New Rabbit Owner? Must-Knows for Proper Rabbit Care

Bringing a rabbit into your family is exciting, but rabbits have some unique dietary, housing, and health needs that are important for new owners to understand.

From providing the right diet and living environment to recognizing signs that something may be wrong, a little preparation can go a long way toward helping your rabbit stay healthy.

The Basics of Rabbit Care

Housing and Bedding

Rabbits need plenty of room to move, stretch, stand, and exercise. A large enclosure or appropriately rabbit-proofed living area is preferable to a small cage.

Provide a comfortable, clean area with appropriate bedding such as paper-based products. Avoid cedar and other aromatic wood shavings that may irritate the respiratory system.

Clean the living area regularly to prevent buildup of urine, feces, and food debris.

Diet and Nutrition

A rabbit’s diet should be centered around unlimited grass hay, such as Timothy or orchard grass. Hay provides essential fiber and helps support normal digestive and dental health.

Fresh leafy greens can be offered as part of a balanced diet. Commercial rabbit pellets should generally be offered in appropriate portions rather than making up the majority of the diet.

Fruits and other sugary foods should be treated as occasional treats rather than dietary staples. Carrots are also treats rather than a primary food.

Water

Fresh, clean water should be available at all times. Water can be provided in a sturdy bowl, bottle, or both, depending on what works best for your rabbit.

Monitor your rabbit’s normal drinking habits. A significant change in water consumption can be a reason to contact a veterinarian.

Grooming and Handling

Regular grooming is especially important for rabbits with longer coats or during shedding periods.

Rabbits groom themselves, but they cannot vomit, so swallowed hair can contribute to serious gastrointestinal problems. Regular brushing can help reduce the amount of loose hair your rabbit ingests.

Handle rabbits gently and support their body properly. Rabbits can injure themselves if they panic or struggle while being improperly held.

Creating a Safe Environment

Bunny-Proofing Your Home

Rabbits naturally chew, so rabbit-proofing is essential.

• Cover electrical cords and keep them out of reach
• Keep toxic houseplants away from rabbits
• Block access to areas where a rabbit could become trapped
• Remove small objects that could be swallowed
• Keep household cleaners, medications, and other hazards securely stored
• Protect furniture and other items that could be damaged by chewing

Exercise and Enrichment

Rabbits need daily opportunities to move, explore, and engage in normal behaviors.

Tunnels, appropriate chew toys, cardboard items, hiding areas, and other safe enrichment can help keep rabbits active and mentally stimulated.

Bonding With Your Rabbit

Rabbits have individual personalities and may take time to become comfortable with their new surroundings.

Spend time near your rabbit and allow them to approach you rather than forcing interaction. Quiet, positive interactions can help build trust.

Learning basic rabbit body language can also help you recognize when your rabbit is comfortable, frightened, or stressed.

Introducing Rabbits to Other Pets

Always supervise interactions between rabbits and other household pets.

• Begin introductions in a controlled environment
• Keep initial interactions brief
• Use barriers when appropriate
• Never force interaction
• Make sure the rabbit has a safe place to retreat
• Watch closely for signs of fear, aggression, or excessive stress
• Never assume that a dog or cat will not injure a rabbit simply because they normally behave well together

Even playful behavior from a larger animal can seriously injure a rabbit.

Recognizing Health Problems

Rabbits can hide signs of illness, so changes in normal behavior deserve attention.

Contact a veterinarian if you notice significant changes such as:

• Decreased appetite or refusal to eat
• Reduced or abnormal stool production
• Lethargy
• Difficulty breathing
• Eye or nasal discharge
• Significant changes in drinking
• Difficulty chewing or eating
• Drooling
• Abnormal swelling
• Changes in mobility
• Signs of pain

A rabbit that stops eating or producing normal stool can require prompt veterinary attention.

Spaying and Neutering

Spaying or neutering can be an important part of rabbit care. Spaying female rabbits also substantially reduces the risk of reproductive diseases, including uterine cancer.

Your veterinarian can discuss whether and when surgery is appropriate for your rabbit based on its age, health, and individual circumstances.

Rabbit Surgery at AZ Vet Direct

AZ Vet Direct provides surgical services for rabbits, including rabbit spay and neuter procedures.

For routine rabbit wellness care, ongoing medical management, or health concerns that are not related to a surgical procedure, pet owners should establish care with a veterinarian who provides comprehensive rabbit medicine.

Providing the right diet, housing, enrichment, and veterinary care can help your rabbit live a long and healthy life.