Rabbit Care Advice for Richmond Owners: Common Rabbit Health Concerns and Prevention

Quick Answer: Rabbits stay healthiest with the right diet, regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental checks, and prompt advice if their appetite, droppings or behaviour change. At The Vet on Richmond Hill, we often remind Richmond owners that prevention is especially important in rabbits, as signs of illness can be subtle at first.

Introduction

Rabbits are gentle, intelligent pets, but they do have very specific care needs. Many common rabbit health problems are preventable with good husbandry, routine veterinary care, and early attention when something seems different. At The Vet on Richmond Hill we regularly help rabbit owners from Richmond, East Sheen, Twickenham and across South West London with everything from routine health checks to dental concerns, digestive problems and preventive care planning.

Because rabbits often hide signs of illness, small changes can matter. A quieter rabbit, fewer droppings, reduced appetite, or sitting differently may be the first sign that something is wrong. Our veterinary team often advises owners that early action is one of the most important parts of rabbit care.

Preventive support can make a real difference. Regular vaccinations, routine check-ups, and tailored support through our Bunny VIP plan can help owners stay on top of common health concerns before they become more serious.

Main Content

1. Dental problems

Rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout life, so dental disease is one of the most common issues we see. If the teeth do not wear down properly, they can become overgrown and uncomfortable. This may affect the front teeth or the cheek teeth further back in the mouth.

Signs to watch for include:

• Eating less or becoming fussy with food
• Dropping food from the mouth
• Weight loss
• Wet fur around the mouth or chin
• Reduced grooming
• Swelling around the jaw or face

The best prevention starts with diet. Rabbits should eat plenty of hay every day, as this helps wear the teeth naturally and supports gut health too. Fresh greens and an appropriate amount of rabbit food can also be part of a balanced routine. If we are concerned about dental disease, we may recommend further assessment and, in some cases, imaging such as X-rays to check the tooth roots and jaw.

2. Gut stasis and digestive slowdown

Rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems. A common and important problem is gut stasis, which means the normal movement of the gut slows down or stops. This is not a diagnosis in itself, but a sign that something is wrong, such as pain, stress, poor diet, dental disease, or another underlying illness.

Warning signs include:

• Not eating or eating much less
• Producing fewer droppings or no droppings
• Quietness or hiding away
• A bloated or uncomfortable-looking abdomen
• Tooth grinding due to pain

This needs prompt veterinary attention. In our experience supporting pets across Richmond and South West London, owners sometimes wait to see if their rabbit picks up later in the day, but rabbits can become seriously unwell quickly when they stop eating. If your rabbit has not eaten for several hours, has very few droppings, or seems painful, contact a vet as soon as possible. If urgent support is needed, our 24-hour emergency vetcare is available.

3. Flystrike in warmer weather

Flystrike is a serious warm-weather risk, especially in rabbits with soiled fur, obesity, dental trouble, diarrhoea, or reduced mobility. It happens when flies lay eggs on the rabbit, usually around the back end, and maggots hatch and damage the skin very quickly.

Prevention includes:

• Checking your rabbit’s rear end daily, especially in spring and summer
• Keeping housing clean and dry
• Feeding a high-fibre diet to reduce digestive upset
• Helping overweight rabbits reach a healthier body condition
• Booking prompt care for dental or mobility issues

Many local pet owners ask us how often rabbits should be checked in hot weather. Our answer is simple: every day. If you notice eggs, maggots, skin damage, collapse, or sudden weakness, seek urgent veterinary care immediately.

4. Vaccination-preventable disease

Rabbits need routine vaccinations to help protect them against serious infectious diseases. Our veterinary team often advises owners not to assume indoor rabbits are fully protected, as disease risks can still be brought in indirectly.

Keeping up with regular rabbit vaccinations is an important part of preventive care. If you are unsure whether your rabbit is up to date, we can check their records and advise on the right plan. Some owners also choose our VIP health plan options for ongoing preventive support, including the Bunny VIP plan.

5. Parasites and skin problems

Rabbits can be affected by mites and other parasites, which may cause itching, dandruff-like flakes, fur loss, skin irritation, or ear discomfort. Not every skin problem is caused by parasites, so a proper examination is important.

