General Health Care

Rabbits do not require a lot of maintenance care.   Keeping nails trimmed, checking their teeth every few months, brushing their coat to remove loose fur, and lots of love are the four general needs for your rabbit's health care.

1.  Nail Trimming – Your Veterinarian can trim your rabbit's nails, and, if you care to learn, will instruct you in the proper and safe way to do this simple but necessary function. 

2.  Checking teeth – Take a minute every few months to inspect your rabbit's teeth for proper length and alignment.  They should be straight and not overlap.  If you notice any unusual wetness around your rabbit's mouth, this is a sign of teeth/mouth problems and needs Veterinarian attention.

3.  Grooming – Brushing your rabbit often with a soft slicker or bristle brush not only improves your rabbit's appearance but removes loose fur which can cause hairballs when ingested in large amounts.  Long-hair breeds may require daily brushing to eliminate matting as well as a cautionary aid in prevention of hairballs.  A comb or brush with stiff bristles may work better on long-hair breeds.  Professional grooming is also available.  Be careful when combing/brushing your rabbit as its skin is very thin and fragile like tissue paper and can tear very easily.  

4.  Weight – Always be aware of any weight fluctuations your rabbit may be experiencing.  This could be a sign of a medical problem, and should be addressed with your veterinarian. 

Choosing a Veterinarian for Your Rabbit

The most important requirement is to choose a Veterinarian with a working knowledge and experience in rabbit medicine.  A list of rabbit-savvy Veterinarians is available from BunnyPeople.

Always establish your rabbit as a client with your Veterinarian with a general check-up a month after obtaining your rabbit Before an emergency arises.

Spaying and Neutering

BunnyPeople is a strong advocate of spaying and neutering.  It can stop aggressive behavior and make your rabbit a more enjoyable companion.  It can also prolong the life of your rabbit by reducing the risk of some cancers.

Once a rabbit reaches 4 – 5 months of age, they become sexually mature and the drive to reproduce can change an adorable, cuddly rabbit into an obsessive/compulsive adolescent with behaviors that can turn aggressive.  Rabbits can produce a litter in 28 days and breed again in 3 days!

There are many more rabbits than there are good homes, so please don’t add to the problem.  Be responsible…spay or neuter All pets!

Still interested?  Read about Diet