RABBIT WELLNESS, NUTRITION, DENTAL CARE & URGENT MEDICAL EVALUATION
Rabbit Veterinarian & Rabbit Care in Laguna Beach
Rabbits are intelligent, social companions with medical and nutritional needs that differ substantially from those of dogs and cats.
A rabbit that appears quiet, eats less or produces fewer droppings may be developing a serious medical problem. Because rabbits commonly conceal early signs of illness, subtle changes deserve attention.
Aliso Beach Animal Clinic provides rabbit veterinary care in Laguna Beach, including:
- Routine rabbit wellness examinations
- Diet and husbandry counseling
- Dental evaluations
- Rabbit spay and neuter consultations
- Rabbit hemorrhagic disease prevention guidance
- Fecal and parasite testing
- Blood work and urinalysis
- Digital radiographs
- Evaluation of appetite loss and gastrointestinal slowdown
- Assessment of respiratory, urinary, skin and neurologic concerns
- Same-day evaluation of many urgent rabbit problems during regular clinic hours
Dr. Bryan Hayter and our veterinary team consider your rabbit’s diet, housing, behavior, dental health, weight, reproductive status and home environment as part of the medical evaluation.
Call before scheduling or arriving with an urgent concern so we can confirm availability and prepare for your rabbit’s needs.
Routine Rabbit Veterinary Care
Routine examinations help us establish your rabbit’s normal weight, body condition, dental appearance and behavior before an illness develops.
A rabbit wellness examination may include evaluation of:
- Body weight and body condition
- Appetite and fecal output
- Incisors, cheek teeth and jaw alignment
- Eyes, tear ducts, ears and nose
- Heart and respiratory sounds
- Abdominal comfort and gastrointestinal contents
- Skin, coat and feet
- Mobility and neurologic function
- Urinary and reproductive health
- Diet and feeding routine
- Housing, exercise and enrichment
- Rabbit hemorrhagic disease risk
Many adult rabbits benefit from at least an annual veterinary examination. Senior rabbits and rabbits with chronic dental, gastrointestinal, urinary or mobility problems may need more frequent visits.
Bring photographs of the enclosure, food labels and information about your rabbit’s normal eating and litter-box habits. Small changes are easier to interpret when we understand what is normal for that individual rabbit.
LEARN ABOUT ROUTINE EXOTIC-PET CARE
What Should a Pet Rabbit Eat?
A rabbit’s digestive tract is designed for frequent intake of fibrous plant material. Appropriate nutrition supports gastrointestinal movement, healthy body weight, dental wear and normal cecal fermentation.
Grass Hay Should Form the Foundation
Most healthy adult rabbits should have continuous access to fresh, good-quality grass hay.
Suitable options may include:
- Timothy hay
- Orchard grass
- Meadow hay
- Oat hay
- Another appropriate grass hay
Hay should smell fresh and should not be damp, dusty or moldy.
Hay encourages prolonged chewing and provides long fiber that supports normal gastrointestinal movement. It should generally make up substantially more of an adult rabbit’s diet than pellets, treats or fruit.
Alfalfa hay is higher in calories, protein and calcium. It may be appropriate for some growing, pregnant, nursing or medically selected rabbits but is not automatically the best primary hay for every healthy adult.
Measured Rabbit Pellets
Adult rabbits generally need a measured quantity of a plain, high-fiber rabbit pellet rather than unlimited pellets.
Choose a uniform pellet rather than a mixture containing:
- Seeds
- Dried fruit
- Colored pieces
- Corn
- Nuts
- Sugary cereal ingredients
The appropriate amount depends on the rabbit’s size, age, body condition, activity and medical needs. Excess pellets may reduce hay consumption and contribute to obesity or nutritional imbalance.
Leafy Greens
Appropriate leafy vegetables can provide variety, moisture and enrichment.
Introduce new greens gradually and monitor appetite, stool production and tolerance. The best selection and quantity depend on the rabbit’s age, urinary history and complete diet.
Wash produce and remove spoiled portions. Avoid assuming that every plant marketed as natural or organic is safe for rabbits.
Fruit and Treats
Fruit, carrots and commercial treats should be limited. Rabbits often prefer sweet, calorie-dense foods and may eat them instead of hay.
Frequent sugary treats can contribute to:
- Weight gain
- Reduced hay consumption
- Soft or uneaten cecotropes
- Disruption of a balanced diet
Fresh Water
Fresh water should always be available.
