Bringing a rabbit into your home is a joyful experience. Bunnies are super cute, fun, and full of personality. They do need a lot of TLC, though. Proper care is essential to keeping your bunny happy and healthy. At Marriottsville Animal Hospital, your trusted Marriottsville, MD veterinary clinic, we are happy to provide rabbit care tips to support your furry pal’s well-being. Rabbits are social, intelligent animals with unique dietary, housing, and behavioral needs, and understanding these requirements ensures a long, comfortable life.

Your vet can provide guidance on bunny daily care, proper housing, and preventative health measures. By following these rabbit care tips and scheduling regular wellness exams, you can help your pet thrive and avoid common health problems.

Housing and Environment for Rabbits

A safe, clean, and stimulating environment is key. Here are some of our top rabbit housing tips:

• Provide a spacious cage or pen that allows standing, hopping, and stretching
  
• Include a cozy hiding space where your rabbit feels secure
  
• Offer soft, absorbent bedding, avoiding cedar or pine shavings which can be harmful
  
• Ensure the habitat is escape-proof and free from hazards such as wires or toxic plants
  
• Maintain consistent temperature, avoiding drafts or direct sunlight
  

Rabbits also benefit from supervised time outside their cage for exercise and exploration. A rabbit-proofed area ensures safety while allowing them to engage in natural behaviors.

Nutrition and Diet

Proper nutrition is fundamental. It’s important to provide your pet with a good, nutritious diet.

• Offer unlimited hay, which supports digestive health and dental wear
  
• Provide fresh vegetables daily, such as leafy greens, carrots, and bell peppers
  
• Limit fruits as treats to small amounts due to sugar content
  
• Ensure constant access to clean water, ideally in a heavy bowl or water bottle
  
• Consider veterinarian-recommended pellets for balanced nutrition
  

A balanced diet prevents obesity, gastrointestinal issues, and dental disease, which are common in rabbits if dietary needs are not met.

Grooming and Hygiene

Regular grooming is a vital part of bunny daily care:

• Brush your rabbit frequently, especially long-haired breeds, to prevent mats
  
• Trim nails as needed to avoid overgrowth and injury
  
• Check ears, eyes, and teeth for signs of infection or abnormalities
  
• Keep litter boxes clean, changing bedding regularly to maintain hygiene
  

Grooming also provides an opportunity to monitor your rabbit for early signs of illness or discomfort.

Exercise and Enrichment

Rabbits are active, curious animals that require mental and physical stimulation. Providing enrichment supports overall health:

• Supply tunnels, ramps, and chew toys to encourage natural behaviors
  
• Rotate toys regularly to prevent boredom
  
• Offer supervised playtime outside the cage daily
  
• Social interaction with family members strengthens bonds and reduces stress
  

Regular exercise also supports cardiovascular health, digestion, and prevents obesity.

Health Monitoring and Preventative Care

Routine veterinary care is crucial. Here are some key points of a good rabbit health guide:

• Schedule annual wellness exams to detect health issues early
  
• Monitor for changes in appetite, weight, stool, or behavior
  
• Watch for signs of dental disease, including drooling, difficulty eating, or uneven teeth
  
• Keep vaccinations and parasite control up to date as recommended
  

Prompt attention to any health concerns ensures timely treatment and supports a longer, healthier life.

Common Health Issues in Rabbits

Understanding common problems helps with early detection:

• Gastrointestinal stasis: A life-threatening slowing of digestion often caused by diet changes or stress
  
• Dental problems: Overgrown teeth can cause pain and difficulty eating, so be sure to provide plenty of chew toys.
  
• Respiratory infections: Signs include sneezing, nasal discharge, and labored breathing
  
• Skin and ear issues: Mites, fungal infections, and abscesses are common in rabbits, so pay attention to those cute ears.
  

Early veterinary evaluation is key to resolving these conditions successfully.

Handling and Socialization

Rabbits are delicate and require careful handling to prevent injury:

• Support the body fully, holding the chest and hindquarters
  
• Avoid sudden movements and loud noises to reduce stress
  
• Handle frequently but gently to foster trust and socialization
  
• Allow your rabbit to explore safely at their own pace
  

Consistent, gentle interaction helps build confidence and reduces fear-based behaviors.

The Indiana House Rabbit Society has an FAQ post which may also be helpful. That is here.  You can also find that the PetMD site is a great resource for rabbit care. Read that article here.

FAQ About Rabbit Care

How often should I take my rabbit to the vet?

Annual wellness exams are recommended, with prompt visits if you notice changes in behavior, appetite, or appearance.

What is the best type of bedding for rabbits?

Soft, absorbent bedding like paper-based products or hay is ideal. Avoid cedar and pine shavings due to respiratory risks.

How much exercise do rabbits need daily?

Rabbits should have several hours of supervised playtime outside their cage daily for optimal health.

Can rabbits eat any vegetables?

Provide fresh leafy greens daily. Avoid toxic plants like avocado, rhubarb, and certain ornamental plants.

How do I know if my rabbit is sick?

Signs include loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhea or constipation, abnormal droppings, sneezing, labored breathing, and changes in behavior or grooming.

Visit Our Marriottsville, MD Veterinary Clinic

Providing proper rabbit care tips ensures your bunny stays happy, healthy, and active. At Marriottsville Animal Hospital, our Marriottsville, MD veterinarians offer guidance on rabbit housing tips, diet, grooming, and overall wellness. Are you searching for a “vet near me” in Marriottsville, MD? Schedule a consultation today and give your bunny the best care possible.

This blog is meant to be informational only. Always consult with your veterinarian for the right medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment plan for your rabbit and follow their guidance.

To find out more about our animal hospital and the services we offer, drop by our main Services page here. You may also want to find out about our Critical Care options here, or our Exotic pet care here.