Few pets are as adorable—or as misunderstood—as rabbits. With their twitching noses, curious hops, and gentle nature, bunnies make wonderful companions. But they also have specific needs that differ from cats and dogs. At Parkland Veterinary Hospital in Sylvan Lake, our veterinarians love helping rabbit owners understand how to keep their floppy-eared friends thriving. Whether you’re a new bunny parent or an experienced rabbit lover, these rabbit care essentials will help your little hopper stay healthy and happy for years to come.

Creating a Safe and Comfortable Home

Rabbits are active, social animals that need plenty of space to stretch, explore, and play. Contrary to popular belief, they don’t do well confined to small cages for long periods.

Rabbit housing tips:

• Choose a spacious enclosure with enough room for hopping and standing upright.
  
• Provide a solid floor with soft bedding. Avoid wire bottoms that can hurt paws.
  
• Keep their living area clean and dry.
  
• Include hiding spots or tunnels to make your bunny feel secure.
  
• Allow several hours of supervised playtime outside the enclosure daily.
  

We also recommend “bunny-proofing” your home. Cover cords, block tight spaces, and remove houseplants that could be toxic. (Rabbit Welfare Association has a list here.)

Bunny Health Tips: Nutrition Matters Most

Like all pets, your rabbit’s diet is the cornerstone of good health. These gentle herbivores require constant access to fresh hay, which keeps their teeth and digestive system in top shape.

Core components of a healthy rabbit diet:

• Unlimited hay: Timothy, orchard grass, or meadow hay should make up about 80% of their diet.
  
• Fresh greens: Offer a variety of leafy veggies like romaine lettuce, parsley, cilantro, and kale.
  
• Limited pellets: Choose high-quality rabbit pellets in moderation (about ¼ cup per 5 lbs. of body weight daily).
  
• Fresh water: Always provide clean water in a bowl or bottle.
  

Avoid sugary fruits, iceberg lettuce, and starchy foods. They can upset your rabbit’s digestive balance. If you’re unsure what’s best, our Sylvan Lake veterinarians can guide you in choosing the right rabbit nutrition plan.

Understanding Rabbit Digestion

Rabbits have delicate digestive systems designed for constant grazing. Disruptions can lead to serious health issues like gastrointestinal stasis, a potentially life-threatening condition where digestion slows or stops.

Signs of digestive trouble:

• Reduced appetite or stool output
  
• Lethargy or sitting hunched up
  
• Grinding teeth (a sign of pain)
  

If your rabbit stops eating or pooping for more than 12 hours, treat it as an emergency. Call Parkland Veterinary Hospital in Sylvan Lake immediately. Quick intervention can make all the difference.

Pet Rabbit Grooming: More Than Just Brushing

Grooming your rabbit isn’t only about keeping them pretty; it’s an essential part of their overall health.

Key grooming steps:

• Brushing: Helps prevent matting and reduces the risk of hairballs, especially in long-haired breeds.
  
• Nail trimming: Overgrown nails can cause pain or snag on surfaces.
  
• Check ears: Look for dirt, mites, or discharge.
  
• Inspect teeth: Rabbits’ teeth grow continuously and need to stay naturally worn down through chewing.
  

Never bathe your rabbit. Wet fur can trap moisture and chill them quickly. Instead, use a damp cloth for spot-cleaning if needed.

Exercise and Enrichment for a Happy Bunny

Rabbits need daily activity to stay fit and mentally stimulated. A bored bunny can develop destructive habits or become withdrawn.

Fun ways to keep your rabbit active:

• Provide cardboard boxes, tunnels, and chew-safe toys.
  
• Create obstacle courses with ramps and hiding spots.
  
• Let them explore supervised indoor or outdoor play areas.
  
• Offer gentle social interaction and petting time.
  

Rabbits are intelligent animals who enjoy companionship and variety. Regular playtime strengthens your bond and supports emotional health.

Social Needs: Bonding and Companionship

Rabbits are social by nature and often do best with another bunny companion. You of course don’t want two of the opposite sex, as they will breed like, well, rabbits. Bonding takes time, but once established, it leads to happier, calmer pets.

If adopting a second rabbit, consult your veterinarian first. Our Sylvan Lake team can offer guidance on safe introductions and spay/neuter timing to prevent unwanted litters.

