Rabbit Care Advice for Peckham Owners: Common Health Concerns and Prevention

Quick Answer: Rabbits commonly develop dental problems, digestive upset, weight issues, flystrike, parasites and overgrown nails, but many of these can be reduced with the right diet, housing, regular health checks and preventative care. At Peckham Vets, we advise rabbit owners in Peckham and South East London to focus on daily hay intake, careful observation and routine vet checks.

Introduction

Rabbits are gentle, intelligent pets, but they are also very good at hiding signs of illness. This means that small changes in eating, toileting, movement or behaviour can matter more than many owners realise. At Peckham Vets we regularly help rabbit owners spot early warning signs and build good preventative routines that support long-term health.

For local pet owners in Peckham, Camberwell, Nunhead and across South East London, one of the most important parts of rabbit care is prevention. Good nutrition, suitable housing, routine checks and prompt veterinary advice can make a real difference. Our experienced veterinary team supports rabbits through every stage of life, and as an RCVS Accredited Practice, we are committed to high-quality, practical care.

If you are new to rabbit ownership, or want to strengthen your rabbit’s routine care, you can also explore our preventative healthcare support and ask us about the VIP Bunny plan for ongoing rabbit care.

Main Content

1. Dental disease

Rabbit teeth grow continuously throughout life. If the teeth do not wear down properly, they can become overgrown or uneven. This may lead to difficulty eating, drooling, weight loss, messy fur around the mouth or eyes, and reduced droppings.

In our experience supporting pets across Peckham and South East London, dental disease is one of the most important rabbit health issues to prevent. The best starting point is diet. Rabbits need constant access to good-quality hay or grass, which helps wear the teeth naturally. Pellets should be fed carefully, and sugary treats should be limited.

Our veterinary team often advises owners to watch for subtle signs, such as taking longer to eat, dropping food, or preferring softer foods. If you notice any of these changes, it is sensible to book an appointment promptly.

2. Digestive problems and gut slowdown

Rabbits have very sensitive digestive systems. A healthy rabbit should be eating regularly, producing normal droppings and showing interest in food. If a rabbit stops eating, produces fewer droppings, or seems quiet and uncomfortable, this can indicate digestive slowdown, sometimes called gut stasis. This is a serious issue in rabbits and needs veterinary attention.

Common triggers include pain, stress, poor diet, dehydration, dental disease or another underlying illness. Prevention usually centres on:

• Unlimited hay
• Fresh water at all times
• A consistent routine
• Daily exercise
• Prompt attention to any reduction in appetite

Many local pet owners ask us whether rabbits can “just have an off day”. In reality, a rabbit that is not eating normally should always be taken seriously. If your rabbit has stopped eating, seems bloated, is hunched, or is producing very few droppings, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible. If you are worried about urgent symptoms, contact our emergency vetcare service.

3. Weight gain and poor diet balance

It is easy to overfeed rabbits, especially when they enjoy pellets and treats. However, too many concentrated foods can contribute to obesity, dental problems and digestive upset. A good rabbit diet should be based mainly on hay, with measured nuggets or pellets, rabbit-safe leafy greens and fresh water.

At Peckham Vets we commonly see rabbits whose diet has gradually shifted away from hay. Owners often mean well, but rabbits can become selective feeders if offered too many extras. Regular weighing and routine health checks can help identify changes early. Our health checks and clinics can be useful for monitoring general condition and discussing feeding in a practical way.

4. Flystrike in warmer weather

Flystrike happens when flies lay eggs on a rabbit, usually around the back end, and the resulting maggots damage the skin very quickly. This is most common in warmer months and can become an emergency.

Rabbits at higher risk include those that are overweight, unable to clean themselves properly, have diarrhoea, messy fur, arthritis or dental pain. Prevention includes:

• Checking your rabbit’s back end every day
• Keeping housing clean and dry
• Managing weight carefully
• Seeking advice if droppings become soft or sticky
• Treating underlying pain or mobility issues

Our local veterinary team in Peckham often reminds owners that flystrike can develop quickly, especially during hot weather. If your rabbit has a dirty rear end, seems uncomfortable, or you notice flies gathering around them, contact a vet without delay.

5. Parasites and skin issues

Rabbits can be affected by mites, fleas and other skin problems. Signs may include scratching, dandruff-like flakes, fur loss or sore skin. Sometimes owners notice only mild changes at first, so it is worth paying attention to coat quality during handling.

Prevention depends on good hygiene, suitable parasite control where needed, and regular veterinary advice. Because not every treatment is safe for every species, it is always best to speak to a vet before using products intended for cats or dogs. You can explore our broader veterinary services if your rabbit needs an examination or treatment plan.

