Nose-to-Cotton Tail Rabbit Care
Fluffy tail? Check. Twitchy nose? Check! At South Texas Avian & Exotic Hospital, we love our rabbits—soft, playful, and full of personality. Whether you’re a seasoned rabbit owner or considering bringing one (preferably more) into your home, understanding their particular needs is essential. With specialized rabbit care provided by our skilled veterinarians, your pet rabbits can enjoy long, healthy lives.
Rabbit Wellness Exams
Rabbits instinctively hide signs of illness, making preventive care exams critical to their health. We recommend annual checkups for younger rabbits and biannual visits for rabbits over five.
Wellness exams typically include:- Comprehensive physical examination
- Weight monitoring
- Fecal testing
- Bloodwork
Common Health Issues in Rabbits
While popular cartoon characters may have the majority of people believe rabbits only have two front teeth, they actually have 28 teeth! With 28 continuously growing teeth, problems like overgrown teeth, malocclusion (uneven wearing), and dental disease are common. A proper diet rich in fibrous plants, like hay, greens, and vegetables, is crucial in preventive dental care.
Other common rabbit health challenges include:- GI Stasis
- Respiratory Infections
- Ear Mites and Fleas
- Neurological Disease (which may include a head tilt)
Husbandry Tips for a Happy Rabbit
Providing a safe and enriching environment is key to long-term rabbit well-being:
- Environment: Provide a spacious enclosure with plenty of room to hop and stretch. Daily supervised playtime or a bunny-proofed space outside of their hutch is essential for exercise.
- Nutrition: Focus on a fiber-rich diet with 80% hay, leafy greens, and up to 1/4 cup of pellets per day. Fresh or freeze-dried fruit may be given as a treat sparingly.
- Socialization: Rabbits are sociable and thrive with a companion and in high-traffic areas. While they love being in the middle of the action, they also need a hiding space to retreat.
- Handling and Play: We recommend getting down to their level for pets and enrichment to avoid the potential for injury.
Recognizing Signs of Illness
Knowing that rabbits are masters at hiding symptoms, common signs to watch out for include:
- Loss of appetite
- Teeth grinding
- Excessive wetness or saliva around the mouth
- Changes in stool production
- Runny eyes or nose
- Labored breathing
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Head tilt
Please call us as soon as you notice your rabbit exhibiting any of these symptoms.
Whether you're already caring for a bunny or welcoming a new one into your family, our expert rabbit vets are here to provide exceptional care. Call us to schedule an appointment today.