Rabbits usually do not bite, but if one does, generally it doesn’t mean that he hates you.
There are numerous reasons why a rabbit may bite; for example, he may bite if you grab or surprise him.
A rabbit may also accidentally bite while tugging at your pant leg.
Bites from pet rabbits hurt and often bleed. However, rabbit bite wounds are usually not deep, and don’t require medical intervention.
Occasionally, bites can get infected, in which case you may need antibiotics.
You should also get a tetanus shot if you haven’t had one in the last ten years.
Why Do Rabbits Bite Humans?
If your rabbit bites you deliberately, it’s a sign that you’ve done something they don’t like. You may have accidentally hurt them, annoyed them, or frightened them.
The reasons rabbits bite their owners are as follows:
- Fear. Being chased, picked up, or restrained can cause a rabbit to panic and bite.
- Stress. Noisy, confined or unsatisfactory living conditions can stress a rabbit out. Stressed rabbits are prone to biting.
- Territoriality. Rabbits that have not been spayed or neutered are particularly prone to territorial behavior. They can bite if they feel that you’re invading their space.
- Pain and illness. Rabbits in pain can often lash out and bite, especially when touched.
- Mistaking you for food. If your hands smell like food, your rabbit may confuse your fingers with a tasty treat.
Do Rabbit Bites Hurt?
Rabbit nips are generally painless. They aren’t designed to hurt or wound, merely to communicate with humans. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for bites.
When a rabbit inflicts a true bite, they open its mouth wide and clamp down hard.
Sometimes, they cling tightly and are reluctant to let go. It’s a signal that the rabbit feels threatened or angry.
Baby rabbit bites don’t tend to hurt as much as bites from adult rabbits. This is because their teeth are smaller.
Are rabbit bites painful?
Yes, but it depends on how sensitive you are to pain. But most would agree that a true rabbit bite hurts.
How to Treat a Rabbit Bite?
If your rabbit has bitten you, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water. Following that, apply an antibiotic cream and a bandage to the wound.
Do Rabbit Bites Cause Infection?
Rabbit teeth are not sterile, so rabbit bites can become infected if not properly treated. Fortunately, it’s easy to care for a rabbit bite wound and prevent the likelihood of infection.
