Rabbits Health

What are the signs of GI stasis in rabbits and what should I do?

Learn to recognize GI stasis in rabbits — the silent killer. Signs, emergency home steps, causes, and when to rush to the vet.

What is flystrike in rabbits and how do I recognize it before it becomes fatal?

Flystrike kills rabbits within 24 hours. Learn how to recognize myiasis at every stage and what to do in the first minutes of an emergency.

My rabbit is not eating — what should I do?

Rabbit not eating? Learn the 12 causes ranked by urgency — from stress to life-threatening GI stasis — and know exactly when to call the vet.

My rabbit is having breathing problems — is it an emergency?

Rabbit breathing problems explained: what is normal, what is an emergency, and the exact signs that mean you must go to the vet right now.

Why does my rabbit have a head tilt — is it E. cuniculi, ear infection, or stroke?

Rabbit head tilt causes explained: how vets distinguish E. cuniculi, ear infection, and stroke — and what treatment and recovery look like for each.

My rabbit is overheating — what is the emergency protocol for heatstroke?

Rabbit heatstroke emergency guide: temperature danger zones, stage-by-stage symptoms, the correct cooling protocol, and what never to do.

How do I know if my rabbit has a dental abscess and what does treatment involve?

Rabbit dental abscess: how to recognize the subtle early signs, what diagnosis involves, and what surgery and long-term care look like.

How often should I weigh my rabbit and what weight changes should worry me?

How to weigh your rabbit correctly, what healthy weight looks like by breed, and the weight change thresholds that should send you to the vet.

How do I tell the difference between normal molting and abnormal hair loss in my rabbit?

Rabbit molting guide: what normal seasonal shedding looks like versus the 8 causes of abnormal hair loss that need veterinary attention.

What are cecotropes and why is my rabbit leaving them uneaten?

Everything rabbit owners need to know about cecotropes: what they are, why rabbits eat them, and the 7 reasons they end up uneaten in the litter box.

What does my rabbit's urine color mean — when is red urine an emergency?

Rabbit urine color chart explained: the full normal spectrum, how to tell plant pigments from real blood, and when cloudy white urine becomes a problem.

What vaccinations does my rabbit need and what is the schedule?

Rabbit vaccination schedule for Italy and Europe: RHDV2, myxomatosis, available vaccines, the first-shot timeline, and why indoor rabbits still need vaccinating.

Should I spay or neuter my rabbit — what are the health benefits and risks?

Should you spay or neuter your rabbit? The uterine cancer data, the fasting myth debunked, anesthesia risks, and a week-by-week post-surgery recovery guide.

What happens at a rabbit annual vet check and how should I prepare?

What to expect at a rabbit annual vet check: the full examination breakdown, when blood panels are needed, and how to prepare a health report your vet will love.

What documents do I need to travel within the EU with my rabbit?

EU travel with a rabbit: the microchip standard required, what a health certificate contains, which countries have extra rules, and how UK entry works post-Brexit.

Can I fly with my rabbit — what are the airline policies?

Can rabbits fly on planes? Airline-by-airline European policy overview, the real risks of cargo travel, why sedation is dangerous, and the best ground alternatives.

Should I microchip my rabbit and how is it done?

Rabbit microchip guide: ISO standards explained, how the implantation works, best age to do it, registration in Italian databases, and what happens if the chip migrates.

What is a rabbit international health certificate and how long is it valid?

Rabbit international health certificate: what it contains, who in Italy can legally issue it, the 10-day validity rule, and destination-specific formats for EU, UK, and USA.

Which countries require quarantine for rabbits on arrival?

Which countries quarantine imported rabbits on arrival: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, UK, USA — quarantine durations, costs, and whether travel is realistically advisable.

How do I reduce travel stress in my rabbit for long journeys?

How to travel safely with your rabbit: the 3-week carrier training protocol, in-journey management, vet-approved calming options, and post-travel monitoring.

My Rabbit Is Lying on Its Side — Is It Dying?

A rabbit lying on its side may be relaxed or dying. Learn to tell the difference between the harmless "dead bunny flop" and GI stasis collapse, head tilt, seizure, or heatstroke.

Why Does My Rabbit Have a Runny Nose?

A runny nose in rabbits is usually bacterial snuffles (Pasteurella). Learn to recognise the signs, understand the connection to dental disease, and find out when treatment is urgent.