Even single rabbits need attention and affection from their humans. Spending time together daily helps prevent loneliness and boredom.

Common Health Problems in Rabbits

Rabbits are prey animals, which means they instinctively hide signs of illness. Regular checkups at our Sylvan Lake veterinary clinic are crucial to catch problems early.

Common rabbit health concerns include:

• Dental overgrowth (uneven or elongated teeth)
  
• Gastrointestinal stasis
  
• Respiratory infections (sneezing, nasal discharge)
  
• Parasites like mites or fleas
  
• Reproductive diseases in unspayed females
  

Schedule annual wellness exams and vaccinations for conditions like rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHDV2). Preventive care is the best way to ensure a long, healthy life.

Handling Your Rabbit Safely

Rabbits have fragile spines and can easily injure themselves if handled incorrectly. Always support their hindquarters and keep their body close to yours to prevent kicking or twisting.

Safe handling tips:

• Approach calmly and quietly.
  
• Scoop gently under the chest and rear.
  
• Never pick up by the ears or scruff.
  
• Hold securely but not tightly.
  

Our veterinarians in Sylvan Lake can show you the proper way to handle your rabbit. This is especially helpful for young or energetic bunnies.

Spaying and Neutering Your Rabbit

Spaying or neutering is one of the most important steps you can take for your rabbit’s health and behavior. It prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces aggression, spraying, and territorial marking.

Spaying female rabbits also helps prevent uterine cancer, which is sadly common in unspayed dogs. Our Sylvan Lake veterinary team performs these procedures safely with experience and gentle care.

Traveling with Your Bunny

Travel can be stressful for rabbits, so careful planning is key.

Tips for safe travel:

• Use a sturdy carrier lined with a towel or soft mat.
  
• Keep the carrier cool and shaded.
  
• Bring hay and a water source for longer trips.
  
• Avoid loud noises and excessive handling.
  

If you’re traveling far, our Sylvan Lake veterinarians can provide advice on reducing stress and maintaining comfort during the journey.

Fun Facts About Rabbits

• A rabbit’s teeth never stop growing—they rely on constant chewing to keep them trimmed.
  
• Rabbits can see nearly 360 degrees but have a blind spot right in front of their nose.
  
• Happy bunnies do “binkies.” If you don’t know what a binky is, it’s a joyful leap and twist rabbits do in midair. And yes, it’s as cute as it sounds.
  
• Their heart rate can reach up to 300 beats per minute!
  

Rabbits are incredible little creatures with unique personalities and needs.

Read more: Best Friends has an article on bunny body language, which you can find here. Well Kept Rabbit wrote about bunny enrichment in this blog. 

FAQs About Rabbit Care

What should I feed my rabbit daily?

Unlimited hay, a small amount of pellets, and a variety of leafy greens. Avoid sugary fruits and processed treats.

How often should I groom my rabbit?

Short-haired rabbits can be brushed weekly. Long-haired breeds need daily grooming to prevent mats.

Do rabbits need vaccinations?

Yes. Talk to your Sylvan Lake veterinarian about vaccines for diseases like RHDV2, which can be fatal if unprotected.

Can rabbits live outdoors?

Rabbits can live outdoors with proper shelter and protection from predators and weather, but supervised indoor living is often safer.

When should I see a vet for my rabbit?

If your bunny stops eating, pooping, or seems unusually quiet, call Parkland Veterinary Hospital immediately. Rabbits can deteriorate quickly.

Visit Our Sylvan Lake Veterinary Clinic for Expert Rabbit Care

Rabbits may be small, but they have big needs … and they are totally worth the work. At Parkland Veterinary Hospital in Sylvan Lake, we provide compassionate rabbit care for hoppers of all kinds, from nutrition and grooming to preventive wellness. Whether you need bunny health tips or professional guidance on rabbit nutrition, our team is here to help your pet thrive.

Looking for a knowledgeable vet near me who understands rabbits? Skip the search and visit our Sylvan Lake veterinary clinic today. Let’s keep your bunny healthy, happy, and full of hops.

To find out more about our Sylvan Lake vet clinic, also serving Central Alberta, including Red Deer and surrounding areas, and the pets we treat, check our Services page here. You can also look into our Wellness & Vaccinations page here.

This blog is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult your veterinarian for personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for your pet.