Observed annually on the last Saturday in April, World Veterinary Day recognizes the vital role veterinarians play in protecting the health of animals, people, and our shared environment.

February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month, and the 25th is also World Spay Day. It’s a great opportunity to talk about the importance of spaying and neutering your rabbit!

March is National Pet Vaccination Month! Is it time for your rabbit’s annual RHDV2 vaccine? If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, get your rabbit vaccinated at House Rabbit Society!

The third week of March is always National Pet Pet Poison Prevention Week. While this most likely brings to mind dogs eating human medication off a countertop or consuming a dangerous amount of chocolate, there are several things rabbit guardians should be aware of that are toxic to rabbits.

Humans who live with rabbits quickly learn the four most important signs of rabbit health – eating, pooping, drinking, and peeing. Despite being wise and resilient little beings, they are also fragile animals who hide illness far too well.  Gastrointestinal distress is a symptom of one such illness.  If the medical crisis is missed, it can even lead to death. It’s a heartbreaking circumstance that can take less than twelve hours to occur.

“When in doubt, go to the vet” is a bunny parent’s mantra. There’s no substitute for seeing a rabbit-savvy veterinarian* and getting your rabbit the professional instruction and care they need, especially in an emergency.

However, due to COVID-19 protocols, staffing shortages, and other challenges at veterinary offices, it may be difficult right now to get an immediate appointment with your vet, or even get to an emergency vet. It’s a good idea to have a first aid kit with emergency supplies on hand in case your rabbit isn’t able to see a vet right away.

Sludge is made of excess calcium. It’s normal for a rabbit to pass excess calcium from the body through the urinary tract, but in some rabbits, calcium salts build up and thicken in the bladder, forming bladder sludge.