How to care for a rabbit as they get older

It’s not easy to say exactly when a rabbit has reached their senior years, as different breeds age at different rates. Larger breeds such as the English Lop or New Zealand White are considered senior at four years old, while for smaller breeds such as the Netherlands Dwarf, it’s eight years or more. For medium-sized breeds, it’s around six years of age.

Just like us, our rabbits can slow down a bit as they get older and become more prone to certain health problems. You can help them stay in top condition by keeping up to date with their regular vet check-ups and vaccinations, as well as closely monitoring their health and wellbeing at home.

It’s more important than ever to keep an eye on your rabbit’s weight as they age. Older rabbits can become less active due to conditions such as arthritis. This makes them more prone to a condition known as gut stasis.

All adult rabbits should be given a suitable diet of fresh hay or grass, leafy greens and pellet food. As they get older, it may be helpful to switch their pellets to a type specially formulated for senior rabbits’ nutritional needs and slightly increase their pellet intake if they’re losing weight.

Always talk to your vet about any weight gain or loss and don’t make any big changes to your rabbit’s diet without seeking vet advice first.

As a prey species, rabbits are biologically designed to hide health problems, so be alert for early signs of discomfort, confusion, loss of appetite or reduced mobility and get these checked by your vet.

Age-related conditions such as arthritis and spondylosis of the spine are often overlooked in rabbits but treatments are available.

You can also play your part in identifying potential health issues such as dental disease, which is found in many older rabbits, by carrying out regular health checks at home.

Unneutered female rabbits can sometimes develop uterine cancer after the age of three. Symptoms include weight loss, lethargy, blood in the urine or a bloody discharge and (in advanced stages) swelling in the abdominal area. Surgery may be possible if the cancer hasn’t spread but the best prevention is early neutering.

Loss of flexibility in senior rabbits can leave them less able to groom themselves and keep their bottoms clean, which puts them at greater risk of flystrike. Be vigilant about checking for this and give older rabbits a helping hand with grooming if they need it.

Less active older rabbits may not wear down their claws as quickly as they used to so they need more frequent clipping sessions.

With your care, support and attention, your rabbit is more likely to enjoy a long and healthy life.