Rabbit Health and Preventative Care

Daily health monitoring

Rabbits^★ can hide illness, so routine observation is an important part of preventative care. Check appetite, drinking, droppings, behaviour, movement, breathing, coat condition and the area around the tail. RSPCA recommends daily checks and says changes in eating, drinking or droppings can indicate serious illness. A rabbit that stops eating or produces markedly fewer droppings should not simply be watched at home; contact a vet promptly.

Preventative veterinary care^★

Preventative care includes registering with a suitable vet, keeping vaccinations up to date and discussing neutering. PDSA currently recommends protection against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease, including RHD1 and RHD2. Vaccination schedules and products should be confirmed with the veterinary practice because recommendations can change. Neutering can also help prevent unwanted pregnancies and support compatible companionship.

Urgent changes to watch

Flystrike prevention requires particular attention to hygiene and the rabbit's rear end. Keep housing clean, check the rabbit regularly and ask the vet about prevention where appropriate. Dental health also deserves regular observation because rabbit teeth grow continuously. A healthy fibre-rich diet supports natural tooth wear, but dental abnormalities require professional assessment. Preventative care is most effective when daily observation, good husbandry and veterinary advice work together.