Rabbits are popular pets, yet they are often treated like small cats at the vet. They are not. Rabbits have teeth that grow throughout life, a digestive system that can shut down within hours, and a strong instinct to hide pain. A rabbit-savvy vet knows these differences and can prevent many of the most common problems.
This guide is part of our exotic pet vet guide.
Key takeaways
- A rabbit that stops eating or stops producing droppings needs a vet the same day. This can be gastrointestinal (GI) stasis.
- Rabbit teeth grow continuously. Dental disease is one of the most common reasons rabbits see a vet.
- Spaying or neutering protects health and behaviour. See our rabbit spay and neuter guide.
- Where rabbit viral diseases are present, vaccination may be recommended. Ask your vet what applies locally.
Emergency: GI stasis
GI stasis happens when the gut slows or stops moving. It is often triggered by pain, stress, dental disease, or a diet too low in hay. Warning signs include:
- Not eating, even favourite treats
- Few, small or no droppings
- Hunched posture, teeth grinding, or a tense belly
- Lethargy and hiding
Because rabbits can deteriorate quickly, treat these signs as an emergency and call a vet straight away. Our pet emergency signs guide lists other situations that should not wait.
What a rabbit checkup includes
| Area | What the vet checks |
|---|---|
| Teeth | Front incisors and the back molars (using an otoscope), looking for overgrowth, spurs and abscesses |
| Weight and body condition | Obesity or weight loss, a key early sign of dental pain |
| Eyes and nose | Discharge, which can signal dental root problems or respiratory infection |
| Ears | Mites and infection, especially in lop-eared breeds |
| Feet | Sore hocks (pododermatitis) from hard or wire flooring |
| Skin and coat | Fur mites, fleas, and urine scald around the back end |
| Rear end | Uneaten caecotrophs or soiling that attracts flies (flystrike risk in warm weather) |
| Diet review | Hay quantity, pellets, greens and treats |
Diet: the foundation of rabbit health
Most rabbit vets recommend that unlimited grass hay makes up the large majority of a rabbit’s diet, with fresh leafy greens and a small, measured amount of pellets. Hay wears down the teeth and keeps the gut moving. Sugary treats, muesli-style mixes and too many pellets are linked to dental disease, obesity and gut problems.
Vaccinations for rabbits
In regions where they are present, rabbits can be vaccinated against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD, including the RHDV2 strain). Vaccine availability and recommendations vary by country, so ask your vet which vaccines your rabbit needs and how often boosters are due.
How to find a vet for rabbits
- Search for a rabbit-savvy or exotic vet and check that rabbits are a listed service.
- Ask how many rabbits the vet treats and how often they anaesthetise rabbits. Experience matters for dental work and spays.
- Ask what pre-surgery fasting they require. Rabbits should not usually be fasted the way cats and dogs are, so a vet who asks you to withhold food overnight may not be rabbit-savvy.
- Ask rabbit rescues for local recommendations.
How often should a rabbit see a vet?
- A first check soon after adoption
- Annual exams for healthy adults, often combined with vaccine boosters
- Every six months for seniors (around 6 years and older for many breeds) or rabbits with dental disease
Frequently asked questions
Why is my rabbit drooling or dropping food?
These are common signs of dental pain from overgrown or spurred molars. Book a vet visit soon.
Can I trim my rabbit’s teeth at home?
No. Clipping teeth can split them and cause pain and infection. Dental correction should be done by a vet, often under sedation.
How long do rabbits live?
Many pet rabbits live 8 to 12 years with good care, so regular vet visits pay off over a long life.
Related guides
This guide is general information for pet owners and is not a substitute for an examination by a licensed veterinarian. If your pet is unwell, contact your vet.
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