy life for the animals.
Conclusion
Weekly inspection of rabbits and guinea pigs is an essential part of responsible animal husbandry.
It allows diseases to be identified early and treated accordingly before they become serious problems. By regularly checking the coat, skin, teeth, eyes, ears, claws, weight and behavior, owners can ensure that their animals stay healthy and that potential risks are minimized in good time.
In addition to health prevention, the control also strengthens the relationship between animal and owner and contributes significantly to the better well-being of the animals.