Many rabbits drink well from a heavy ceramic bowl. A bottle may also be provided when appropriate, but it should be checked daily for blockage or leakage.
Changes in drinking or urination can be medically important. Contact us when your rabbit begins drinking substantially more or less than usual.
Cecotropes Are Normal
Rabbits produce both firm fecal pellets and softer nutrient-rich cecotropes. Rabbits normally consume cecotropes directly, so owners may rarely see them.
Repeated uneaten cecotropes may be associated with:
- Excess calorie or pellet intake
- Obesity
- Arthritis or limited mobility
- Dental pain
- Another illness
True watery diarrhea is not normal and can be dangerous, particularly in young rabbits.
For additional background, see the MSD Veterinary Manual guide to rabbit nutrition and the Rabbit.org Foundation diet guide.
EXPLORE EXOTIC-PET HUSBANDRY & NUTRITION
Indoor Rabbit Housing and Environment
Pet rabbits generally benefit from living indoors in a climate-controlled, predator-protected environment where owners can observe changes in appetite, stool production and behavior.
An outdoor hutch, garage, balcony or isolated enclosure can expose a rabbit to:
- Excessive heat
- Predators
- Insects and parasites
- Wild-rabbit disease exposure
- Sudden temperature changes
- Reduced social interaction
- Delayed recognition of illness
Rabbits are particularly vulnerable to overheating. Direct sun and poorly ventilated enclosures can become dangerous quickly, even when outdoor air temperatures do not initially seem extreme.
Space and Flooring
A rabbit needs enough room to:
- Stand fully upright
- Stretch out completely
- Hop several times
- Turn comfortably
- Use a litter box
- Eat and rest away from the litter area
- Exercise outside the primary resting area
Provide solid, dry and nonslip flooring. Prolonged housing on wire flooring can contribute to foot injury and does not provide comfortable support.
Hard or slippery household flooring may also be difficult for a rabbit to navigate. Rugs, washable mats or other secure surfaces may improve traction.
Safe Litter
Suitable rabbit litter options may include paper-based or other rabbit-safe absorbent products.
Avoid:
- Clumping cat litter
- Clay litter
- Highly dusty litter
- Strongly scented products
- Materials that expand or obstruct the gastrointestinal tract if eaten
Many rabbits enjoy eating hay while using the litter box. Positioning clean hay beside or above the box may support normal litter-box behavior.
Rabbit-Proofing the Home
Rabbits naturally chew and dig. Protect them from:
- Electrical cords
- Toxic plants
- Medications
- Cleaning chemicals
- Foam and carpet fibers
- Small plastic objects
- Open stairways
- Reclining furniture
- Dogs and cats that may chase or injure them
Chewing should be redirected toward appropriate hay, cardboard, untreated wood and rabbit-safe enrichment rather than punished.
Rabbit Behavior, Exercise and Enrichment
Rabbits are active, social animals. They need daily opportunities to move, explore, forage, chew and interact safely.
Useful enrichment may include:
- Cardboard boxes
- Paper bags with handles removed
- Tunnels
- Hay-filled toys
- Safe untreated chew items
- Digging boxes
- Food puzzles
- Multiple hiding areas
- Supervised exploration
Rotate enrichment rather than filling the environment with so many objects that the rabbit cannot move comfortably.
Rabbit Companionship
Many rabbits benefit from a compatible rabbit companion. However, rabbits should not be placed together casually.
Successful bonding usually requires:
- Spaying or neutering both rabbits
- Appropriate recovery after surgery
- Gradual supervised introductions
- Neutral territory
- Enough space and resources
- Monitoring for aggression
A bonded rabbit pair should not be separated unnecessarily, including during many veterinary visits, because separation can create stress and affect the bond.
How to Handle a Rabbit Safely
Rabbits have powerful hind legs and comparatively fragile spinal structures. A frightened rabbit can injure itself while struggling.
When lifting is necessary:
- Support the chest and hindquarters
- Hold the rabbit securely against your body
- Stay close to the floor when learning
- Avoid sudden movements
- Use a nonslip surface
Never lift a rabbit by the ears, legs or loose skin alone.
Many rabbits prefer interaction at floor level and may not enjoy being picked up. Children should interact only with close adult supervision and should not carry a rabbit unless they have been taught safe handling.
