Rabbit Health Basics: Vaccines, Neutering, Teeth and Daily Checks

Most rabbit health care is prevention. Find a vet who sees rabbits often, ask about vaccines for where you live, discuss neutering, feed mostly hay for healthy teeth and gut, weigh regularly, and check the bottom daily (at least twice a day in warm weather) for dirt that attracts flies. A rabbit that stops eating or producing droppings needs a vet the same day.

A quick weekly check at home catches most problems early.

A Vet Who Knows Rabbits

Rabbits have their own anatomy, diet and medicines, and not every practice sees them often. Find a rabbit-savvy vet before you need one, book a check-up soon after your rabbits come home, and then yearly.

Vaccination

Ask your vet which vaccines are recommended where you live. In the UK, vets routinely vaccinate rabbits against myxomatosis and both types of rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD1 and RHD2). In the US, an RHDV2 vaccine has been available through vets in many states since 2021. Indoor rabbits can still be exposed, because these diseases can be carried in on hay, shoes or insects.

Medicines, parasites and treatments: see your vet or a pet supply store with trained staff. Your vet can advise on vaccines and on parasite and flystrike prevention for your rabbits.

Neutering

Neutering is commonly recommended for both sexes. It makes bonding pairs easier, reduces fighting and unwanted litters, and helps with litter training. Ask your vet about timing and the pros and cons for your rabbits.

Teeth and Hay

Rabbit teeth grow all their lives. Unlimited grass hay, eaten all day, wears them down naturally. Ask your vet to check the teeth, including the back teeth, at every visit. Tell your vet if your rabbit starts eating differently. See choosing hay.

Weight, Nails and Grooming

Weigh every week or two on kitchen scales and keep a note.
Nails: trim every few weeks, or ask your vet to show you how.
Grooming: brush more often during molts, and daily for long-haired rabbits.

Flystrike: Checks Save Lives

Flystrike happens when flies lay eggs on dirty or damp fur, usually around the bottom, and it can become an emergency within hours. Welfare charities advise:

checking under the tail at least once a day, and at least twice a day in warm weather or for rabbits that struggle to groom (older, overweight or arthritic rabbits);
keeping bedding and litter clean and dry, especially in summer;
feeding mostly hay so droppings stay firm and don't stick.

If you see eggs or maggots, call a vet straight away.

When to Call the Vet Today

Your rabbit stops eating or producing droppings.
You see fly eggs or maggots.
Your rabbit is hunched, breathing hard, injured, or suddenly very quiet.

See rabbit gut health for why hours matter.

Kit for Rabbit Health Checks

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Kitchen scales that read in grams make weigh-ins easy. Small-animal nail clippers and a soft brush cover grooming. A big hay rack keeps hay on offer all day for healthy teeth, and a secure carrier makes vet trips calmer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Vaccines and flystrike come up most.

Do indoor rabbits need vaccinating?

Usually yes. Some rabbit diseases can be carried in on hay, shoes or insects. Ask your vet which vaccines are recommended where you live.

Should I get my rabbits neutered?

It's commonly recommended for both sexes, for bonding, behavior and health. Ask your vet about timing.

How often should I check my rabbit for flystrike?

At least once a day, and at least twice a day in warm weather or if your rabbit struggles to groom. Call a vet straight away if you see eggs or maggots.

How do I keep my rabbit's teeth healthy?

Unlimited grass hay, eaten all day, plus a vet check of the teeth at every visit.

How often should a rabbit see a vet?

A check-up soon after you get them, then at least once a year, and straight away if anything changes.