By Christine
CARE | SICKNESS
The popularity of rabbits as companion animals keep rising, and it’s easy to see why. Aside from being cute and fluffy, their docile nature makes them excellent fur buddies.
Still, like with any pet, your bun requires more than cuddles and hugs. Aside from feeding, housing, and grooming your precious baby, you’ll have to consider if your rabbit needs shots.
In the U.S., you’re not required to have your rabbits vaccinated, unlike in certain parts of Europe and Australia. That’s because the diseases the shots prevent are not prevalent in the United States.
Rabbit vaccinations help prevent potentially fatal diseases. Initially, the viruses for these deadly conditions were used in Europe and Australia to control the wild rabbit population.
What Shots Do Rabbits Need?
Myxomatosis
The Three Potentially Fatal Diseases
Myxomatosis is a viral disease that’s spread to rabbits by blood-sucking insects, such as fleas and mosquitos, and through direct contact with infected buns.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD)
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease causes internal bleeding in rabbits and is almost always fatal.
There are two strains of the disease, RHD1 and RHD2, so your bun will need two different shots.
Bunnies can be vaccinated starting at five weeks old, and it’s best to do this as soon as possible to make sure that your pet doesn’t catch the diseases before he gets his shots.
When Should Your Rabbit Get the Shots?
Myxomatosis Vaccine
Side Effects
– Fever – Appetite loss – Swelling at the vaccination site
Shots of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease
– Appetite loss that can last for around 24 hours – Reaction signs at the injection site, such as irritation, hair loss or scabbing, and swelling – Low energy levels
No one can give a 100% guarantee that the shots are safe. That’s because no vaccine is perfect. However, the diseases the vaccines prevent are more dangerous and can do more harm to your pet.