Rabbits are one of the most popular household pets in Australia, with an estimated 2.5 million pet rabbits living in the country. Rabbits are known for their adorable appearance and gentle demeanour, which makes them great companions for children and adults alike. However, owning a pet rabbit requires a significant amount of responsibility and care. As a pet owner, you need to ensure that your rabbit is healthy, happy, and well taken care of. The average life span of well-cared-for domestic rabbits is 7-10 years.
In this article, we will provide veterinary advice for pet rabbits in Australia, covering topics such as nutrition, housing, grooming, and common health issues. This information will help you to ensure your bunny lives its best life.
Nutrition
A healthy diet is essential for the well-being of your pet rabbit. Obesity is a problem in pet rabbits due to a diet too high in calories, often by unlimited access to pellets and little exercise.
Rabbits are herbivores, which means that their diet should consist mainly of hay, grasses, fresh vegetables, flowers and fruits. Hay or straw is the most important part of a rabbit's diet, and it should be available to your pet at all times. Hay helps to keep your rabbit's teeth healthy, aids in digestion, and prevents obesity. Good quality hay, such as Timothy or Oaten hay, should make up 70-80% of the diet and be provided daily.
In addition to hay, your rabbit's diet should also include fresh vegetables and fruits. Fresh leafy greens and herbs such as cabbage, celery leaves, carrot tops, broccoli, Asian greens and silverbeet, parsley, mint and basil provide essential vitamins and minerals that are necessary for your rabbit's health. Vegetables should make up 10-20% of your rabbit's diet. It is important to introduce new vegetables gradually, as sudden changes in diet can cause digestive problems. Fruits such as apples and bananas can be given as treats but should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content. Health treats should make up only 5% of your rabbit's diet.
A small amount of good quality pellets should also be provided at a ratio of about 5% of the daily provision - around 1 tablespoon per day - to avoid the risk of obesity and dental issues.
It is also important to provide your rabbit with fresh, clean water at all times. Water should be changed daily, and the water bottle or bowl should be cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial growth.
Avoid feeding seeds, bread, oats, high grain mixes or high starch foods, iceberg lettuce, potatoes, onions, garlic, and corn kernels, as these may result in illness.
Housing
Your rabbit's living environment plays a crucial role in its overall health and well-being. Rabbits require a clean and spacious living area that allows them to move around freely. A minimum of 1 to 1.5 square metres of living space is recommended for a single rabbit, with an additional 1 square metre for each additional rabbit. The living area should be cleaned regularly, and soiled bedding should be removed daily.
Rabbits should also have access to a safe and secure outdoor area where they can exercise and play. Outdoor enclosures should be protected from predators and should provide shade, shelter, and access to fresh water.
Rabbits also benefit from mental stimulation in the form of toys. These can be used to give your rabbit a sense they are foraging for their food. For example, hiding small treats in piles of shredded paper. They also like to push around small air-filled balls or chew on wooden toys.
Grooming
Grooming is an important part of rabbit care and should be done regularly to keep your pet healthy and comfortable. Rabbits have delicate skin and fur, which can easily become matted or dirty. Regular brushing can help to prevent matting and remove loose fur, which can help to prevent digestive problems caused by ingesting fur.
In addition to brushing, rabbits also require regular nail trimming. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and can even lead to health problems such as foot injuries or arthritis. It is recommended to trim your rabbit's nails every 4–6 weeks or as needed.
Common Health Issues
Like all pets, rabbits can develop health problems that require veterinary attention. Some of the most common health issues in rabbits include:
- Dental Problems:
Dental problems are common in rabbits and can be caused by a variety of factors, such as genetics, diet, and lack of proper dental care. Rabbits have continuously growing teeth, which means that their teeth must be worn down through chewing to prevent overgrowth. However, if a rabbit's teeth do not wear down properly, they can become overgrown and cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty eating. Signs of dental problems in rabbits include drooling, reluctance to eat, weight loss, and changes in behaviour. To prevent dental problems in rabbits, it is important to provide them with a diet that is high in fibre and to ensure that their teeth are properly worn down through chewing. Regular dental check-ups with a veterinarian are also recommended to catch any dental problems early and prevent them from getting worse.