6. Nail overgrowth, mobility and sore feet

Overgrown nails can affect posture and movement, while rabbits kept on unsuitable surfaces may develop sore hocks, which are painful pressure sores on the feet. Older rabbits may also become less active due to arthritis or reduced muscle strength.

We regularly help owners who notice that their rabbit is moving less, struggling to groom, or catching nails on bedding. Good flooring, enough exercise space, weight management and regular checks all help. If you are unsure whether your rabbit is due a health review, you can register your pet or arrange a visit with our team.

What We Commonly See at Peckham Vets

One of the most common concerns we hear from rabbit owners in Peckham and nearby areas is, “My rabbit seems quieter than usual, but I’m not sure if it’s serious.” Because rabbits often hide discomfort, small changes can be more important than they appear.

Many local pet owners ask us whether rabbits can manage well without routine check-ups if they seem healthy. A common misunderstanding is that rabbits only need veterinary attention when something obvious is wrong. In fact, routine examinations can help pick up early dental changes, weight gain, skin issues and subtle signs of pain before they become more difficult to manage.

At Peckham Vets we regularly help with:

• Rabbits eating less or choosing only favourite foods
• Overgrown teeth found during routine checks
• Weight problems linked to low hay intake
• Messy back ends in warm weather
• Owners unsure about safe housing, bonding or parasite prevention
• Older rabbits showing gradual mobility changes

Our veterinary team often advises owners that prevention is usually more effective, gentler and less stressful than waiting for clear illness to develop. For that reason, some owners choose ongoing support through our VIP plans, including the VIP Bunny plan, to help stay on top of routine care.

Practical Advice

Daily rabbit care checks

Our experienced veterinary team regularly helps owners build simple daily habits. We suggest checking:

• Is your rabbit eating hay well?
• Are droppings normal in size and amount?
• Is your rabbit bright, alert and moving normally?
• Is the back end clean and dry?
• Are eyes, nose and mouth clean?
• Are nails, coat and feet in good condition?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Feeding too many treats or too many pellets
• Assuming a rabbit that is quiet is simply resting
• Waiting too long when appetite drops
• Using unsuitable pet parasite products without veterinary advice
• Not checking the rear end daily in summer

Helpful prevention steps

1. Provide unlimited fresh hay every day.
2. Encourage exercise with safe space to run and explore.
3. Keep housing clean, dry and well ventilated.
4. Arrange regular health checks, even if your rabbit seems well.
5. Ask us about preventative healthcare options and whether the VIP Bunny plan is suitable for your rabbit.

If you are looking for a local veterinary team on Bellenden Road serving Peckham, Camberwell and Nunhead, you can also find Peckham Vets here or use our new client offer if you are joining us for the first time.

When To Contact A Vet

You should contact a vet if your rabbit:

• Stops eating or eats much less than usual
• Produces fewer droppings or no droppings
• Seems bloated, hunched or uncomfortable
• Has drooling, weight loss or trouble chewing
• Has a dirty rear end or signs of flystrike
• Shows breathing changes, weakness or sudden behavioural changes
• Has skin irritation, fur loss or severe scratching

If symptoms come on suddenly, your rabbit appears in pain, or you are concerned that they are becoming rapidly unwell, seek veterinary advice promptly. If your pet is struggling to breathe, has collapsed, is having a seizure, has eaten something toxic, or is in severe pain, contact a vet immediately. For urgent support, please use our 24-hour emergency vetcare information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common health problem in rabbits?

Dental disease and digestive problems are among the most common issues we see. Both are often linked to diet, especially low hay intake.

How often should my rabbit have a vet check?

Regular routine checks are helpful even for apparently healthy rabbits. The right frequency can vary with age and health status, so it is worth discussing this with your vet.

Can rabbits hide illness?

Yes. Rabbits often show only subtle signs at first, such as reduced appetite, quieter behaviour or smaller droppings.

Is hay really that important?

Yes. Hay is central to healthy digestion and natural tooth wear, so it should make up the largest part of the diet.

What is the VIP Bunny plan?

Our VIP Bunny plan is designed to support preventative rabbit care. If you are unsure whether it suits your rabbit, speak to our team and we can talk you through it.

Disclaimer

This article is intended for general guidance only. If your pet is unwell, showing concerning symptoms, or you are unsure what to do, please contact your vet for professional advice.

Need Rabbit Care Advice in Peckham?

If you would like tailored advice for your rabbit, our team at Peckham Vets is here to help local pet owners across Peckham, Camberwell, Nunhead and South East London. You can book an appointment online, register your pet with Peckham Vets, or contact us via our practice details and location page to arrange a health check.