Spaying + Neutering Your Bunny

Firstly, bunnies are considered exotic animals and require exotic vets. We require all of our bunnies to be adopted to homes that will spay or neuter them by the age of 8 months at the latest. This is incredibly important, as reproductive cancer occurs in over 80% of female bunnies that are unspayed, and can seriously diminish their quality of life before finally taking their life. Males need neutered to prevent reproductive cancer as well. In addition to those major benefits, spaying/neutering helps keep hormonal behaviors (humping, spraying, and circling) to a minimum. Spaying/neutering requires a vet visit and can cost anywhere from $200-$600, depending on your vet. Below are some vet recommendations. Our personal favorite is Dr. Hilla with Callahan Animal Hospital - he is such a considerate vet and will always take the best care of your bunny!

- Callahan Animal Hospital
- Emory Animal Hospital
- Central Veterinary Hospital
- PPaw Spay & Neuter Clinic 

When to Visit the Vet

Bunnies do not need vaccinations. They are available, but not necessary unless your bunny has had an exposure or you personally feel the need to vaccinate them for a specific disease. None of our bunnies has ever been exposed to RHDV-2, pasturella, mites, or other illnesses. You should visit the vet if any of the following occurs:

- your bunny has not pooped/eaten/drank for the last 24 hours
- your bunny's pee is bloody and/or pussy
- your bunny has a visible bite, wound, or limb dislocation/fracture
- your bunny's head seems to be stuck on an angle or they seem imbalanced from the head when standing on their hind paws
- your bunny seems to be sneezing continually and/or has excess mucus in and around their nose
- your bunny seems hunched, lethargic, and is not willing to greet you (do not dismiss this as sleepiness! Nova went lethargic and skittish once and I am so thankful I noticed it - she had to have saline injections, be rehydrated, and put on two different antibiotics for gut blockage due to overeating. She was eating the same amount as all my other bunnies - she just turned out to have a sensitive tummy. Please, please be thorough when evaluating your bunny's health each day - every bunny has different cues!)

For a daily health check, please follow this checklist:
☐ check them for scratches, cuts, and other minor scrapes.
☐ pull lips back and check teeth for overgrowth (very uncommon, but still possible.)
☐ check their energy levels and note their movements (are they overly scared? lethargic?)
☐ make sure they've peed or pooped each day.
☐ check the insides of their ears for mites (also very uncommon when living indoors, but can sometimes occur if your hay is bad.)
☐ listen to their tummy for popping noises - it is easy to tell when your bunny has gas or a blockage if you listen closely. Gas will usually clear itself up, but bunnies can also have 4-6 baby gas drops if necessary. If you suspect a bowel blockage (bunny is not eating/drinking/pooping, is lethargic,) call a vet immediately. These can be life-threatening.


Grooming + Nail Trimming

Short-haired breeds such as Holland Lops and Netherland Dwarfs need to be groomed every week. This includes a deshedding, detangling, and bunny-safe dry shampooing (if you like.) Every part of your bunny needs groomed except their limbs, underside, and ears. We recommend using these two brushes + this dry shampoo to keep your bunny well-groomed and smelling good! 

The Sleek-EZ Deshedding Brush
Hairbuster Detangling Brush
Bunny-Safe Dry Shampoo