Rabbits are relatively easy to care for and make friendly, intelligent house pets. Like all pets they require proper healthcare and attention and should receive regular health checks.
Vaccinations
Your rabbit should be routinely vaccinated against the following diseases:
- Myxomatosis
- VHD (Viral haemorrhage disease)
Myxomatosis is spread mainly by fleas or other biting insects and is transmitted in that way from wild to domestic rabbits.
We can vaccinate your rabbit from 6 weeks of age and it will require a booster every 6 months.
VHD is spread by direct contact between rabbits but also via people on clothes, shoes and also fleas. VHD vaccination can be given from 8 weeks onward and will require an annual booster.
Both of these diseases are rapidly fatal in an unvaccinated rabbit and there are no cures once infected.
Neutering
Routine neutering of both male and female rabbits is strongly recommended unless you want to breed from your rabbit.
Castration of male rabbits and speying of female rabbits can be done from 6 months of age. The operation is carried out under general anaesthetic and most rabbits will be able to go home the same day.
Having your female rabbit speyed dramatcially reduces the chance of developing uterine cancer later in life. This is common in around 80% of un-neutered females. A male rabbit that is not castrated is prone to fighting, biting and urine spraying.
Diet
The basis of any rabbit's diet should be the provision of forage such as hay and grass. Rabbits require a substantial amount of fibre in their diet to help promote a healthy digestive system.
To supplement this they should also be fed a complete pelleted food formulated to provide the balance of the vitamins and minerals they require. Unfortunately many of the commercial brands available are a mix of foods and this allows your rabbit to selectively eat only bits it likes which will not provide a balanced diet.
Dental Care
Rabbits' teeth grow continually by as much as 1-2mm per week. A rabbit's teeth can quickly become deformed and may cut into the tongue or cheek causing ulceration or abscessation. Feeding your pet a correctly balanced diet with plenty of fibre will help prevent most problems. Your vet can give your rabbit a full dental check when you bring him in for vaccinations or our nurses provide a free rabbit health check which you can book at reception.