The average lifespan of a domestic rabbit is 8 to 12 years. To help your rabbit live a long and happy life, you need to take care of all of their health needs. A healthy rabbit has bright, alert eyes with a fine coat. They should be leaving droppings regularly, eating regularly and drinking plenty of water.
Taking care of your rabbit’s health is key to keeping them happy. Checking their health regularly is a great way to stay on top of their health status.
Rabbits are prey, which unfortunately means they hide signs of injury or ill health.
This means that it is even more important that you as the owner know what to look out for.
It is essential that you register your rabbit with a vet and take them for a check-up at least once a year and up to date with the necessary vaccines for them.
If you are concerned or notice something is wrong, always bring your bunny to the vet.
Vital Rabbit Healthcare
Vaccinating Rabbits
What vaccines do rabbits need?
Vaccination is essential to protect your rabbit from fatal diseases, Myxomatosis, RVHD1 and RVHD2.
These diseases are spread by contact with infected rabbits or blood-sucking insects or through contaminated objects.
There is no effective treatment for these diseases, so prevention through vaccination is essential.
Your rabbit should be vaccinated by your vet every year to protect them and other rabbits.
Neutering Rabbits
Lady Rabbits
Neutering your rabbits avoids unwanted litters. 80% of un-neutered female rabbits can develop cancer of the uterus by the age of 5. Neutering your female rabbit at an early age will stop these cancers from developing.
Gentlemen Rabbits
Male rabbits that are not neutered can be aggressive to other rabbits. Neutered male rabbits can live happily with male and female rabbits. A neutered female and neutered male are usually the most successful pairing.
Checking your rabbit
Checking your rabbit regularly is a great way to detect poor healthy early. It will also help improve your bond.
Daily grooming is a great way to ensure your rabbit is used to handling and it gives you the opportunity to check them over without them feeling stressed.
Feel their body for any lumps or bumps , their ears should be clear from fleas or mites and their eyes should be clear and shiny with no discharge.
Make sure their bottoms are always clean and their nails are at a healthy length and not overgrown.
Health checks
We offer rabbit health checks so if you get stressed whilst handling your rabbit we are more than happy to do it for you.
We will carry out a thorough examination of your bunny, including checking their teeth to ensure they are not overgrowing and we can even vaccinate them whilst they are here with us.
This article was written in to highlight Rabbit Awareness Week to support RAAG (Rabbit Awareness Action Group)
Thanks for reading, until next time