Sore hocks are one of the most common foot problems in pet rabbits, and one of the most preventable. Catching them early and setting up your rabbit's space the right way can save your bunny a lot of pain and you a lot of vet visits.
This article is for general information. If you think your rabbit has sore hocks, especially open sores or swelling, please see a rabbit-savvy vet.
What Are Sore Hocks?
Sore hocks, called ulcerative pododermatitis by vets, are pressure sores on the bottom of a rabbit's feet, usually the back heels (the hocks). Rabbits do not have padded paws. Instead, a layer of fur cushions their feet. When that fur wears down, the skin underneath takes the pressure and can become inflamed, cracked, or infected.
What Causes Sore Hocks?
- Hard or rough flooring: Wire cage floors, bare concrete, and rough carpet put constant pressure on the same spots.
- Slippery floors: On tile or laminate, rabbits splay their feet to grip, which changes how weight lands on the hocks.
- Damp or dirty bedding: Urine-soaked bedding softens the skin and wears away fur.
- Extra weight: Overweight rabbits put more pressure on their feet.
- Long nails: Overgrown nails shift weight backward onto the heels.
- Not enough exercise: Rabbits who sit in one spot all day are at higher risk.
- Breed and genetics: Large breeds and Rex rabbits, which have thinner fur on their feet, are more prone.
Signs of Sore Hocks
Check the bottoms of your rabbit's back feet every week or two. Look for:
- Thinning or bald patches on the heel
- Pink or red skin where there used to be fur
- Calluses, scabs, or cracks
- Swelling or heat in the foot
- Limping, shifting weight, or reluctance to hop
A small bald, pink patch is an early warning. Scabs, open wounds, swelling, or discharge mean it is time to see a vet. Sore hocks can become infected and, if left untreated, the infection can spread deeper into the foot.
How to Prevent Sore Hocks
1. Give Them Soft Places to Rest
Make sure your rabbit has several soft spots to choose from. A cushioned Bunny Bed Pad or a padded Bunny Dream Bed gives their feet a break from hard floors, and the washable organic cotton cover keeps the surface clean and dry. If your rabbit has a favorite lounging spot, put the bed right there.
2. Choose Better Flooring
Avoid wire-bottom cages entirely. Cover slick floors with low-pile rugs, foam tiles, or washable mats so your rabbit can grip without splaying. Our indoor enclosure guide has more ideas for setting up a foot-friendly pen.
3. Keep Bedding Clean and Dry
Spot clean the litter box daily and change wet bedding right away. Make sure the litter box is big enough that your rabbit is not sitting in urine.
4. Trim Nails Regularly
Most rabbits need a nail trim every 4 to 6 weeks. Learn how in our nail trimming guide.
5. Keep Them Active and at a Healthy Weight
Daily free-roam time and a hay-based diet keep your rabbit fit and moving, which takes pressure off their feet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can sore hocks heal on their own?
Very mild cases, like a small bald spot with healthy skin, often improve once flooring and bedding are fixed. Anything with broken skin, scabs, or swelling needs a vet, because infection is a real risk.
Do rabbits need soft bedding?
Yes. Rabbits should always have access to soft, dry surfaces, especially if the rest of your home has hard floors.
Are some rabbits more likely to get sore hocks?
Yes. Large breeds, Rex rabbits, senior rabbits, and overweight rabbits are all at higher risk and benefit from extra padding.
The Bottom Line
Sore hocks are painful but largely preventable. Soft resting spots, grippy floors, clean bedding, trimmed nails, and plenty of exercise keep your rabbit's feet healthy. Check their hocks regularly, and see a vet at the first sign of broken skin.