Like other pets, it's important to take your rabbit to the vet regularly for routine exams. Our Middlesex vets explain how often you should take your bunny to the vet and what you can expect at these appointments.
Taking Your Rabbit To The Vet
It's important to take your new rabbit to the vet when you first adopt them so your veterinarian can make sure they are healthy and don't have any underlying medical conditions. At the first visit, your vet will also tell you what your rabbit's care requirements are, including how often you should take them to the vet for preventative routine examinations. This also gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about caring for your furry companion. If your vet determines that your bunny is healthy you shouldn't have to bring them back until their next annual wellness exam.
You should also take your rabbit to the vet immediately if you notice them exhibiting any worrying behaviors or symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
- Limping
- Excessive sneezing
- Lethargy
- Constipation
- Holding their head sideways or upside-down
By their nature, bunnies often hide any signs of pain or discomfort, so bunny owners should try to remain vigilant of the symptoms listed above.
How Often Should I Take My Rabbit To The Vet?
If you have a healthy adult bunny, you should try to bring them to the vet once a year for a routine checkup. If your bunny is under a year old, in their senior years (5 years or older), or has a persisting health condition, your vet may recommend bringing them in for an appointment twice a year or more.
At your bunny's routine appointment, your veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination to check for any early signs of illnesses, diseases, or conditions. Your vet may also recommend additional diagnostic tests such as a fecal exam, X-rays, and blood tests to help make sure your rabbit is in optimal health.
Routine wellness exams are important because, as for most animals, diseases and conditions are usually easier and more affordable to treat when they are caught early on.
Will My Rabbit Need Any Vaccinations?
Vaccinations aren't always mandatory for rabbits and bunnies, but they are still prone to a range of serious viruses and diseases that can be prevented with vaccinations.
You can bring your bunny in for vaccinations at 5 weeks old, and after this, you can bring them back annually for their booster shots. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend the vaccinations they believe are best for your rabbit based on various factors such as your location and their level of risk.
Plenty of rabbit owners also decide to have their fuzzy friend spayed or neutered, especially if they have other pet bunnies at home. Your vet will most likely recommend having this procedure done when your bunny is around 6 months old.
How Do I Prepare For My Bunny's Vet Appointment?
The most important thing you will need to bring to your veterinary appointment is your bunny, but you will need to bring them in a small carrier. To help make your little one more comfortable during transportation, you can also bring a favorite toy and some treats.
Your vet might also ask you to collect and bring a fresh sample of your rabbit's stool so they can conduct a fecal exam. Fecal exams are an important diagnostic test for detecting signs of illness and diseases such as intestinal parasites.
How Much Does a Vet Visit Cost For a Rabbit?
The cost of your bunny's veterinary visit is determined by a number of factors:
- Where you live
- The tests and services being provided
- Your rabbit's overall health
- The treatments your bunny needs
Don't hesitate to ask your vet in advance about the cost of your bunny's visits. Your vet will let you know if your bunny requires any additional testing or treatments and provide you with an estimated cost to help you decide if you would like to move ahead with the procedures. However, unforeseen circumstances can arise and impact the costs.