Scroll below to read information on caring for your bunny.

If you are a Pet Health Club member, you will receive 20% off neutering and Fly Strike prevention.

Vaccinations

Mxyomatosis

Fleas and mosquitos carry Myxomatosis. Outdoor rabbits are at most risk of being bitten, especially if there are wild rabbits around.

Indoor rabbits are less likely to catch it but it is not impossible. For example, rabbit fleas can live on hay for months or if there are dogs and cats in the same household, they can bring rabbit fleas back into the house. Therefore, we would recommend both indoor and outdoor bunnies should be vaccinated.

RHD

Outdoor rabbits can catch RHD (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease) from wild rabbits. The virus can last at least 3 months on clothes etc. so as with Myxomatosis, both indoor and outdoor bunnies should be vaccinated.
Since 2012, we have been able to offer a new combined vaccination which vaccinates rabbits against Myxomatosis and RHD by means of one injection. Rabbits can be vaccinated from 5 weeks' of age and require an annual booster injection.

Due to the wake of a new strain of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, there is a new vaccine now available to protect your bunnies against this deadly disease.

Neutering

Bth male and female rabbits can be neutered from 4-5 months.

Reasons for neutering:

Female Rabbits

Eliminates risk of womb infection or womb tumours
Removes behaviour associated with sexual maturity. e.g. aggression and mood swings
Easier to litter train
Neutered females can live in the company of male rabbits, preferably also neutered
Prevents unwanted litters

Male Rabbits:

Eliminates behaviour associated with sexual maturity e.g. mounting, spraying, aggression
Neutered males can live in the company of female rabbits, preferably also neutered
Easier to litter train and smell less
Prevents unwanted litters

Dental Care

Rabbits have 28 teeth, all of which grow continuously throughout their life. Wild rabbits chew grass/plants for 3-4 hours every day, which ensures adequate wear of the teeth and therefore maintains normal mechanical function in the molar teeth.

Many pet rabbits are fed dry pellets/mix, which cause them to chew with crushing actions. This means the crowns of the teeth grow too long, causing problems.

Signs to look out for:

In-appetence and weight loss
Difficulty eating/chewing
Salivation
Sticky bottom

Fly Strike

Fly Strike is a very common and serious condition that can be incredibly distressing for a rabbit and unfortunately, all too often it can be fatal. It occurs during warm spring and summer months when the flies are searching for somewhere to lay their eggs. These tiny eggs hatch into maggots and burrow into the skin and very quickly eat into the poor rabbit.

If you see any signs of Fly Strike i.e. fly eggs or maggots, seek advice from us straight away.

For advice on Fly Strike prevention, please contact our nursing team.