Guide to Rabbits - Burgess Pet Care

Not all fruit, vegetables andgreenery are good for your rabbit– here’s a brief guide.GoodApple (pipless), asparagus, banana, basil, broccoli, Brusselssprouts, cabbage, carrots and carrot tops, cauliflower leavesand stalks, celery, chicory, cucumber, dill, fennel, grapes,green pepper, kale, mint, orange (peeled), oregano, parsley,red leaf lettuce, red cabbage, romaine lettuce,Savoy cabbage, spinach, tomato, turnip, watercress.BadApple pips, potato and potato tops, rhubarb (leaves andstalks), tomato leaves, locust pods and beans.There are also several plants that are poisonous to rabbits.Make sure you don’t feed them to your pet and that thereare none growing in your garden.This isn’t an exhaustive list, but some common plantsthat are harmful to rabbits are: autumn crocus, begonia,black nightshade, busy lizzie, buttercup, carnation,chrysanthemum, clematis, cowslip, geranium, hemlock,laburnum, laurel, poison ivy, poppy and yucca.Common healthproblemsThere are many different healthproblems that rabbits face, butmost can be avoided by regularvaccination and maintaininggood diet and lifestyle.Infectious diseasesThere are four main vaccinations and some simplepreventative measures to keep your pets free from infectiousdiseases. You should ask your vet for more details and alwayskeep up to date with vaccinations.Here’s a brief guide to the four main infectious diseases.But if you are in any doubt whatsoever, it is vital that youconsult your vet as soon as possible.MyxomatosisThis disease spreads via blood-sucking insects, like fleas.Even house rabbits are not immune, because the diseasecan be spread by mosquitoes.SymptomsSwellings around the head, face, ears, lips and anus.EffectsBlindness, swelling around the face, disorientation, death.ActionRabbits must be vaccinated. See your vet for more details.12 13