Do decorative rabbits stink at home and the reasons for the smell
In their natural habitat, rabbits do not spread odor, as they can easily become prey to predators. Most breeders are concerned about the question, do decorative rabbits stink at home? This problem is important for future owners who want to buy a fluffy animal in the house. We will try to find an answer to the most frequently asked question of potential rabbit breeders.
Do decorative rabbits stink?
Decorative rabbits by nature are clean animals. They, like other animals, have their own smell. Young animals practically do not exude aromas, with the exception of wool, which absorbs the smell of hay or feed. In adults, the smell is stronger.
The only question of a specific smell is whether it is acceptable or sharp. If the breeder feels a stench near the cage, the reasons lie in insufficient care of the rodent or problems with its health.
Herbivores feed on plant foods, fruits, vegetables that do not have a specific aroma.
Therefore, complex aromatic compounds do not accumulate in the stomachs of animals, which, after metabolism, cause the production of liquids with a pungent odor. For this reason, the fur group of animals cannot have an unpleasant extraneous stench, which future owners are so worried about, dreaming of having a pet at home.
Possible causes of bad odor
The reasons for the appearance of an unpleasant odor in a cage with an animal can be improper care or the development of infectious diseases in the pet. If the rabbit smells other than bedding and food, this should be a concern for the breeder.
Insufficient care
A corrosive aroma is formed due to the appearance of dirt in the place where the pet is kept. A furry animal living in an apartment lives in a confined space. In the cell, he eats, sleeps, leaves waste products. The pet skin is saturated with these odors. Therefore, the rabbit cage needs to be regularly washed, cleaned, and renewed.
Puberty
An adult male has a physiological feature - to mark territory. During this period, male urine exudes a more pronounced pungent odor. Therefore, a stench spreads when fluid accumulates in the tray.
Illness and old age
An older rodent can lead to urinary incontinence. As a result, an unpleasant odor is formed in the home. In this case, only disposable diapers will help, which will need to be changed several times a day.
If the decorative rabbit is not yet old, and puberty has passed, the stench in the cage does not stop, you need to pay attention to the color of the urine. Perhaps the pet has some kind of disease.
How to deal with the problem
The main rule in keeping a fluffy animal is to take regular care of it. Cleanliness not only eliminates unpleasant odors, but also ensures the health of your pet.
Cleaning the cage and inventory
The cage should be removed every few days. It is advisable to use only high-quality materials as a filler. A great solution would be wood litter for cat litter. Replace as soon as it gets dirty. It is strictly forbidden to use paper from printed publications, ink for printing has a detrimental effect on the health of the pet.
The tray is disinfected once or twice a week, otherwise pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms will begin to develop in it. The cage is washed with hot water and soap, a weak manganese or vinegar solution. It is unacceptable to use chemical disinfectants. They will harm the health of the fluffy animal.
Dry the pet's dwelling on the street in a natural way. Wet cleaning is performed every day. On hot days, the cage is cleaned more often, since at elevated temperatures, pathogenic bacteria develop more rapidly and smell unpleasant.
Bathing your pet
They bathe the eared pet only in exceptional cases. If your pet gets dirty, it is enough to wash only the contaminated area. If the rodent is sick or has diarrhea, gently wipe the dirty area with a damp baby wipe or rinse with water. You can simply wet your hands with water, then gently brush the animal's fur.
If the rabbit's fur is heavily soiled, it is bathed, but the body is not completely immersed in water. Warm water is collected in the basin, baby soap or special hypoallergenic shampoo is used. They bathe the animal in a heated room without drafts.
The rabbit is placed in a bowl of water, the wool is carefully moistened and lathered. Do not let water get into your pet's ears. Wash off the soap or shampoo several times. Then the animal is wrapped in a towel and waited for the wool to dry. If necessary, change to a clean and dry towel.
When bathing a rodent, you need to be extremely careful. In its natural habitat, the animal does not come into contact with water. Water treatments can cause shock or hypothermia in the rabbit.
Castration
Castration will help improve hygiene and prolong the life of a decorative rabbit. During puberty, male urine begins to smell strong. Even daily cleaning does not always help to cope with this problem. Such a procedure will help eliminate the stench, pollution of the territory. It also promotes calmer behavior of the animal.
In the groin area of adults, secretions accumulate. Their breeders periodically clean them with a cotton swab dipped in warm water. The procedures are performed carefully, trying not to harm the eared pet.
Observance of simple sanitary rules will help to get rid of the unpleasant smell in the cage of a decorative rabbit. Proper care, proper feeding, and good quality bedding contribute to a normal and healthy rodent lifestyle. If the stench continues, then this is a reason to contact your veterinarian for help.
