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My rabbit bites its fur on its paws when digging. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Female | unspayed | 7 months and 13 days old

I just realise this a few days back, when it dig the floor it will bite the fur from the side of the front paws, it only does this when its digging otherwise it won't do that.I did inspect its nails but nothing seems to be unusual. Is there something wrong with it???Its very active, poop and eat as much as usual, nothing unusual aside feom that behavior.I don't has other rabbit or pet aside from it. It does seem to bite lesser after i trim its nails.A least the fur didn't come off now

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

Veterinarian

Published on July 14th, 2018

Thanks for your question, and thank you for the pictures - they are very helpful. In the pictures, the nails on Pierre are pretty long - I am not sure if you took these before you trimmed the nails or after, but this may be the reason that he was biting at his feet. When rabbits' nails are too long, they can be irritating to the rabbit and can even break and tear the skin or cause a wound. Rabbits typically dig to keep their nails short, so this may be the reason that he was trying this activity.
I would recommend monitoring Pierre now that the nails have been trimmed to see if he responds. If he continues to bite at the fur, then he may have something underlying going on and he should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
I hope that gives you a place to start, and that Pierre feels better soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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