There are many animals whose noses are meant to be wet; this shows that they are healthy. For rabbit owners, it is common to wonder whether your pet should have a wet nose. If they do have one, is this a sign of good health or is it a sign of a problem? Are rabbit noses supposed to be wet?
Rabbits are not supposed to have wet noses. If there is any sign of moisture or discharge around the nose that cannot be explained through normal behavior or drinking, this usually indicates that the rabbit is suffering from poor health.
let’s explore what you should be looking for when checking your rabbits nose.
Is My Rabbit Supposed To Have A Wet Nose?
If you purchased your rabbit from a pet store or reputable breeder, you will probably have been given a lot of information around how to check your bunny’s health. This may have included looking at the teeth and nails, checking for wounds, and indeed, looking at the condition of the eyes and nose.
When a rabbit has a wet nose, this could mean one of two things; the rabbit may be trying to cool down, or it could be a sign of illness. The difference between these two things is that a rabbit whose nose is wet as a result of trying to cool down will be so from dipping their nose into water or licking it.
This is a common behavior in rabbits and is similar to how dogs will cool down. If the weather is particularly warm, it is worth observing your rabbit for a while to see if it uses water as a way to cool off. If this is the case, you have nothing to worry about.
In addition to this, a rabbit may also apply moisture to the nose when it is trying to smell something. Rabbits use their sense of smell for so many things. From birth, they rely on it to find their mothers teat and take their feeds. As they grow, they will use smell to determine whether an area or environment is safe. However, if they need to get a better smell, they may make their noses wet to do so.
However, rabbits are, unfortunately, extremely susceptible to respiratory conditions. If your rabbit develops an illness like this, it is vital that you have it seen by a vet as soon as possible. These types of illness can cause death in rabbits so it is simply not worth taking a ‘wait and see’ approach.
In this case, you will notice that, rather than water, your rabbit’s nose may be caked in nasal discharge. This is typically a lot thicker than water and you will notice that it is coming from inside the rabbit’s nose rather than simply being on it. Your bunny probably won’t take kindly to you giving it the once over, especially if it isn’t feeling well. But it is important that you carry out the check.
What Does It Mean When Your Bunny’s Nose Is Wet?
One of the most worrying reasons that your bunny has a wet nose would be that it is suffering with some sort of respiratory infection. Snuffles is a common condition in rabbits that affects the respiratory tract. If it is left untreated, it can be fatal so it is crucial that it doesn’t go ignored.
Snuffles may also bring on other symptoms, so if your rabbit’s nose is wet, you should check for these. They may include:
- Wet paws
- Matted fur
- Tilting the head back
- Sores on the skin
It is also possible that your rabbit is suffering from pneumonia which is another respiratory condition seen in humans and animals. It affects the lungs with inflammation and you may notice that your rabbit’s appetite decreases and your pet becomes much more lethargic.
Pneumonia can cause discharge from both the eyes and nose. Rabbits with pneumonia may also exhibit coughing and sneezing as some of their primary symptoms. Typically, these symptoms will last longer than a few days, and in this case, it is important to book an appointment to see your vet.
Your rabbit should have received a vaccination against myxomatosis at an early age and this should be repeated every year. However, no vaccine is 100% effective so this condition is still a risk for all rabbits.
This disease can be a very rapid killer for domestic rabbits so it is vital that your pet receives treatment as quickly as possible. From the onset of symptoms, your pet is at risk of death in as little as a week. These symptoms may include swollen or pus-filled eyelids, lack of energy, and nasal discharge.
We have established that rabbits may make their noses wet when trying to smell something or when they are too warm. If it is the latter, you should also be aware that your rabbit may be at risk of developing heat stroke. In this instance, you will need to make sure that you provide them with a cool environment and plenty of fresh water.
It is also possible to purchase a rabbit cooling pad which is great to pop in the cage when the weather gets a little warmer.
How To Check For Heat Stroke In Rabbits
If you think that heat stroke may be the issue, the first thing you should think about is whether the rabbit is being exposed to high temperatures. Chances are that if it is the height of summer, or you’re keeping an indoor rabbit in a very hot room, heat stroke could be the culprit.
That being said, there are things that you can look for to determine if this is the problem. For example, a rabbit with heat stroke may be much more lethargic than it usually is. They may lack enthusiasm, so if you have a usually playful rabbit whose energy has dwindled, this is a consideration.
Furthermore, rabbits with heat stroke may have hot ears and you might notice that their breathing changes. For the most part, the breathing will be shallow and it may seem like the rabbit is struggling, making audible breaths. In addition to this, the rabbit may tilt its head back and breathe with its mouth open.
Why Is My Rabbit’s Face Wet?
If your rabbit is sick, there could be a chance that the nasal discharge has spread around the face. In this case, you will likely notice that the fur in the affected areas is matted. However, this may not be the only cause.
Some rabbits may produce excess saliva and this can result in the drooling. This is a particular problem when the rabbit grooms itself or during eating and drinking. For some rabbits, this is normal, but for many, it is a sign of an underlying health condition.
One of the most common reasons is a dental problem such as gingivitis, overgrown teeth, or even a sore in the mouth. Additionally, this excess production of saliva could be related to health conditions relating to the central nervous system.
You should also keep in mind that if a rabbit chews through an electrical wire, this could result in your pet producing a lot of saliva. For this reason, and to avoid accidents, it is essential to rabbit-proof your home.
Less severe causes may be that the rabbit has a piece of food stuck in its teeth or that they have eaten something with a bitter taste.
