Rabbits are easy to take care of.It is not always apparent when they become sick.It's possible to determine when yours is sick by recognizing gastrointestinal and respiratory problems.Clues can be given by noticing physical or behavioral changes.If you suspect that your bunny is sick, you should have a vet examine it.
Step 1: Take notice when your rabbit isn't eating.
If your pet doesn't eat as much as he usually does, or if your rabbit's food dish stays full all day long, pay attention.A sudden loss of appetite can be a sign of a number of illnesses.
Step 2: Make sure your rabbit has regular droppings.
rabbits produce lots of round droppingsIf your rabbit has any of the following problems, it may have either a gastrointestinal illness or an issue that causes this as a symptom.
Step 3: Listen to your bunny.
An ordinary stethoscope can be used to check on your rabbit's health.Put the stethoscope on your pet and listen.If you hear strange noises.It's possible that your pet is having gastrointestinal problems, especially when combined with other symptoms such as decreased appetite.Pick up your bunny by holding him close to you and cradling him in your arm.Pick up a rabbit by its paws, scruff, or ears.Even if the rabbit kicks, keep him next to you so that he doesn't fall.Set your bunny in your lap.If you want to calm it down, talk to him/her in a soothing voice.Put the stethoscope against your rabbit's side.Carefully lower your bunny to the ground when finished.If you let a rabbit drop to the ground, it can hurt it.
Step 4: There are signs of snuffles.
Rabbits are susceptible to a disease called snuffles.This is accompanied by a nose and eyes that are not normal.If you see any of these symptoms at the same time, you should have your bunny inspected by a vet.Human colds can be caused by a virus, but rabbits are not.They can be treated with antibiotics by a vet.
Step 5: Listen to your bunny breathe.
Rabbits won't breathe through their mouths because they are nose breathers.You should not hear or see labored breathing.If your rabbit is breathing loudly or moving its chest a lot, this may be a sign of a respiratory problem.
Step 6: When your rabbit sneezes, notice.
Sometimes a rabbit needs to sneeze because of dust in its nose.Your rabbit may be sick if you notice chronic sneezing.
Step 7: Feel the ears of your rabbit.
Rabbits can regulate their temperature through their ears.If your bunny's ears are cold or hot, it means it is sick.
Step 8: Take your rabbit's temperature.
You can take your bunny's temperature to be sure if you suspect it is high or low.This can be used to make a diagnosis.If you want to check your pet's temperature, use a plastic rectal thermometer.Take your rabbit to the vet if you are unsure of how to do it.A normal body temperature for a rabbit is between 101 F - 103 F (38.6 C - 39.4 C).
Step 9: Your rabbit has eyes.
If you see a discharge from your rabbit's eyes, this could be a sign of a variety of illnesses.Dental problems could be the reason for the respiratory issues.Some rabbits have teeth that are close to their tear ducts.The tearing may be caused by dental problems.
Step 10: There can be changes in weight.
Your rabbit will usually maintain a consistent weight once it is fully grown.If you notice that your pet has gained or lost weight suddenly, this could be a sign that it is sick.
Step 11: Take a look at your rabbit's fur and skin.
The color and texture of your bunny's fur and skin will be familiar to you.If you notice that your pet is losing hair or has a reddened skin, this could be an issue such as ringworm.There are conditions that can cause incontinence in a rabbit.There is a clear sign of this problem.If you notice the issue, contact the vet.
Step 12: Take a look at your bunny's genitalia.
Rabbits can suffer from a disease called myxomatosis.It can cause redness and swelling of the genitalia, and can be spread by biting insects such as mosquitos.Your bunny is in your lap.Talk to it for a few minutes to calm it down.Use your non-dominant hand to support the bunny's back when it is calm.Place it so that it's head is against your body and its hind feet are away from you.There is a fuzzy protuberance between your rabbit's hind legs.They are usually hidden by fuzz and not completely visible.If you see redness or swelling, this could be a sign of myxomatosis.Press on the bunny's abdomen above the genital area.The genitals will be more visible because of this.Your bunny might not want to be inspected this way.Keep in mind any injuries or disabilities it may have to avoid accidentally harming it.
Step 13: There can be changes in attitude.
Rabbits can show a wide range of normal behaviors.If you notice a sudden change in behavior, this may be a sign of a health problem.If a bunny is sick, they may not want to be bothered, or become clingy.If your bunny is suddenly sleepy, that is a clear sign that it is sick.
Step 14: If your bunny does something, pay attention.
Malocclusion is one of the dental problems rabbits are susceptible to.If you notice your pet drooling, it may be because they can't close their mouth or are in pain from a dental problem.
Step 15: Take the time to observe how your bunny moves.
A variety of illnesses can be indicated if your rabbit has started to hop a lot.If your pet seems to have lost its balance or moved with its head tilted to one side, this may be due to a bug in the ears.If your bunny seems to lean to one side when hopping, this may be a sign of sore hocks.
Step 16: Listen to the grinding of teeth.
rabbits make a sound by grinding their teeth.If your bunny is grinding its teeth together, this can be a sign that it is in pain.When you are petting your rabbit, feeding it treats or calming it down, it may make a happy grinding noise.If you pay attention to this behavior, you can know what to expect from your bunny.The "happy" version will be louder than grinding as a response to pain.The louder the grinding is, the more uncomfortable it is.
Step 17: If your rabbit shakes, pay attention.
Loss of appetite, lethargy, and breathing difficulties are some of the symptoms that can be caused by the caliciviruses.It can cause your bunny to shake, which is a more obvious sign.
Step 18: If your bunny is scratching or itching, you should notice.
Like dogs, cats, and other pets, rabbits are vulnerable to pests.These parasites can cause irritation.Dust can be seen on your pet's fur or skin if it has fleas.Flea dirt is a waste product of fleas.Don't give your dog or cat flea medication.It can make your pet very sick.Talk to your vet about how to get rid of parasites in your rabbit.