As a loving bunny owner, you want to make sure your rabbit receives the care they need. In this blog, our Baltimore vets share how often you should be taking your bunny to the vet and discuss the importance of routine exams.
When Should I Take my Rabbit to the Vet?
Bunnies generally have a life span of 7-10 years, and during that time they will normally be very healthy but your bunny may get sick or accidentally hurt and when that happens you should know if and when to take your bunny to your vet. Your bunny will need to see a vet who specializes in small or exotic animals.
A rabbit's teeth are constantly growing teeth and they may need to be trimmed on a periodic basis by a vet. Bunnies also react differently to medications such as antibiotics, so it takes a specialist to know what drugs are safe to take and when they are appropriate.
Signs Your Bunny Needs to See a Vet Now
- Stops eating and pooping
- Panting with their mouth open
- Drooling. or Sneezing
- Limping
- Becomes very lethargic
- Diarrhea
How Often Should They See the vet?
Bunnies who are healthy only need to be brought to the vet for an annual checkup.
If your bunny is elderly or has health problems, you should bring them to the vet every 6 months for a checkup . If you notice any signs of illness in your bunny don't wait for their annual checkup, hop to it and go see your vet asap.
How to Prepare for a Vet Visit?
If your bunny is appears to be sick or unwell, write down all their symptoms to take with you. Then you will need to call and book your appointment. Make sure the vet clinic treats small or exotic animals.
Some appointments, such as diagnostic tests and surgery, will require you to collect a urine sample on the morning of the appointment. Everything you need to know or do on the day of your appointment should be discussed when booking your appointment.
There are things you may need to bring with you to the appointment. To make sure your bunny is comfortable you will want to make sure you have their carrying crate, blanket/toys, and treats for being a good bunny and behaving well for the vet. You will also want to bring/write down any medications your bunny may be taking.
Procedures and Vaccines for Rabbits
When you take your bunny to the vet they will want to check your rabbit’s teeth to make sure they aren’t growing too long and are not infected. The vet will also make sure your rabbit is a healthy weight, check their breathing and heart rates, and make sure their ears and eyes look healthy.
A checkup will give your vet a baseline of your rabbit’s health so that they are familiar with your bunny so they can deal with any situation if your rabbit ever does need to be brought in because they are not feeling well.
When you first get your bunny you need to know what vaccines your bunny is going to need over the course of their lives to maintain its health. While no vaccines are mandatory to have a bunny, there are a few vaccines they will require to protect against myxomatosis, Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease (R(V)HD) ,and a strain of R(V)HD - R(V)HD2 - all of which are fatal. If you are unclear on the vaccine history of your bunny before they became part of your family talk to your vet so they can make suggestions on what to do in this case.
How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost for a Rabbit?
When it comes to the cost of an annual check-up for your bunny it may vary based on what needs to be done at the visit. If cost is a concern to you we do offer financing options.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.