Interesting Facts and Care Tips for Rabbits & Guinea Pigs

---

At Little Souls Rescue & Sanctuary, we’re passionate about providing the best care and information for rabbits and guinea pigs. Here you’ll find helpful guides on health, behavior, dental care, and emotional wellbeing, so you can keep your furry friends happy, healthy, and thriving.

That’s right! Guinea pigs and rabbits have teeth that keep growing all their lives — which is great… until they get too long right!
Overgrown teeth can make munching hay, veggies, and treats painful, and can even lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

So what  Signs should we look out for 

That your Pet Might Have Overgrown Teeth
Keep an eye out for :
Drooling or a wet chin
Skipping meals or refusing food
Weight loss
Pawing at their mouth
Swelling around the jaw or face
Why This Happens
Not enough hay or crunchy veggies to chew
Lack of fun chew toys or safe wooden blocks
Genetics or natural tooth misalignment
Mouth injuries or accidents

So How to Prevent Overgrown Teeth
Unlimited hay – the ultimate natural toothbrush!
Crunchy veggies and leafy greens – delicious and helpful
Chew toys – keep those teeth busy!
Vet check-ups – early detection is key!

Treatment
If teeth do get too long, a vet can safely trim or file them. 

Don’t try this at home — it’s tricky and can hurt your pet.
Fun Fact: Healthy teeth = happy pets! Daily checks and the right diet can make your guinea pig or rabbit feel like a superstar muncher! 

Rabbit and Guinea pigs teeth can grow crooked or misaligned, a condition called malocclusion. When this happens, chewing becomes tricky, and eating can even turn into a painful experience for any Rabbit or Guinea pig 

How to Spot Misaligned Teeth
Look out for these clues:

Eating less or dropping food
Weight loss
Drooling or a wet chin
Mouth sores or cuts
Odd chewing habits — like only nibbling on soft foods 

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time for a vet check — your pet’s teeth need a little help!

Why Teeth Go Crooked

Genetics: Some guinea pigs and rabbits are just born with teeth that don’t line up perfectly
Injury: A knock to the mouth can affect tooth growth
Diet: Not enough hay or crunchy veggies means teeth don’t wear down properly
Old age: Sometimes, teeth shift as pets get older

Prevention & Care

While genetics can’t be changed, you can help prevent problems and keep your pet munching happily:
Unlimited hay – nature’s toothbrush
Crunchy veggies – keep those teeth in check
Safe chew toys & wooden blocks – fun for teeth and playtime
Regular vet visits – catch problems before they get serious

 Treatment

If misaligned teeth cause trouble, a vet can:
Trim or file teeth safely
Treat any mouth ulcers or infections
Recommend diet or chew adjustments to prevent further issues 

⚠️ Never try to cut teeth at home — it can be very painful or dangerous.

Fun Fact: Even if your furry friend’s teeth aren’t perfectly straight, with the right care, they can still chew, snack, and thrive! 

Ever noticed your furry friend favoring a paw or hopping strangely? They might be dealing with Bumblefoot — a common foot problem in guinea pigs and rabbits, also called pododermatitis. Don’t worry, it’s treatable if spotted early! 

What is Bumblefoot (pododermatitis) ?
Bumblefoot happens when the feet become sore, swollen, or infected, usually from constant pressure, rough surfaces, or unhygienic bedding. Think of it as a “foot bruise that doesn’t go away” — and it can be very painful. 

Signs to Watch For

Limping or avoiding putting weight on a foot
Red, swollen, or scabby pads
Pus, scabs, or crusty sores
Reluctance to move or hop around
Over-grooming the feet
If you notice any of these, it’s time for a vet visit! Early treatment makes a huge difference.

