🐰 Rabbit Care Guide 2025: Expert Vet Tips for a Happy, Healthy Bunny 🩺

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on rabbit care in 2025! 🐇 Whether you're a new bunny parent or a seasoned rabbit enthusiast, this guide by Dr Duncan Houston BVSc will provide you with the latest insights and tips to ensure your furry friend lives a happy, healthy life. 🩺

🏠 Housing Your Rabbit

Creating a safe and comfortable environment is crucial for your rabbit's well-being. 🏡

• Indoor Living: Rabbits thrive indoors where they are protected from predators and extreme weather. Ensure they have a spacious enclosure or a rabbit-proofed room to roam freely. 🛋️
• Enclosure Size: A minimum of 3m x 2m x 1m is recommended for a pair of average-sized rabbits. The enclosure should allow them to hop, stretch, and stand upright. 📏
• Bunny-Proofing: Cover electrical cords, remove toxic plants, and secure any small spaces where your rabbit might get stuck. 🔌🌿

🥕 Nutrition and Diet

A balanced diet is essential for your rabbit's health. 🥗

• Hay: Unlimited access to high-quality grass hay (like Timothy, oat, or orchard grass) is vital. Hay aids in digestion and dental health. 🌾
• Fresh Vegetables: Provide a variety of leafy greens daily, such as romaine lettuce, cilantro, and parsley. 🥬
• Pellets: Offer a limited amount of high-fiber, age-appropriate pellets to supply essential vitamins and minerals. 🐇
• Fresh Water: Ensure clean, fresh water is always available, either in a sipper bottle or a heavy ceramic bowl. 💧

🧼 Grooming and Hygiene

Regular grooming keeps your rabbit clean and healthy. 🛁

• Brushing: Brush your rabbit weekly to remove loose fur and prevent hairballs. Long-haired breeds may require daily grooming. 🖌️
• Nail Trimming: Trim your rabbit's nails every 4-6 weeks to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. ✂️
• Litter Training: Rabbits can be litter trained. Use a rabbit-safe litter and clean the box regularly to maintain hygiene. 🚽

🏃 Exercise and Enrichment

Physical activity and mental stimulation are key to a happy rabbit. 🎾

• Free Roaming: Allow your rabbit several hours of supervised free-roaming time daily in a safe, enclosed area. 🏃‍♂️
• Toys: Provide chew toys, tunnels, and interactive games to keep your rabbit engaged. 🧸
• Social Interaction: Rabbits are social animals. Spend quality time with your bunny and consider adopting a bonded pair for companionship. 👯

🩺 Health and Veterinary Care

Regular health checks and preventive care are essential. 🏥

• Veterinary Visits: Schedule annual check-ups with an exotic animal veterinarian to monitor your rabbit's health. 🩺
• Spaying/Neutering: Spaying or neutering prevents unwanted litters and can reduce behavioral issues. 🐾
• Vaccinations: In some regions, vaccinations against diseases like myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease are recommended. 💉
• Common Health Issues: Be vigilant for signs of dental problems, gastrointestinal stasis, and respiratory infections. Early detection is key. 🔍

📚 Additional Resources

For more information and support:

• Visit AskAVet.com for expert advice and resources. 🌐
• Download the Ask A Vet app for personalized pet care guidance. 📱
• Explore Woopf for training tools and Purrz for enrichment products. 🛒

By following these guidelines, you can ensure your rabbit enjoys a fulfilling and healthy life. 🐇❤️