Rabbits Health Signs

It is important to check your rabbits daily for any signs of ill thrift, as they are known to hide signs of illness very well. Some signs that indicate your rabbits are happy and healthy are:

• Bright and alert disposition
• Proper alignment of teeth
• Eating normally, with no dribbling or saliva
• A wiggling, dry nose
• Clean ears 
• Dense, clean, unmatted fur 
• Clean feet, free of sores
• Faecal pellets should be well formed and frequent 

As important as it is to monitor your guinea pigs for signs of good health, it is also important to monitor for signs of poor health. Rabbits are prey animals in the wild, so they are naturally wired to try their very best to hide any signs of illness, as the ‘weaker’ animals are the easiest and first to be taken by predators. Therefore it is very common for rabbits to be extremely unwell by the time signs of illness are recognised by their owners. 

Some signs that may indicate your rabbit is unwell or veterinary attention should be sought include: 

• Lethargy 
• Not eating or drinking 
• Dropping food, difficulty eating or chewing food, or drooling
• Excessive wetness or saliva staining around the mouth
• Misaligned front incisor teeth
• Discharge from eyes or nostrils
• Increased respiratory sounds or effort 
• Lump formation, especially around the chin or face area
• Weight loss 
• Hairloss, excessive scratching or wounds
• Diarrhoea 
• Abnormal faecal pellet shape and consistency 
• Abnormal urine colour or difficulty toileting