Rabbit Dental Care
Rabbit teeth grow continuously. Normal chewing, tooth alignment and diet all contribute to appropriate wear.
Hay is an essential part of dental health, but hay alone cannot prevent disease when a rabbit has congenital malocclusion, abnormal tooth roots, previous trauma or another dental disorder.
Signs of Rabbit Dental Disease
Contact us when you notice:
- Reduced hay consumption
- Selecting soft food while refusing hay
- Dropping food
- Drooling or a wet chin
- Reduced or misshapen fecal pellets
- Weight loss
- Grinding teeth in apparent discomfort
- Eye discharge
- Facial or jaw swelling
- Bad breath
- Visible overgrown incisors
Cheek-tooth disease may not be visible when simply looking at the front teeth.
Evaluation may require:
- A detailed oral examination
- Sedation or anesthesia
- Skull radiographs
- CT imaging in selected complex cases
- Dental correction or extraction
- Pain management
- Nutritional support
Overgrown teeth should not be cut with nail clippers or wire cutters. This can fracture the tooth and worsen pain or infection.
The MSD Veterinary Manual rabbit-disease guide describes how dental disease can involve multiple teeth and may require advanced imaging.
LEARN ABOUT DIGITAL X-RAYS & ADVANCED IMAGING
Rabbit GI Stasis and Appetite Loss
“GI stasis” describes reduced gastrointestinal movement. It is often a consequence of another problem rather than a complete diagnosis by itself.
Contributing conditions may include:
- Dental pain
- An inappropriate or low-fiber diet
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Arthritis or another painful condition
- Urinary disease
- Infection
- Toxin exposure
- Foreign material or gastrointestinal obstruction
- Another systemic illness
Warning Signs
Seek veterinary guidance promptly when your rabbit:
- Stops eating
- Eats substantially less than normal
- Refuses hay
- Produces fewer or smaller fecal pellets
- Produces no fecal pellets
- Sits hunched or hides
- Grinds the teeth in discomfort
- Appears bloated
- Becomes weak or unusually quiet
Do not assume that appetite loss is caused by a harmless hairball. Rabbits cannot vomit, and an obstruction may produce signs similar to uncomplicated gastrointestinal slowdown.
Do not begin force-feeding without veterinary guidance when obstruction, severe bloating or another surgical problem is possible.
Evaluation may include:
- Oral and abdominal examination
- Body-temperature assessment
- Digital radiographs
- Blood work
- Fluid and pain assessment
- Additional imaging or testing
Treatment depends on the cause and may include fluids, pain control, nutritional support, gastrointestinal medication and treatment of the underlying problem.
LEARN ABOUT URGENT EXOTIC-PET CARE
Rabbit Spaying and Neutering
Spaying and neutering prevent unplanned litters and may make hormone-driven territorial behavior, urine spraying and aggression less likely.
Spaying Female Rabbits
Spaying is particularly important because intact female rabbits have a substantial risk of developing uterine disease, including uterine adenocarcinoma, as they age.
Many nonbreeding female rabbits are considered for surgery at approximately four to six months of age, although timing depends on:
- Breed and mature size
- Body weight
- Health status
- Anatomical development
- Previous illness
- The veterinarian’s examination
Neutering Male Rabbits
Male rabbits may be neutered after the testicles have descended and the patient is large and healthy enough for anesthesia.
Neutering may help reduce:
- Urine spraying
- Mounting
- Hormone-driven aggression
- Territorial behavior
- Accidental breeding
Behavior may take several weeks to change after surgery, and males may remain fertile for a period after neutering. Follow the veterinarian’s separation instructions.
Pre-Anesthetic Evaluation
Before rabbit surgery, we evaluate the patient’s:
- Weight and body condition
- Heart and lungs
- Hydration
- Dental health
- Gastrointestinal function
- Previous illnesses
- Medication history
Pre-anesthetic blood work or additional testing may be recommended according to the rabbit’s age and medical condition.
Rabbits generally should not be fasted like dogs or cats before anesthesia. Follow the specific instructions provided by our veterinary team and do not remove food unless we explicitly direct you to do so.
Appropriate pain management, temperature support, monitoring and prompt return to eating are important parts of rabbit surgical care.
LEARN ABOUT VETERINARY SURGERY & ANESTHESIA
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus
Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is a highly contagious viral disease affecting domestic and wild rabbits. The RHDV2 strain has been detected in California and can cause sudden severe illness or death.
