What vaccinations do UK pet rabbits need?

Annual vaccination against myxomatosis and both strains of rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RVHD-1 and RVHD-2). Kits can start from around 5 weeks depending on your vet's protocol.

When is not eating an emergency in rabbits?

Rabbits must eat continuously to keep the gut moving. No food or droppings for 12 hours is an emergency — gut stasis can be fatal within 24–48 hours without vet treatment.

UK rabbits

Rabbit Health

Gut stasis, myxomatosis, RVHD, dental disease and RWAF housing standards — UK rabbit welfare and health.

What are common rabbit health emergencies?

Gut stasis, flystrike in warm weather, respiratory distress, head tilt, and heatstroke above 25°C. Rabbits deteriorate rapidly — contact a rabbit-savvy vet immediately if eating or droppings stop.

Popular rabbits guides

UK reference sources

We check our guides against publicly available advice from these organisations. Links are for further reading — they do not mean these bodies endorse PETHEALTH+.

Check your rabbit's symptoms

Frequently Asked Questions

What vaccinations do UK pet rabbits need?: Annual vaccination against myxomatosis and both strains of rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease (RVHD-1 and RVHD-2). Kits can start from around 5 weeks depending on your vet's protocol.
When is not eating an emergency in rabbits?: Rabbits must eat continuously to keep the gut moving. No food or droppings for 12 hours is an emergency — gut stasis can be fatal within 24–48 hours without vet treatment.