📚 Rabbits Are More Than Starter Pets

Domestic rabbits deserve the same commitment as cats or dogs. As indoor companions, they require structured housing, a precise diet, daily enrichment, grooming, and knowledgeable veterinary care to thrive :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

🏠 Housing & Environment

• Indoor housing: Provide rabbit-proofed space—not a small cage—and safe materials to prevent wire-foot injuries :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Space to roam: Minimum 3 × 2 m living area with access to hiding spots and tunnels keeps them mentally and physically active :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Litter training: Easily achieved using a tray and hay if habitat is kept clean :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Safety first: Cover wires, remove toxic plants, and avoid fall hazards due to fragile skeletons :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

🥗 Optimal Diet

• Hay-based staple: Unlimited quality hay (e.g., Timothy) is essential for digestive health and dental wear :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Fresh greens daily: A variety of leafy vegetables keep nutrition balanced.
• Pellets: Serve limited pellets in moderation; avoid seed mix to prevent dental issues :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Water supply: Fresh, clean water from bowl or bottle changed daily.

✂️ Grooming & Hygiene

• Brush to remove loose fur—especially during shedding—to prevent GI stasis :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
• Trim nails every 4–6 weeks to avoid overgrowth and foot pad injuries :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Clean ears, eyes, and bottom area regularly to prevent infections like flystrike :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.

🎯 Enrichment & Social Needs

• Provide chew toys, foraging puzzles, boxes, and digging trays to satisfy natural instincts :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
• Rotate toys and environment regularly to maintain curiosity.
• Consider bonding with a spayed/neutered companion—social interaction is key to well-being :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.

🤝 Handling & Safety

• Use proper pick-up techniques: support chest and hindquarters to prevent spinal injury :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Train gently with positive reinforcement to build trust.
• Keep up vaccinations where available (e.g. myxomatosis/RHD) and maintain parasite control protocols :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.

🩺 Health Checks & Veterinary Care

• Schedule regular wellness exams every 6–12 months with a rabbit-savvy vet :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.
• Watch for subtle signs of illness—GI stasis, dental issues, respiratory problems—that rabbits conceal naturally :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}.
• Be prepared for diagnostics like blood work and imaging if symptoms arise.

📊 Daily & Weekly Checklist

🧠 Vet Tips for 2025

• Provide client info packs: diet guides, grooming tutorials, habitat setup checklists.
• Offer telehealth follow-up for weight, diet, and illness trends.
• Recommend wellness packages: spay/neuter, dental checks, parasite screening.
• Educate on early warning signs—GI stasis, respiratory distress, dental overgrowth.

🔚 Final Takeaway

In 2025, indoor rabbits deserve expert-level care. A hay-centric diet, safe spacious housing, routine grooming, enrichment, gentle handling, and vet-guided monitoring are the foundation of a healthy, happy bunny lifestyle. 🐇❤️

🌟 Partner Services

• Ask A Vet: Personalized care plans, telehealth check-ins, diet & grooming support.
• Woopf: Indoor habitat bundles—litter trays, safe chew items, grooming kits.
• Purrz: Enrichment packs—dig trays, puzzle feeders, health-tracking tools.