The virus may spread through:
- Direct contact with an infected rabbit
- Contaminated shoes or clothing
- Food, bedding or equipment
- Insects
- Wild-rabbit exposure
- Contaminated outdoor areas
Indoor rabbits are not completely protected because the virus can be carried into a household indirectly.
Reducing RHDV2 Risk
- Ask about current RHDV2 vaccination recommendations and availability.
- Avoid contact with wild rabbits.
- Do not share equipment with rabbits outside the household.
- Wash hands after handling unfamiliar rabbits.
- Change footwear or clothing after visiting rabbit gatherings or outdoor areas with wild-rabbit activity.
- Use hay and produce from reliable sources.
- Protect food and bedding from insects and wildlife.
- Quarantine newly adopted rabbits as directed.
Vaccine schedules, product availability and outbreak conditions can change. Call us for the clinic’s current recommendations.
See the California Department of Food and Agriculture rabbit hemorrhagic disease page for current California information.
Common Health Problems in Pet Rabbits
Rabbit medical concerns we evaluate may include:
Dental Disease
Signs may include reduced hay consumption, drooling, weight loss, eye discharge, facial swelling or changes in fecal output.
Gastrointestinal Slowdown
Reduced appetite and fewer droppings require prompt attention because rabbits can deteriorate quickly.
Respiratory Disease
Sneezing, nasal discharge, noisy breathing, increased respiratory effort or reduced activity may indicate infection, dental disease, environmental irritation or another problem.
Ear Disease
Head shaking, scratching, crusting, pain, head tilt or balance problems may be associated with mites, infection or deeper ear disease.
Urinary Disease
Signs may include:
- Straining to urinate
- Frequent urination
- Blood-tinged urine
- Thick or gritty urine
- Wet fur around the hindquarters
- Reduced appetite
- Abdominal discomfort
Rabbit urine naturally varies in color, and red or orange urine is not always blood. Persistent abnormalities should still be evaluated.
Sore Hocks
Pressure sores can develop on the bottoms of the feet, particularly when a rabbit is overweight, has poor traction, lives on abrasive or wet flooring or has limited mobility.
Neurologic Signs
Head tilt, rolling, weakness, abnormal eye movement, loss of balance or paralysis require prompt evaluation. Possible causes include ear disease, trauma, toxins, spinal disease and infections such as Encephalitozoon cuniculi.
Reproductive Disease
Intact female rabbits can develop uterine tumors, uterine infection and other reproductive disorders. Vaginal bleeding or discharge is not a normal heat cycle and requires examination.
Heat Stress
Rapid breathing, weakness, collapse, warm ears, drooling or altered responsiveness during warm weather may indicate dangerous overheating.
Diagnostic Testing for Rabbits
Rabbit diagnostic testing is selected according to the symptoms and medical question.
Testing may include:
- Fecal examination
- Skin or ear cytology
- Blood-cell and chemistry testing
- Urinalysis
- Urine culture
- Digital radiographs
- Skull and dental imaging
- Abdominal ultrasound
- CT imaging in selected cases
- Cytology or biopsy
- Specialty laboratory testing
Sample volume, normal laboratory values and interpretation differ from dogs and cats. Diagnostic recommendations must account for rabbit anatomy and physiology.
LEARN ABOUT PET BLOOD WORK & DIAGNOSTICS
LEARN ABOUT DIGITAL RADIOLOGY, ULTRASOUND & CT
When Does a Rabbit Need Urgent Veterinary Care?
Call promptly when your rabbit:
- Stops eating
- Produces few or no droppings
- Has a swollen or painful abdomen
- Has difficulty breathing
- Breathes with the mouth open
- Becomes weak, cold or unresponsive
- Develops a head tilt or begins rolling
- Cannot stand or use the hind legs normally
- Has significant bleeding
- Strains without passing urine
- Experiences trauma or a predator attack
- Develops severe diarrhea
- Has a seizure
- Shows signs of heat stress
- Has a prolapse or difficult labor
- Has been exposed to a possible toxin
Aliso Beach Animal Clinic evaluates many urgent rabbit concerns during regular clinic hours when staffing, case volume and the rabbit’s medical needs allow.
We are not a 24-hour emergency hospital. Call before arriving so our team can determine whether we can appropriately evaluate the patient or whether immediate referral is safer.