At The Vet on Richmond Hill we commonly see rabbits with subtle skin changes that owners initially thought were just moulting. If your rabbit is scratching more than usual, has flaky skin, or seems uncomfortable, it is worth arranging an appointment. We may recommend examination, and when appropriate, testing such as blood and urine tests or other investigations depending on the symptoms.

6. Weight problems and mobility concerns

Rabbits can become overweight quite easily, particularly if they have too many treats, too little exercise, or an unbalanced diet. Excess weight can make grooming harder and increases the risk of soiling, flystrike, and mobility problems.

Older rabbits may also develop stiffness or arthritis. A rabbit that struggles to hop normally, avoids using part of the hutch, or seems less interested in moving may need veterinary assessment. Our experienced veterinary team supports pets across Richmond and South West London through every life stage, and rabbit comfort is a key part of that.

Regular health checks and clinics can help spot gradual changes that are easy to miss at home.

What We Commonly See at The Vet on Richmond Hill

One of the most common concerns we hear from rabbit owners in Richmond Hill and the wider South West London area is, “My rabbit just seems a bit quiet.” That small change can be important in rabbits, especially if it comes with reduced appetite or fewer droppings.

We regularly help owners who:

• Are unsure whether their rabbit is eating enough hay
• Have spotted wetness around the chin and worry about dental problems
• Notice mess around the back end in warmer weather
• Are not sure whether indoor rabbits still need vaccinations
• Want a preventive plan for ongoing rabbit care

A common misunderstanding is that rabbits will clearly show when they are sick. In reality, they often hide discomfort. Our local veterinary team often advises owners to focus on appetite, droppings, movement, and behaviour, as these can tell us a lot.

At The Vet on Richmond Hill we regularly help local pet owners build practical routines that make prevention easier, including annual vaccinations, weight checks, dental monitoring, and support through our preventative healthcare services.

Practical Advice

Simple everyday care goes a long way in keeping rabbits well.

• Feed plenty of hay: Hay should make up the main part of your rabbit’s diet.
• Watch appetite and droppings: These are two of the easiest ways to notice early problems.
• Check the rear end daily: This is especially important in warm weather.
• Encourage exercise: Space to move helps with weight control, digestion and general wellbeing.
• Book routine veterinary care: Preventive visits help us spot subtle changes early.
• Plan ahead for costs and routine care: Some owners find our prices page and Bunny VIP plan helpful when planning ongoing rabbit healthcare.

If you have a new rabbit or want support reviewing your rabbit’s current routine, you can book an appointment online or speak to our team about a preventive care plan.

When To Contact A Vet

You should contact a vet promptly if your rabbit:

• Stops eating or eats much less than normal
• Produces fewer droppings or no droppings
• Seems quiet, hunched, or uncomfortable
• Has swelling around the face or jaw
• Has diarrhoea or a persistently dirty back end
• Shows signs of skin irritation, hair loss, or ear problems
• Develops sudden mobility problems

Urgent veterinary attention is needed if your rabbit has signs of flystrike, severe bloating, collapse, or extreme weakness. If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately.

If you are unsure, it is always sensible to ask. Our veterinary team often advises local pet owners in Richmond, Kew, Barnes, Mortlake and Twickenham that rabbits are best assessed sooner rather than later when their normal habits change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do indoor rabbits still need vaccinations?

Yes. Indoor rabbits can still be at risk from infectious disease, so regular vaccinations remain important.

How often should my rabbit have a health check?

At least annually, though some rabbits benefit from more frequent checks depending on age, dental history, weight, or ongoing health conditions. You can arrange a visit through our health checks service.

What should I do if my rabbit stops eating?

This should be treated seriously. Rabbits should not go for long periods without food. Contact your vet promptly for advice.

Is hay really that important?

Yes. Hay is essential for both dental wear and digestive health, and it should form the majority of a rabbit’s diet.

Can you help if my rabbit needs further tests?

Yes. If needed, we can investigate rabbit health concerns with services such as X-rays, ultrasound, and blood testing as part of tailored veterinary care.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.

Book Rabbit Care in Richmond

If you are looking for friendly, practical rabbit care in Richmond or South West London, we are here to help. Whether you want to arrange a routine check-up, update vaccinations, discuss diet and dental prevention, or ask about our Bunny VIP plan, our team at The Vet on Richmond Hill would be pleased to support you.

You can book an appointment, register your pet, or find out how to visit us on our find us page.