Causes of Bumblefoot (pododermatitis)

Wire-bottom cages or rough flooring – constant pressure on feet
Unsuitable bedding – hard, wet, or abrasive surfaces
Obesity – extra weight strains the feet
Injury or trauma – cuts, scratches, or scratches from cage mates

Prevention Tips

Soft, clean bedding – fleece, hay, or soft mats work best
Avoid wire floors – add mats or platforms if you have them
Keep feet dry and clean – remove wet bedding daily
Weight management – healthy diet keeps feet pressure low
Regular checks – look at paws for redness, swelling, or scabs

Treatment

Mild cases can improve with cleaning, antiseptic treatment, and soft bedding
Severe cases may require vet care, antibiotics, or bandaging
Pain relief can be prescribed by a vet 

⚠️ Important: Don’t ignore sore paws — untreated bumblefoot can lead to serious infections or mobility issues.

Fun Fact: Happy feet = happy pets! Soft surfaces, clean bedding, and regular checks keep your guinea pigs and rabbits hopping, running, and exploring without pain. 

Just like us, guinea pigs and rabbits can catch colds and lung infections — and some of these are caused by bacteria called Bordetella and Streptococcus. These tiny germs can make Guinea pigs  and Rabbits  sneeze, cough, and feel very unwell
 

So Signs to Watch For:

Respiratory infections can start small but get serious fast. Look out for:

Sneezing or coughing
Runny nose or discharge from eyes 👀
Labored or noisy breathing
Lethargy or hiding more than usual
Loss of appetite 

⚠️ If you notice any of these, contact a vet immediately. Early treatment can save lives!

How They Catch It

Close contact with infected pets
Sudden temperature changes or drafts
Stress or weak immune systems
Both Bordetella and Streptococcus are highly contagious among guinea pigs, and rabbits can be carriers, so careful hygiene and separation of sick animals is key.

Prevention Tips

Keep cages clean and dry
Avoid crowding pets in small spaces
Provide good ventilation without drafts
Quarantine new pets before introducing them
Reduce stress and keep a consistent routine

 Treatment

A vet will prescribe antibiotics if infection is detected
Supportive care includes:
Keeping your pet warm and comfortable
Encouraging hydration and food intake
Severe cases may require hospitalisation for fluids or oxygen support 

Fun Fact: Healthy lungs = happy sniffs! Regular cage cleaning, fresh hay, and stress-free environments go a long way in keeping sneezes away. 

Bladder stones — also called uroliths — are hard mineral deposits that can form in the bladder or urinary tract of if Guinea Pigs and Rabbits. They might be small at first, but even tiny stones can be painful and dangerous if not treated promptly! 

Signs of Bladder Stones
Watch for these warning signals:

Straining or squeaking while peeing
Blood in the urine
Frequent trips to the litter area with little output
Reduced appetite or lethargy
Hunched posture or discomfort

⚠️ If you notice any of these signs, contact a vet immediately! Bladder stones can cause serious infections or blockages.

Why Bladder Stones Happen

High calcium diet – Too much calcium can crystallize in the bladder
Low water intake – Concentrated urine encourages stone formation
Genetics – Some guinea pigs and rabbits are more prone than others
Urinary tract infections – Can trigger stone formation

Prevention Tips

Provide plenty of fresh water – Encourage frequent urination
Balanced diet – Avoid excessive high-calcium foods; feed leafy greens wisely
Regular vet checks – Early detection of stones or infections can prevent bigger problems
Monitor urine and behavior – Quick action can save your pet from pain

 Treatment

Small stones – Sometimes vets can flush or dissolve them with special care
Larger stones – Surgery may be necessary to remove painful blockages
Pain relief & supportive care – Essential during recovery

⚠️ Important: Never try to treat bladder stones at home — they can be life-threatening without professional care.

Fun Fact: Drinking more water isn’t just healthy — it’s a little “bladder workout” that helps keep stones away! 

Guinea pigs and Rabbits rely on their eyes and ears to explore, play, and communicate. When something goes wrong, it can affect their health, and daily life. 

But don’t worry — spotting problems early can make all the difference! 

Common Eye Problems

1. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
What it is: Infection or irritation of the eye lining
Signs: Redness, swelling, discharge, watery eyes
Causes: Bacteria, or trauma

2. Cataracts
What it is: Cloudy areas in the eye lens
Signs: Cloudy or opaque eyes, possible vision changes
Causes: Aging, genetics

3. Eye Injuries & Ulcers
What it is: Cuts or scratches on the eye surface
Signs: Squinting, excessive tearing, rubbing the eye

Prevention & Care: Keep bedding clean, check eyes daily. Seek a vet immediately if you notice redness, swelling, or discharge.