URGENT RABBIT & EXOTIC-PET CARE
Transporting Your Rabbit to the Veterinarian
Use a secure carrier with a solid bottom, good ventilation and both front and top access when possible.
Place inside:
- A nonslip towel or washable pad
- Familiar hay
- A small quantity of normal food
- Absorbent material
A bonded companion may travel with the patient when safe and practical. Ask before separating bonded rabbits.
Protect the carrier from:
- Direct sunlight
- Excessive vehicle heat
- Cold air blowing directly from a vent
- Loose dogs or cats
- Sudden movement
Bring medication, previous records and photographs of abnormal stools, urine or behavior when relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rabbit Care
How often should my rabbit see a veterinarian?
Many healthy adult rabbits benefit from at least an annual examination. Senior rabbits and rabbits with ongoing dental, gastrointestinal or urinary conditions may need more frequent care.
What should make up most of an adult rabbit’s diet?
Fresh grass hay should form the foundation of most healthy adult rabbit diets. Plain measured pellets, appropriate leafy greens and fresh water complete the basic plan.
Can rabbits live outside?
Outdoor housing increases exposure to temperature extremes, predators, insects, wild-rabbit diseases and delayed detection of illness. Indoor, climate-controlled housing is generally safer for companion rabbits.
Does my rabbit need another rabbit companion?
Many rabbits benefit from a compatible bonded companion. Introductions should be gradual and supervised, and both rabbits should generally be spayed or neutered before bonding.
Why did my rabbit stop eating hay but continue eating treats?
This can be an early sign of dental pain. Rabbits with cheek-tooth disease may select softer, easier-to-chew foods while refusing hay.
Is rabbit GI stasis an emergency?
Reduced appetite and fecal production require prompt veterinary guidance. The underlying cause may be pain, dental disease, dehydration, systemic illness or gastrointestinal obstruction.
Should I syringe-feed my rabbit when it stops eating?
Do not automatically force-feed before speaking with a veterinarian. A rabbit with obstruction, severe bloating or another surgical condition may require imaging and stabilization first.
Should rabbits be fasted before anesthesia?
No. Rabbits generally should not be fasted like dogs and cats. Follow the exact instructions provided by the veterinary team performing the procedure.
When should a female rabbit be spayed?
Many female rabbits are considered for spaying at approximately four to six months of age. Breed, size, weight, health and development affect the final recommendation.
Why should female rabbits be spayed?
Spaying prevents pregnancy and uterine infection and substantially reduces the risk of uterine cancer, which becomes increasingly common in intact female rabbits as they age.
Does my indoor rabbit need RHDV2 protection?
Indoor rabbits may still be exposed indirectly through contaminated clothing, shoes, insects, food or equipment. Ask our team about current California risk, vaccination recommendations and vaccine availability.
Can you take dental X-rays of rabbits?
Yes. Rabbit dental disease may require skull radiographs or, in selected complex cases, CT imaging to evaluate tooth roots, jaw bone and surrounding structures.
Do you treat wild rabbits?
This page concerns domestic companion rabbits. Injured or orphaned wild rabbits should be handled according to California wildlife regulations and referred to an authorized wildlife rehabilitator when appropriate.
Do you treat every rabbit emergency?
We evaluate many urgent rabbit conditions during regular hours, but availability and appropriate treatment capability vary. Call before arriving. A critically unstable rabbit may need immediate referral to a 24-hour exotic emergency facility.
How much does a rabbit veterinary appointment cost?
Cost depends on the examination, medical concern and whether diagnostic testing or treatment is needed. Our team can provide current examination information when scheduling and an estimate for recommended services after evaluation.
REVIEW VETERINARY PAYMENT OPTIONS
Schedule a Rabbit Veterinarian in Laguna Beach
Rabbit health depends on more than treating illness after it appears. Diet, dental health, housing, exercise, reproductive care and close observation all contribute to long-term well-being.
Aliso Beach Animal Clinic provides species-specific veterinary care for pet rabbits in Laguna Beach, including preventive examinations, nutrition counseling, diagnostics and evaluation of urgent health concerns.
Call before scheduling so our team can confirm availability and help you prepare for the visit.
Aliso Beach Animal Clinic
30816 Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Directly across from the Montage Laguna Beach
Monday–Friday: 7:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Medical review: Reviewed for medical accuracy by Bryan Hayter, DVM, Owner and Medical Director. Last reviewed July 2026.