Pet cats and dogs take regular vaccinations to keep them healthy. So, do pet bunnies need vaccinations too? There are vaccines for rabbits. Thus responsible rabbit owners need to know whether immunizations are necessary to keep their pets as healthy as possible.
Sadly, many serious diseases can affect rabbits. Still, one of the best ways to protect your bunny from deadly diseases is to give them shots. Another point to consider about rabbit health is regular visits to the vet for check-ups. After all, It is much easier to prevent disease than cure it.
With this in mind, this article answers several questions about rabbit vaccinations and regular health check-ups at the vets’. Some of the questions are:
- When should rabbits be vaccinated?
- How much does it cost to get rabbits vaccinated?
- Do rabbits need vaccinations every year?
- Do pet bunnies need to go to the vet?
- How often should your pet rabbit visit the vet?
When Should Rabbits Be Vaccinated?
Your vet can tell you precisely the vaccination schedule that is best for your rabbit. Nevertheless, you have the option of combined or single-dose vaccines.
Combined vaccines to protect against Myxomatosis and Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (RVHD) are usually given to rabbits from five weeks old. A single dose vaccine that protects against the three diseases is now available and can be given to rabbits at five weeks old. At ten weeks of age, another single vaccine protects against Rabbit Viral Disease 2 (RVHD2). Afterward, pet bunnies need vaccinations yearly to maintain their immunity.
In summary, if you choose to get the single-dose vaccine, your rabbit will start vaccination at five weeks old. If you do not, your rabbit will be vaccinated first at five weeks and later at ten weeks.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Rabbits Vaccinated?
Generally, the annual cost of rabbit vaccination is less than $100 per rabbit (usually between $50 and $90). You can get a more detailed pricing guide from your vet clinic.
In addition, the cost of vaccinating your rabbit depends on your location and the vet clinic. Some offer budget-friendly packages that allow you to pay a particular amount for all of your pet’s health care. Such packages usually cover vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, check-ups, etc.
Do Rabbits Need Vaccinations Every Year?
Whether your bunny needs vaccination yearly or even at all depends on your location and governmental laws. Suppose you live in a country where it is necessary to vaccinate rabbits. In that case, pet bunnies need vaccination every year to maintain their immunity. A single round of immunizations does give lifelong immunity.
In the United States and most parts of North America, pet rabbits are not required to take any vaccine. However, vaccinations for domestic rabbits are available in Europe and Australia. Though not compulsory, if you reside in these areas vaccinating your pet is necessary.
At present, there are three vaccines available for pet rabbits. Pet bunnies need to receive these every year to help protect them from Myxomatosis and both strains of RHVD(RHDV1 and RHDV2), three highly deadly viruses. Sadly, the diseases that these viruses cause are not curable.
The viruses are prevalent among wild rabbit populations. There is a greater possibility that it will spread to domestic rabbits if they don’t take shots. Although indoor pet rabbits have limited exposure to wild rabbits, they can still be infected through fleas, mosquitos, clothing, etc
But why are these vaccines not available in some countries? The reason is that the viruses are either rare or not yet detected among wild rabbits in these areas.
Most pet rabbits in North America are not exposed to these dangerous viruses, so they do not need to be vaccinated. However, there are some past and current virus outbreaks that necessitate the emergency use of vaccines. The United States Department of Agriculture has not approved rabbits’ vaccination. Therefore, there is no vaccine available, and it is illegal to import vaccines from other countries except with special permits.
Suppose you have any particular difficulties with the laws and regulations in your area. In that case, it is best to check with your vet. They will be familiar with and understand all the procedures concerning rabbit vaccination in your country.
Do Pet Bunnies Need To Go To The Vet?
Realistically, during the 7-10 years that a domestic rabbit has to live, there would be occasions that require medical care. Circumstances that might make a pet rabbit need to see a vet include accident, ill health, or routine vaccination. That’s why it is beneficial to have a vet for your furry friend on standby for emergencies.
Pet rabbits also need a vet for spay/neuter surgery. The surgery is necessary to protect your bunny from diseases of the reproductive system(e.g., tumor in the uterus). Similarly, It helps GETget rid of some hormone-driven behavioral problems too.
Rabbit medicine continues to improve, and Veterinarians are learning more about your pet’s health and medical care. This makes it possible to avoid, treat and usually cure the diseases that your pet may arise. Consequently, there should be cooperation and support between you and your rabbit’s vet. As a result, your bunny can enjoy a healthy life.
Rabbits require a vet specializing in exotic animals and understanding herbivores and how their digestive system works. He also needs to be an expert at caring for rabbits’ constantly growing teeth, and appropriate medication rabbits can safely take.
For these reasons, vets that treat other companion animals like cats and dogs may not be competent enough to treat your bunny. While rabbit savvy vets are a bit uncommon, the rabbit rescue group close to you or the vet clinic can recommend a vet who knows rabbits well.
How Often Should Your Rabbit Visit the Vet?
A healthy rabbit should visit the vet at least once a year. The annual check-up allows your veterinarian to be familiar with the rabbit and track your pet’s health to know its normal condition. This can prepare you and your vet for when your pet rabbit is ill and needs crucial medical care. The examination may also detect early problems, which may make treatment more accessible.
However, older rabbits (from 5 years old) and those with regular health issues should visit the vets twice a year. Likewise, take note of any illness and consult your vet immediately. The following symptoms require a visit or consultation with your vet:
- Your rabbit stops eating and drinking
- It no longer poops
- Sneezing and panting with the mouth opened
- Drooling
- Loose stool or diarrhea
- Lack of energy
- Head tilted to the side
The annual health check is also a time for you to ask your veterinarian about any problems you may have and listen to their suggestions. The veterinarian who has a certain knowledge of your rabbit and its specific conditions is the best person to help you.
At each visit, the vet will check the following about your rabbit’s health :
- Your rabbit’s teeth for infection and to ensure they are not too long
- Weight to ensure it is healthy
- The heart rate and breathing to know if they are within normal range
- The eyes for any discharge and excessive tearing.
- The ears for mites or yeast infection
- The skin and fur for lesions, shedding, fur mites, and other parasites
- The legs and pores for sore or any abnormal lump
- The abdomen to assess the condition of the inner organs.
- A blood test to check for any underlying disease
- The poop for any worm or parasite infestation.
What Should You Bring With You When You Take Your Rabbit to the Vet?
You will need to take the following items with you when visiting the vet with your rabbit:
- A pet carrier to transport your rabbit safely and reduce its stress at the clinic
- A fecal sample that is not older than 24hours.
- A copy of your bunny’s medical history (if you are visiting the particular vet for the first time)
- Some of your pet’s usual food in case your pet needs to stay at the clinic.
- A written list of your pet’s regular diet
Conclusions
People have been worried about over-vaccinating our pets in recent years and whether they need to be vaccinated every year. With the large number of deaths reported from diseases and the ability of these diseases to spread to different geographic locations, rabbit owners need to take decisive action.
Pet bunnies need vaccinations against deadly viral infections coupled with regular health check-ups. These enable them to live healthy lives. In the same vein, giving shots to a sick rabbit will do more harm than good. Hence, to avoid undesirable side effects, ensure that your pet bunny is in good health before giving immunizations.