Myxomatosis in Rabbits: Symptoms, Prevention, and Vaccination

Myxomatosis kills over 95% of unvaccinated rabbits. Learn how it spreads, the two forms of the disease, and why annual vaccination is the only effective protection for both indoor and outdoor rabbits.

RHDV2 (Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus 2): What Every Rabbit Owner Must Know

RHDV2 kills rabbits suddenly with no warning and no treatment. Learn how the virus spreads — including to indoor rabbits — what the signs are, and why annual vaccination is the only defence.

Signs of Pain in Rabbits

Rabbits hide pain silently. Learn the key signs — teeth grinding, hunched posture, facial tension, reluctance to move — that indicate your rabbit needs veterinary attention.

Rabbit head tilt: causes and treatment

Rabbit head tilt causes: E. cuniculi parasite (most common), inner ear infection, or stroke. Treatment options and what the outcome looks like.

Rabbit dental problems: signs and what to do

Rabbit dental problems: signs include selective eating, drooling, weight loss, and eye discharge. Why hay prevents dental disease and what treatment involves.

Spaying and neutering rabbits: benefits and age

Spaying and neutering rabbits: unspayed females have 50-80% cancer risk by age 5. Benefits, best age, surgery risks, and post-operative care guide.

Rabbit sneezing: when to worry

Rabbit sneezing: occasional sneezing is normal. Persistent sneezing with discharge usually means Pasteurella (Snuffles), dental disease, or a foreign body. When to act.

How to tell if your rabbit is sick

How to tell if your rabbit is sick: not eating hay, fewer droppings, hunched posture, and teeth grinding are the key warning signs. Early signs to watch for daily.

How often should a rabbit see the vet?

How often should rabbits see a vet? Minimum once a year for dental check and vaccinations; twice yearly for seniors. What to monitor at home between visits.

Can Rabbits Eat Strawberries?

Rabbits can eat strawberries as an occasional treat — but sugar-rich fruits should be limited to 25–30 g, 2–3 times per week. Learn why sugar harms rabbits and which foods are safer alternatives.

How Much Hay Should a Rabbit Eat Per Day?

Rabbits need unlimited hay daily — it must make up 80–90% of their diet for dental health and gut motility. Learn which type to feed, how much, and what to do if your rabbit refuses it.

Which Vegetables Can Rabbits Eat? Complete Safe and Unsafe List

Most dark leafy greens are safe for rabbits. This guide lists which vegetables to feed daily, which to limit, and which to avoid entirely — including the toxic ones most owners do not know about.

What Foods Are Dangerous for Rabbits? Complete Toxic List

Several common foods are toxic to rabbits: onions, avocado, rhubarb, chocolate, and raw legumes. This complete toxic food list could save your rabbit's life — bookmark it now.

Can rabbits eat bananas?

Rabbits can eat banana — but only a thumbnail-sized piece once or twice a week. Too much sugar causes GI problems. Safe serving guide inside.

Pellets for rabbits: how much and which type

How many pellets should a rabbit eat? Adults need just 1–2 tbsp per kg per day. Which type to choose, which to avoid, and why less is more.

Rabbit water intake: how much is normal?

Normal rabbit water intake is 50–150 ml per kg per day. Learn what causes increased thirst, signs of dehydration, and the best water delivery method.

Fruits rabbits can eat (and which to avoid)

Fruits rabbits can eat: strawberries, blueberries, apple (no seeds), and melon in small amounts. Fruits to completely avoid: avocado, rhubarb, and dried fruit.

Why does my rabbit thump?

Why do rabbits thump? It is a warning signal triggered by fear, stress, anger, or pain. Learn the causes and how to reduce your rabbit's stress.

How to bond two rabbits: step-by-step

How to bond two rabbits step-by-step: neuter first, introduce on neutral territory, watch for grooming signals. A guide to successful rabbit bonding.

How to litter train a rabbit

How to litter train a rabbit: use paper-based litter and hay, place tray where they already go, and neuter for best results. Step-by-step guide.

Indoor rabbit housing: minimum space and setup

Indoor rabbit housing guide: rabbits need at least 3×2×1 m permanently accessible space. What to include, safety proofing tips, and why hutches fail welfare standards.

Why does my rabbit bite?

Why rabbits bite: nipping is communication, territorial biting is about space, fear biting is self-defence, and pain biting needs a vet. How to address each type.