health information

Rabbits are generally easy to care for, low-maintenance, rewarding companions that can live long and healthy lives. Regular monitoring, stable diet and low-stress environment helps prevent most problems. 

Rabbits have sensitive cardiovascular system and can suffer from stress-induced heart attacks. Loud noises, rough handling, sudden movements, or predator threats can cause extreme fear, which may lead to fatal cardiac events. Try to keep your rabbits calm and stress-free. Provide a quiet and secure place and slowly expose them to stressors in your home. Handle them gently, confidently and regularly to get them used to being handled. Avoid exposing them to excessive heat, as overheating can strain their heart.  

A rabbit's strong hind legs are built  for jumping, but their spine is relatively weak. If a rabbit panics and kicks too hard, or if it's dropped or mishandled, its spine can fracture, leading to paralysis or even death. To prevent injuries support their back and hindquarters when lifting. Never let them dangle or twist suddenly. Provide a safe, non-slip surface in their enclosure to avoid falls. Avoid loud, startling noises and scary situations. 

Bloat in rabbits is a serious and often fatal condition caused by gas buildup in the stomach, leading to pain, swelling and digestive shutdown. It can occur due to sudden diet changes, overeating starchy foods, lack of fiber or gut blockage. 

Symptoms of Bloat: 

• Swollen, tight belly
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Discomfort (hunched posture, teeth grinding)
• Reduced or no droppings
• Labored breathing 

Prevention and Care: 

• Feed high-fiber hay and pellets as the main diet. Avoid sudden pellet/veggie increase or change
• Provide constant fresh water to keep digestion moving
• Avoid gas producing foods and excessive sugars
• Ensure regular exercise to promote gut motility

• Start slow, introduce new food in small amounts. Gradually mix in the new food into regular feed, over the course of at least 2 weeks, while slowly increasing new to old feed ratio
• Monitor droppings. Soft stool or reduced appetite may indicate digestive upset
• Balanced fiber and fresh foods. Avoid sudden increases in pellets, fruit or rich greens. Too much sugar or starch can cause digestive issues
• Plenty of water. Hydration supports digestion and prevents blockage
• It's very tempting to give your buns all the yummy fruits and veggies, but please do your research prior to adding anything new to their diet

Rabbit's teeth grow continuously. Provide unlimited hay and chew toys (safe woods include applewood, willow and untreated pine) to prevent overgrown teeth or malocclusion. Stay away from dyed wood

Overfeeding can quickly lead to weight issues. Stick to a balance diet of hay, limited pellets and fresh greens

Rabbits can develop sore hocks if kept on hard or wire flooring.  Provide soft bedding and solid surface in their enclosure

Ear infections - espesially in Holland Lop due to the nature of their floppy ear, is something to watch out for. Their floppy ears reduce airflow, increasing the risk of wax buildup and infections. Regular checks and gentle cleaning will help prevent issues. 

Eye Infection - Can be common in Rabbits and can result from bacterial, blocked tear ducts, irritants or underlying health issues like dental problems. Early treatment is key - untreated infections can lead to vision loss or more serious health problems.

Causes:

• Bacterial Infections - Often due to poor hygiene or a dirty environment.
• Irritants - Dusty hay, bedding, or foreign objects in the eye. 
• Dental issues - Overgrown teeth can press on tear ducts, causing eye discharge. 
• Injuries - Scratches from hay, rough surfaces or other rabbits, etc. 

Symptoms:

• Red, swollen or watery eyes
• White, yellow or thick discharge
• Squinting or excessive blinking
• Fur around the eye is wet or matted
• Crusty buildup on the eyelid

Treatment and Prevention:

• Clean the eye gently with a warm, damp cloth
• Saline eye drops (vet-approved) can help flush out irritants
• Vet care is essential for antibiotics if infection is present
• Keep the environment clean and dust-free

Ear mites are  a common parasite in rabbits that cause itchy, inflamed ears and if untreated, can lead to painful crusting and infections. Do not pick off the crusts forcefully, as this can cause bleeding and further irritation. With proper treatment, rabbits recover quickly, but early intervention is key. 

Causes and Transmission:

• Spread through direct contact with infected rabbits
• Contaminated bedding, cages or hay
• More common in outdoor or colony-raised rabbits

Symptoms:

• Frequent ear scratching and head shaking
• Red, inflamed ears
• Thick, crusty, browner or yellow scabs 
• Hair loss around ears due to scratching
• In severe cases, loss of balance (head tilt) or secondary infections

Treatment:

• Vet-prescribed topical or injectable treatment kills mite
• Mineral oil or coconut oil can soften crusts and smother mites (apply gently, but does not replace medication)
• Thoroughly clean cages, bedding and supplies to prevent infection
• Quarantine new or infected rabbits to avoid spreading mites

Rabbits are intelligent, social animals that need mental stimulation and  interaction to stay happy and healthy. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviors, depression or even health issues like overeating or fur-plucking. Providing enrichment - such as tunnels, chew toys, digging boxes and foraging activities - keeps their minds active and prevents frustration. 

Socialization is equally important. Rabbits thrive on companionship, whether from other rabbits or regular human interaction. Spending time with your rabbit through gentle handling , playtime and training strengthens trust and keeps them engaged. A well-stimulated rabbit is a happy, well-adjusted companion. 

Daily heath checks - Watch for changes in eating, droppings or behavior.

Clean environment - Regular cage cleaning prevents infections. 

Veterinary care - Annual checkups and emergency vet visits when needed.