HOW TO CLEAN YOUR RABBIT'S SCENT GLANDS
By Fiona Murphy
We all know that rabbits have scent glands under their chin, which they use to mark their territory, and everything they are claiming as their own! But, did you know that they also have scent glands on either side of their genitals, which they may need some help with! Does your rabbit smell a bit?! Rabbits are naturally very clean animals, so if your rabbit pongs a bit, they have either rolled in something they shouldn't or their scent glands need cleaning. The waxy substance smells a bit like ear wax, and looks like it too! Some rabbits will clean them themselves, but if your bunny is overweight, not well / in pain, or just can't be bothered lol, we may need to help them out.
Blocked scent glands can lead to an infection, and also can be a warning sign that your bunny isn't effectively cleaning themselves for some reason. They may also then not be eating their cecotropes which is essential for their health and wellbeing, or grooming themselves properly which may lead to gut stasis due to ingesting the loose fur. You should check your rabbit's scent glands regularly, at least as often as you clip their nails (around every 6-8 weeks on average) but ideally once a week when you give them a health check.
Here is a video of how to check them and see if they need cleaning, then clean them if they do but do pay attention if you need to do it regularly!
*CAN'T PICK YOUR RABBIT UP TO CLEAN THEIR SCENT GLANDS?!
I am a big believer in picking up your rabbit, as although a lot of rabbits don't like being picked up, many of them actually do enjoy a cuddle once they are up, which is soo good for your relationship with them! You also need to be able to pick them up and check them over once a week, this is one of the best ways to see if your bunny isn't right, as you will know what they usually feel like weight wise, and can watch for any lumps and bumps, skin issues etc. Finally, life is easier and less stressful for both of you, if you can pick them up to get them in the carrier for the vets or their holidays, and it makes grooming less stressful for them when you need to help them out with their moulting, or you need to clip their nails!
I CAN HELP WITH THAT!
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