Do all rabbits need to be vaccinated?
Rabbits need vaccinations to protect against myxomatosis, Rabbit (Viral) Haemorrhagic Disease (R(V)HD) and a new strain of R(V)HD – R(V)HD2 – all of which are often fatal and cause intense suffering to rabbits.
How much does rabbit vaccinations cost?
Whether buying from a rehoming centre or from a pet shop, rabbits must be vaccinated for Rabbit Viral Haemorrhagic Disease (VHD) which is around £15 and Myxomatosis which is another £15. These are yearly vaccinations so budget another £30 into your yearly costs (£60 if you’ve got two bunnies).
What vaccinations do rabbits need UK?
Vaccines are available for the two main diseases of pet rabbits in the UK, namely myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD). It is widely recommended that pet rabbits are vaccinated against these serious viral diseases as part of a preventative healthcare plan (3).
Do rabbits get lonely?
In the wild, rabbits live in big groups and they enjoy being with friends who will play with them, groom them, understand them and look out for them. So if these sociable animals are kept on their own, they may become bored, depressed, and very lonely. Signs of loneliness in rabbits may include: Becoming withdrawn.
Do you need to give a pet bunny a shot?
Legally speaking, pet rabbits only need vaccines if you live in Europe or parts of Australia. Both of these areas require vaccinations against two different diseases – myxomatosis and viral hemorrhagic disease. This is largely because these diseases are extremely common among wild rabbits in both of these regions.
Can a vaccination affect a rabbit’s health?
MYTH: Vaccinations can damage a rabbit’s health. While a jab is very unlikely to have a negative impact on your bunnies, it can make them feel a little poorly. ‘A vaccination can make a pet feel a bit “off-colour” for a day or two,’ Catherine explains.
Is it OK to keep a rabbit outside during the day?
[1] Others contend that it is acceptable to keep rabbits outside during the daytime, when the risk of predators is lower. Even a secure enclosure may not keep your bunny safe from a raccoon, fox, or neighborhood cat. Still others still say that, with proper preparation and care, full-time outdoor living is fine.
Do you need a second your ( V ) HD2 vaccine for a rabbit?
A second separate vaccination for R (V)HD2 is not required. This new vaccine may not be suitable if your rabbit has previously been vaccinated against myxomatosis but not R (V)HD2.
How old do Rabbits have to be to get their shots?
Your rabbits can be vaccinated from 5 weeks old, and it takes three weeks for them to be fully protected once they have had their injection. Your rabbits will then need yearly vaccinations throughout their life to stay protected.
MYTH: Vaccinations can damage a rabbit’s health. While a jab is very unlikely to have a negative impact on your bunnies, it can make them feel a little poorly. ‘A vaccination can make a pet feel a bit “off-colour” for a day or two,’ Catherine explains.
Do you need to take a rabbit to the vet?
Myth 3: Rabbits do not need veterinary care the way dogs and cats do. Reality: Although rabbits in the USA do not require annual vaccinations, nevertheless, regular veterinary checkups help to detect small problems before they become big ones. Companion rabbits should be spayed/neutered by veterinarians experienced in rabbit surgery.
A second separate vaccination for R (V)HD2 is not required. This new vaccine may not be suitable if your rabbit has previously been vaccinated against myxomatosis but not R (V)HD2.