 Common Ear Problems

1. Ear Infections
Signs: Head tilting, scratching ears, discharge, smell
Causes: Bacteria, mites, or yeast infections

2. Ear Mites
Signs: Excessive scratching, dark debris in the ear, irritation
Causes: Parasitic infestation, often spread from other pets

3. Abscesses or Injuries
Signs: Swelling, tenderness, pus-filled lumps
Causes: Bites, scratches, or untreated infections

Prevention & Care: Regularly check ears, keep cages clean, and separate sick animals. Only a vet can safely treat infections or mites.

General Tips for Healthy Eyes & Ears
Inspect eyes and ears daily for redness, discharge, or swelling
Provide clean, dry, and dust-free bedding
Avoid overcrowding and stressful environments
Keep a watch on behavior changes, like head tilting or squinting
Schedule regular vet check-ups for early detection

Fun Fact: Bright eyes and twitchy ears mean a happy, healthy pet! A little daily attention goes a long way toward preventing infections and keeping your pets comfortable. 

Reproduction in guinea pigs and rabbits comes with serious risks

Sadly we see far too many rabbits and guinea pigs arriving at rescues because Misgendering and unexpected pregnancies are among the top reasons rabbits and guinea pigs end up in rescues. 

 Always double-check the sex of your pets and plan responsibly to prevent accidental litters.

Knowing the signs and taking precautions can help Guinea pigs and rabbits stay safe, healthy, and stress-free. 

Signs of Pregnancy

Rabbits:
Swollen abdomen
Nesting behavior (digging, rearranging bedding)
Increased appetite 

Guinea Pigs:
Rounder belly as pregnancy progresses
Weight gain and sometimes nesting behavior
Appetite changes

⚠️ Tip: Pregnancy can be stressful — always provide a quiet, safe space for your pets.

Common Pregnancy & Reproductive Issues

1. Dystocia (Difficult Birth)
More common in rabbits and first-time guinea pig mothers
Signs: Prolonged labor, straining without producing babies
Immediate vet care is critical

2. Uterine or Ovarian Problems
Includes infections or tumors
Signs: Blood discharge, lethargy, loss of appetite, abdominal swelling

3. Miscarriage or Stillbirth
Can happen due to stress, poor diet, or illness
Signs: Vaginal bleeding, loss of appetite, depression

4. Overbreeding
Frequent pregnancies weaken the mother, cause nutritional deficiencies, and increase health risks
Always allow proper recovery time between litters

Prevention & Care
Balanced diet – Hay, fresh veggies, and vitamin C for guinea pigs
Safe, quiet nesting areas – Reduces stress and prevents injury
Monitor health – Watch behavior, weight, and appetite closely
Veterinary support – Essential for first-time mothers or complications
Avoid inbreeding – Reduces genetic issues
Spay females – Prevents unwanted pregnancies and reproductive problems

Tips for Correct Gendering
Prevent accidental pregnancies by learning to identify male and female guinea pigs and rabbits:

Guinea Pigs:
Males have a visible penis that can be gently extruded; females have a “Y” shaped genital opening.
Always separate males and females unless breeding intentionally.

Rabbits:
Gently lift the tail to check genital shape: males have a round protrusion; females have a slit.
Young rabbits can be tricky — check with a vet or experienced rescuer if unsure.

⚠️ Tip: Misgendering and unexpected pregnancies are among the top reasons rabbits and guinea pigs end up in rescues. 

 Always double-check the sex of your pets and plan responsibly to prevent accidental litters.

Quick tips:
Ask your vet to confirm the sex of your rabbit or guinea pig.
Avoid housing males and females together unless you intend to breed responsibly.
Learn the signs of pregnancy early to provide proper care.

Preventing accidental litters keeps your pets healthy and helps reduce the number of unwanted animals needing rescue.