Reasons for a Bloated Rabbit Belly: Possible Causes
Section 1: The Main Causes of Bloating in Rabbits
1. Overindulgence in dry, hard, or indigestible foods can lead to bloating and gas in rabbits.
2. A diet low in roughage can significantly slow down or halt rabbit intestinal motility, causing food to accumulate in the gut and produce a large amount of gas, leading to a distended belly.
3. Overeating, especially of highnutrient forages like alfalfa, can also cause bloating. Alfalfa is rich in nutrients, but rabbits struggle to digest it properly, which can result in issues like urinary calculi and gastrointestinal bloating.
4. Bloating might also occur if a rabbit ingests toxic feed, which can weaken the digestive system and lead to stomach distension.
If you notice your rabbit's belly is swollen, pay close attention to their feces. Hard stools can be a sign of impacted food. If the bloating is due to overeating, consider these effective solutions: reduce the amount of rabbit food, encourage more physical activity, gently rub your rabbit's belly, and administer probiotics. If probiotics are unavailable, you can use digestive aids, but opt for pediatric, traditional Chinese medicinebased products and use them sparingly.
5. Celery and honey can be beneficial for smoothing digestion and promoting bowel movements. You can offer these to your rabbit, but remember to wash and dry celery before feeding and to dilute honey in cool water, as hot water can cause heatrelated issues.
Proper Technique for Massaging a Rabbit's Belly:
First, gently turn the rabbit onto its back between your legs. With your fingers together, softly press on the rabbit's soft abdominal area and make circular motions in a counterclockwise direction, similar to how you might rub your own belly after a meal. If the rabbit resists turning over, you can place your hand under its belly and rub in a clockwise motion.
This is a primary method for alleviating mild bloating in rabbits. Additionally, if the bloating is due to excessive alfalfa consumption, it's important to reduce the amount of alfalfa in your rabbit's diet.
Important Reminder from Oxygen Pet Doctor:
Rabbits do not have a sense of satiety. If their food intake is not monitored, they can easily overeat, leading to a host of problems. For the wellbeing of your rabbit, it's crucial to be mindful of this and control their portions accordingly.
