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Rabbits & Guinea Pigs

 

Rabbits & Guinea Pigs

Rabbits

Furry bunny friends are always welcomed at Poquoson Veterinary Hospital. Unlike dogs and cats, rabbits do not receive vaccines. However, bunnies do need exams every 6-12 months to ensure good health. Your rabbit is an important member of your family who deserves love, attention and proper care. When well taken care of, rabbits can easily live 7-12 years.

 

Rabbits Diet

Rabbits are quite different from other species. The DIET they eat is mainly hay, pellets and veggies. The most important element in the rabbit's diet is hay. Hay provides the fiber needed to keep the digestive tract working properly. Unlimited amounts of fresh hay should be provided on a daily basis. Fresh leafy greens should also be offered. Pellets are the leading cause of obesity in rabbits and should be fed in moderation. We can assist in finding the best diet for your bunny.

Dentistry for Rabbits

They also have different teeth. Their teeth are always growing! The teeth must be checked periodically to ensure they are properly aligned. Rabbits’ teeth that are improperly aligned will not wear down evenly causing the rabbit to have difficulty eating and possible starvation. If the teeth are not wearing properly they will need to be trimmed or filed. We can check your bunny’s teeth with the next visit.

Spaying & Neutering

Spaying and neutering rabbits is critical for long-term health. The main health benefit includes prevention of reproductive system cancers, which can strike both male and female rabbits. Also, rabbits can spray and exhibit sexually aggressive behavior unless they are altered. Once your rabbit has been "fixed", the hormones and instincts that cause these behaviors are reduced and your rabbit will be happier, more relaxed, and more enjoyable to have around the house!

While rabbits can be challenging pets, the rewards of having a happy, healthy rabbit are well worth the effort! They are wonderful pets and we are excited to help you learn more about them at your next visit.

Guinea Pigs

Guinea pigs are plant-eating rodents native to South America that are fascinating pets. In the wild, guinea pigs live in large groups. Guinea pig pairs will mate for life. As pets, guinea pigs like to have companions and will consider their humans to be members of their herd if they are socialized at a young age.

Please bring your guinea pig to see us at least once a year. Many diseases and problems can be avoided if you understand your pigs nutritional and other requirements. Set up your pig’s cage to suit their needs; they need space to run, jump and play. Wire bottom cages should not be used, as they will cause serious foot injuries. The cage should have a hardwood shavings or paper bedding material. Pigs like to have a shelter or "burrow" where they can rest or hide.

It is very important to feed your pig an appropriate diet – Vitamin C deficiency causes serious disease problems in guinea pigs. A large portion of your pig’s diet should be either Timothy or Orchard grass hay. Pelleted diets should not be kept after their expiration dates because the vitamin C in these diets is unstable (refrigerating the diet will slow the loss of vitamin C). Many fruits and veggies such as cabbage, kale, carrots, bell pepper, kiwi and strawberries are rich in Vitamin C. If your pig seems to have any problems eating, ask us to check for overgrown teeth, a common problem in affecting guinea pigs.

Guinea pigs are often affected with respiratory infections, scurvy (vitamin C deficiency), skin diseases and other ailments. Some guinea pig diseases can be contagious to humans. Guinea pigs will try to hide symptoms of disease until they are seriously ill. Your guinea pig should be examined at least once per year or whenever there is any sign of illness.

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