When should mineral oil be applied to a rabbit?

Applying mineral oil to a rabbit is commonly associated with treating specific medical conditions such as ear canker or mites. Mineral oil serves as a gentle lubricant and can help in loosening debris or wax in the ear canal, making it easier to clean out the infected area or release trapped mites. This is important because effective treatment of ear canker or mites often requires maintaining cleanliness and reducing irritation in the ear, which mineral oil can facilitate.

In contrast, while skin hydration and preventing fur loss are important aspects of rabbit care, mineral oil is not typically utilized for those purposes. Additionally, mineral oil is not recommended as a regular means of improving digestion, as there are other more suitable dietary options and treatments for digestive issues in rabbits. Therefore, the application of mineral oil is primarily linked to its role in addressing ear health issues.