When it comes to the health of rabbits, it’s all about where they put their weight, where they chew their food, and where they digest. That will account for about 90% of a rabbit’s health issues. If you take good care of these parts, you are less likely to have more than your twice-yearly well check-ups at the vet.
Feet
Rabbits’ feet take a lot of pressure. And they don’t get nice shoes with insoles to take the weight off. Yes, they can lie down and stretch out, but most of their day is literally on their feet.
Wire bottom cages are not okay for rabbits. Rabbits on wire will, in time, develop foot sores, which become infected and very painful. A sore on a rabbit foot can eventually lead to death if severe enough. The proper flooring is a solid surface. These days there are lots of commercial rabbit cages available with a wire top and sides and a solid bottom. Then you just need an appropriate substrate, most likely a recycled paper product like Carefresh, at the bottom.
Teeth
Rabbits’ teeth are always growing. What keeps these special teeth in check is that they are wearing against each other while chewing hay. Nothing else keeps a rabbit’s teeth worn down. Those wood blocks at the pet store? They’re fine for entertainment, but they will NOT help your rabbit keep her molars (teeth toward the back) wearing properly. Hay, proper nutrition and good genes are what aid in dental health.
If your rabbit is having tooth problems, how do you know and what do you do about it? Some rabbits just stop eating some of their favorite veggies with the usual gusto. Some stop eating hay all together. Some will have saliva on their chin. The slightest change in appetite or activity should warrant a trip right to the vet to check what’s going on and that should always include a tooth check.
If your bunny does have dental issues, a trained veterinarian can do what is called a “molar trim” (under anesthesia). If the tooth roots are otherwise normal, you just might need this procedure every 4-6 months. If the roots are diseased, your bun might needs surgery. If the incisors are involved (those are the ones in the front we all think about when we think “rabbit teeth”) and they’re overgrowing, they should NEVER be trimmed with nail trimmers. They also require special care by a vet.
Bellies
Rabbits have a super complex digestive system. It’s so sophisticated, whole medical articles have been written on the subject. The gist is, if you feed the right stuff, you can keep that belly happy. If you feed whatever your rabbit tells you to feed him, you could kill him. Rabbits have terrible judgment about what they should eat.
For feeding you should stick with hay (alfalfa for babies up to around 4-5 months, timothy or another grass hays for adults), pellets (same as above for type), and greens. Very small amounts of fruits might be okay for some rabbits, but some get diarrhea or serious intestinal issues with fruits, so do not feel obliged. Same goes for carrots. Contrary to popular belief, rabbits do not need carrots and carrots have a lot of sugars in them. Not good for the bunny gut. Avoid carrots or give a baby carrot a day max if your rabbit tolerates them well.
If your rabbit’s appetite has changed even a smidge, you should call your vet. If your rabbit gets soft stools, call your vet. If your rabbit is making fewer, smaller, or irregular poops, call your vet. Belly problems in rabbits are a medical emergency, so take them seriously!
The Whole Bunny
When you put the feet, teeth and belly together, you’ve essentially described the most important parts of your rabbit’s health. But don’t forget his mental health and his heart. Love, attention, and an enriched environment (rabbit appropriate toys) are important too.