Rabbits are cute, gentle, and smart pets. But just like cats or dogs, pet rabbits can also get sick. The tricky part is that rabbits often hide signs of illness, so by the time you notice something is wrong, it may already be serious.
In this blog post, we will explain the most common health problems in pet rabbits. We will also share easy-to-understand signs to look for and simple care tips to keep your rabbit healthy and happy.
Rabbit Care for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Raise a Happy Bunny
Why Rabbit Health is Different
Rabbits are prey animals in the wild. This means they naturally hide pain or weakness to avoid danger. So even if they are sick, they may look fine at first.
As a rabbit owner, it’s very important to watch closely and know what signs mean trouble. Early care can save your rabbit’s life.
Top 10 Common Health Problems in Pet Rabbits
1. GI Stasis (Gastrointestinal Stasis)
What it is:
A serious condition where the rabbit’s digestive system slows down or stops.
Causes:
- Low-fiber diet
- Stress
- Lack of exercise
- Dehydration
- Pain from other health issues
Signs:
- Not eating or drinking
- Small or no poop
- Sitting still in a corner
- Grinding teeth (shows pain)
- Swollen belly
What to do:
- Take your rabbit to the vet immediately
- Offer hay and water
- Keep your rabbit warm and calm
- Avoid feeding sugary treats
2. Overgrown Teeth
What it is:
Rabbit teeth grow all the time. If they don’t wear down properly, they become too long and cause pain or infections.
Causes:
- Not enough hay (which helps wear teeth naturally)
- Misaligned jaw
Signs:
- Drooling
- Not eating well
- Wet chin
- Eye or cheek swelling
What to do:
- Feed lots of fresh hay every day
- Go to the vet for tooth trimming
- Give safe chew toys
3. Ear Mites
What it is:
Tiny insects that live in the ear canal and cause itching, pain, and infection.
Signs:
- Head shaking
- Scratching ears a lot
- Thick brown crust in ears
- Bad smell
What to do:
- Visit the vet for medicine
- Clean the rabbit’s cage well
- Avoid home remedies without vet advice
4. Flystrike (Myiasis)
What it is:
Flies lay eggs on dirty fur. The eggs hatch into maggots that eat the rabbit’s flesh. This can be deadly fast.
Causes:
- Dirty bottom
- Diarrhea
- Weak or old rabbits
Signs:
- Strong bad smell
- Worms on fur or skin
- Weakness or not moving
- Signs of shock
What to do:
- Emergency vet care needed
- Keep rabbit clean and dry
- Check bottom area daily
5. Respiratory Infections (Snuffles)
What it is:
Common bacterial infection in the lungs or sinuses, like a cold in humans.
Signs:
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Noisy breathing
- Not eating much
What to do:
- Go to the vet for antibiotics
- Keep living area clean and dust-free
- Avoid sudden temperature changes
6. Parasites (Worms, Fleas)
What it is:
External and internal parasites like fleas, ticks, or worms.
Signs:
- Scratching
- Hair loss
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Bloated belly
What to do:
- Vet check-up
- Deworming medicine (only what the vet gives)
- Clean bedding often
7. Sore Hocks (Pododermatitis)
What it is:
Painful sores on the bottom of the rabbit’s feet.
Causes:
- Wire cage floors
- Hard surfaces
- Overweight rabbit
- Dirty or wet bedding
Signs:
- Red or bald spots on feet
- Limping
- Doesn’t want to move
What to do:
- Provide soft bedding
- Clean cage daily
- Trim nails regularly
- Vet treatment if infected
8. Obesity
What it is:
Too much body fat that causes health problems.
Causes:
- Too many pellets or treats
- Not enough exercise
- Poor diet
Signs:
- Hard to move
- Fat rolls
- Can’t clean themselves
- Breathing problems
What to do:
- Limit pellets and sugary treats
- Feed mostly hay and leafy greens
- Let your rabbit play and hop every day
9. Urinary Tract Problems
What it is:
Bladder sludge, stones, or infections in the urinary system.
Signs:
- Peeing outside the litter box
- Blood in urine
- Straining to pee
- Crying while urinating
What to do:
- Vet check and urine test
- Plenty of fresh water
- Low-calcium veggies (avoid too much spinach or parsley)
10. Cancer and Tumors
What it is:
Older rabbits may develop lumps, especially unspayed females (uterine cancer is common).
Signs:
- Lumps or bumps
- Bleeding
- Weight loss
- Behavior changes
What to do:
- Regular vet check-ups
- Spaying female rabbits helps prevent uterine cancer
- Early treatment is key
How to Keep Your Rabbit Healthy
1. Feed the Right Diet
- Main food: Hay (80% of diet)
- Daily extras: Leafy greens (like romaine, cilantro, dandelion)
- Small portion: Pellets
- Avoid: Bread, sugary fruits, or junk food
2. Keep Living Area Clean
- Clean the litter box daily
- Change bedding every 2-3 days
- Provide a dry, soft space to rest
3. Regular Vet Visits
- Yearly check-ups
- Nail trimming
- Check weight, teeth, ears
4. Watch for Changes
- Is your rabbit eating less?
- Is the poop different?
- Are they hiding more?
These are signs that your bunny may be sick.
5. Keep Your Rabbit Active
- Let them run in a safe space
- Provide toys and tunnels
- Spend time petting and playing with them
FAQs About Rabbit Health
Q: Can rabbits catch colds from humans?
A: No, but they can get respiratory infections that look similar. Keep them away from sick people just to be safe.
Q: My rabbit is not eating. What should I do?
A: This is serious. If your rabbit hasn’t eaten in 6–12 hours, see a vet. It could be GI stasis.
Q: Can I give human medicine to my rabbit?
A: Never give human medicine unless a vet says it’s safe. Some medicines are toxic to rabbits.
Q: What’s the best way to check for illness?
A: Look at your rabbit’s eating habits, energy, poop, and behavior. If something feels “off,” go to the vet.
Q: Are indoor rabbits safer from diseases?
A: Indoor rabbits are safer from predators and bad weather, but they can still get sick. Cleanliness and good care are key.
Final Thoughts
Rabbits are lovely pets, but they need special care. Many health problems in rabbits can be prevented with good food, clean space, and careful watching. Always take changes seriously—rabbits can go from okay to serious quickly.
If you want your bunny to live a long, happy life, be a careful and loving pet parent. Know the signs of common rabbit health problems, and never wait too long to visit a vet.
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