04/05/2026
Furry rabbit ears are widely used by pet parents as a treat, and also in the belief that the hair they provide may help with the elimination of intestinal worms (whether there is any proof for this will be discussed at a later date).
Sounds good - but is there a scary side to such chews, which may not immediately spring to mind?
If we step into the world of a forensic pathologist for a moment, there is an obvious parallel between the analysis of human hair to determine if a person has been exposed to poisonous substances (and if so for how long), and the measurement of pollutants in animal fur, such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, mercury, chromium, nickel, manganese, copper, zinc and selenium, plus organophosphates to assess the environment in which they have been reared.
Detecting such substances is possible because hair / fur can store a wide range of potentially toxic chemicals accumulated over time (acquired from contaminated soil, water, feed, or air).
(Domesticated rabbits have been studied as sentinels for environmental pollution, with analyses of their hair, blood, liver, kidneys, and other tissues showing uptake of such substances).
Given the importance of reducing a pet's exposure to potentially harmful chemicals whenever possible, to help maintain health and well-being, a far healthier and safer option would be give 'naked' rabbit ears (no fur) or one of the many healthy, natural chews around, such as bull's pizzles, sheep / cow windpipes, chicken / turkey feet etc
Click here to learn more about Natural Worm Control: >>> https://www.vincethevet.co.uk/natural-worm-control/natural-worm-control-and-detoxification-support-50ml
Click here to learn more about screening for intestinal worms and lungworm: >>> https://www.vincethevet.co.uk/worm-screening/worm-count-and-lungworm-kit-combined