- Gastrointestinal Stasis:
Gastrointestinal stasis, also known as GI stasis, is a condition in which a rabbit's digestive system slows down or stops working altogether. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a diet that is low in fibre, lack of exercise, or stress. GI stasis can be very serious and can lead to a buildup of gas and food in the stomach, which can cause pain, discomfort, and even death if left untreated. Signs of GI stasis in rabbits include loss of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and a decrease in fecial output. To prevent GI stasis in rabbits, it is important to provide them with a diet that is high in fibre, such as hay, and to ensure that they have regular exercise. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can also help catch any signs of GI stasis early and prevent it from worsening.
- Respiratory Infections:
Rabbits are susceptible to respiratory infections, which can be caused by a variety of factors, such as exposure to drafts, poor ventilation, or viral infections. Respiratory infections in rabbits can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing, and nasal discharge. Respiratory infections can be serious and can lead to pneumonia if left untreated. To prevent respiratory infections in rabbits, it is important to provide them with a clean and well-ventilated living environment and to keep them away from other animals that may be carrying viruses or bacteria that can cause respiratory infections. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can also help catch any signs of respiratory infections early and prevent them from worsening.
- Parasites:
Rabbits can be infested with a variety of parasites, both external and internal. External parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites can cause itching, hair loss, and skin irritation, while internal parasites such as tapeworms, roundworms, and coccidia can cause diarrhoea, weight loss, and other digestive problems. To prevent parasitic infestations in rabbits, it is important to keep their living environment clean and to practice good hygiene. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can also help catch any signs of parasitic infestations early and prevent them from worsening. Parasite prevention medications are also available from your veterinarian and can be used to protect your rabbit from parasitic infestations.
5. Viruses:
Myxomatosis (caused by infection with the Myxoma virus) and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (caused by infection with the rabbit Calicivirus) have been deliberately released into Australia as a control method for the wild rabbit population. Unfortunately, the viruses do not discriminate, and pet rabbits are also regularly infected.
Several forms of calicivirus are present in Australia. The two main types commonly referred to are RHDV-1 and RHDV-2. Both types generally lead to death in most unvaccinated rabbits. Recently a new and improved vaccine (Filavac®) was released in Australia; we can now protect rabbits from both the RHDV1 strain and the RHDV2 strain of calicivirus. The older vaccine provided protection against RHDV1 with only weak protection from RHDV2. This new vaccine has been an amazing development in terms of protecting your rabbits and will provide the best protection we have ever had in Australia.
Sadly there is no vaccination available to prevent myxomatosis. Transmission is primarily by biting insects (mosquitoes, fleas, lice, mites and biting flies); however, direct contact and aerosolisation of the virus particles are also potential methods of spread. The best method of protection is achieved by housing rabbits inside or in an insect-proofed area and controlling insect vectors.
6. Reproductive Disease:
You may not be aware that it is possible to neuter your pet rabbit. This is important, particularly if you are considering getting your rabbit a friend. You may not be sure if the new addition is a male or a female - and you may not wish to find out that you have two different sexes by suddenly finding you have a larger number of rabbits in your home than you started with. De-sexing or neutering will also prevent diseases of the reproductive organs, helping your rabbit to live a longer and happier life.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, owning a pet rabbit in Australia requires a significant amount of responsibility and care. Ensuring that your rabbit has a healthy diet, a clean and spacious living environment, regular grooming, and access to veterinary care can help to keep your pet healthy and happy. By being aware of common health issues in rabbits and taking preventative measures, you can help to keep your rabbit healthy and prevent any health problems from becoming serious. If you have any concerns about your rabbit's health, always consult a veterinarian for advice and treatment.