Keeping your rabbit happy and healthy this summer

We are all feeling the heat this summer and your rabbit will certainly need some special care over the next couple of months to stay comfortable. There are 3 important issues that need to be thought about at this time of year.

1. Heatstroke - ensure your bunny has access to shade and fresh water at all times, and if he lives outdoors that his hutch is well ventilated. If your rabbit is showing any signs of distress please contact the surgery immediately.
   
   
2. Flystrike - An all too common problems in the summer. This occurs when blowflies lay their eggs on dirty or wet fur and the eggs hatch into maggots. Rabbits that are overweight, elderly or have teeth problems are particularly at risk as they cannot clean themselves adequately (so you need to do it for them!). Flystrike can occur in a matter of hours so please check your rabbit frequently for the first signs of infestation.
   
   'Rearguard' is a relatively new product that is applied to the rabbit's bottom and prevents eggs developing into maggots. There are also safe products that can be used in the hutch to repel flies - please ask for more details. If you do find eggs or maggots on your bunny it will need immediate treatment - again please contact the surgery.
   
   
3. Vaccination - This is the time of year when flying insects are about and they can spread myxomatosis from wild rabbits to your pet. While myxi has no specific 'cure' there is a vaccine available - if you have not yet had your pet vaccinated this year then please arrange for it to be done soon.