Bunny Breath 101: What’s Normal & When to Worry

Are you worried about your bunny having a stinky breath? Well, if you are, it’s okay. This is because bunny breath can tell a lot about its health. The average bunny has pretty odorless breath when they are healthy.

This results from their purely vegetarian diet and habit of chewing on peanut hay or the random cabinet. They barely have the bacterial buildup that gives them bad breath.

As a parent to a fluffy sweetheart, it’s okay to panic sometimes when their breath does stink. But so you don’t startle yourself or your rabbit.

Here are some ways to know when to worry about your bunny’s breath:

When The Stench Is Persistent

Just like people, bunnies sometimes have bad days. Not every instance of a smelly muzzle is a bad sign. However, when you notice a stench every time you get close to your bunny, it’s probably a sign that you must consult a vet. 

When There Are Visible Dental Issues

Dental issues are another culprit that causes bad bunny breath.

Fun Fact: The one part of a bunny that never stops growing is its teeth, which is why dental issues aren’t always avoidable. When your bunny’s teeth start to get uneven, drool, or display other signs of dental problems and bad breath, it is an urgent sign that your fur baby needs an intervention. 

When You Notice Snot, Serious Sneezing and Nasal Discharge

Bunnies can’t breathe through their mouths, so mucus could gather in their mouths whenever they have a cold, causing a bacterial buildup and bad breath. Bad bunny breath could also result from dehydration.

When bunnies have a cold, they aren’t very eager to eat because of the distress that their breathing could cause. If you notice your bunny getting lethargic or heavily dripping from its nose, it’s probably suffering from a cold. 

When A Diet Change Doth A Smelly Mouth Make

You can tell if the new feed isn’t working by checking your pet’s breath. Bad breath is a tell-tale sign that your bunny food isn’t suitable (or clean), and it means you need to go for cleaner, healthier food options. 

So, How Do You Get Your Bunny Breath Back In Business?

First, you need to try to visit a vet. A vet will inspect your bunny for any signs of abscess in its mouth or dental problems and ensure it is in peak health. If your vet finds no issues, you must focus on changing your pet’s lifestyle. 

• • Changing your bunny’s food and water source is the best way to combat bad breath with lifestyle choices. Because bunnies are self-cleaning, you don’t need to worry about bathing your rabbit. But this means that if it self-cleans with bad breath, you might end up with a stinky pet you cannot bathe. You must also ensure you feed your bunny more greens and fewer pellets. Sweet or sugary treats (including pellets) could lead to bacterial buildup and a stinky mouth. 

• • Next, you need to do routine inspections of your pet’s mouth. Check for discolored teeth, overgrowth, and drooling. While doing this routine, you must also provide your bunny with new chewable items if the old ones are damaged or worn. Why? That constant gum massage is what keeps your bunny from ending up with elongated teeth. So, give your bun more peanut hay and wooden blocks to chew on. 

• • Don’t use wood shavings as bedding to prevent your bunny from getting a cold, which could lead to bad breath. Wood shavings usually have residual dust or particles that can lead to serious hazards for your rabbit. Instead, use hay or fleece to reduce respiratory irritation.

• • Also, remember to regularly change your bunny’s soiled bedding to ensure it is in a comfortable and germ-free environment.

What Are Some Preventive Tips For Bad Bunny Breath

If you’ve ever heard the saying, “You are what you eat”, then you know food plays a significant role in your general health and wellness, and the same goes for your bunny. You can start your bunny care by offering them lots of hay to keep their teeth trimmed and balance gut health.

Also, by limiting their consumption of sweets and carrots and replacing those with leafy greens such as kale and spinach, you can improve their gut health and prevent bacterial buildup that will lead to odors and infections.

You must also ensure that your rabbit has constant access to clean water to prevent dehydration and bacterial buildup. Other ways you can avoid bad breath in bunnies include:

• • Weekly teeth inspections. This includes checking for overgrowth, abscesses, drooling, and all signs of serious dental issues. You can also give your rabbit toys made from untreated wood or hay cubes to chew on. These items help to keep their teeth in shape and clean.

• • If possible, change your rabbit’s bedding regularly. Use hay, fleece, or materials that absorb smells so your bunny doesn’t get a stuffy nose. You also need to clean your rabbit’s home every day. Consider changing the bedding daily and sweeping off debris if it’s a cage or a room. You should also try to disinfect the space weekly with solutions like a vinegar and water mix for pet safety and to neutralize urine odors, which can cause the sniffles. 

• • You can’t bathe your bunny, but you can groom them. So, focus on areas prone to “poopy butt” or matting so that bacteria doesn’t build up there. You should also use damp cloths or pet-safe wipes for accidents. That way, you can ensure that no residue falls into food sources or enters your bunny’s mouth while it grooms itself. 

• • While you might want to keep your rabbit’s living space smelling fresh, you need to keep in mind that rabbits have sensitive noses. A runny nose can lead to bad breath and even more serious health implications, so skip air fresheners, candles, or perfumes, which can irritate sensitive respiratory systems. Instead, put a little baking soda near the cage (out of reach) or simmer cinnamon/orange peels for a pet-safe scent. 

So, When Do You Need To Consult A Vet For Bad Bunny Breath?

Earlier, we highlighted some causes of bad breath; while some have easy fixes, others need serious medical intervention. For instance, when you notice bad bunny breath accompanied by noisy breathing, wheezing, labored breathing, or blue-tinged lips/tongue, this is a sign that your bunny lacks oxygen and needs a vet urgently.

It could be caused by an infection, but it’s best to go to the clinic for help before it becomes fatal. 

Another thing that would immediately require a vet is when there is persistent bad breath paired with a loss of appetite. If your bunny gets lethargic and has nasal discharge, you should also get a doctor as soon as possible. 

Finally, you should immediately seek medical assistance if you notice an abscess, diarrhea, constipation, or any dental issues while investigating persistent bad bunny breath. 

Now, remember that bunnies are intelligent and sensitive creatures, so try not to make a big deal out of their breath if it gets stinky. If you don’t notice any visible causes and don’t think the change of diet is associated with your bunny having a mouth odor, consult your vet for tips to fix it.