Some people mistakenly believe that a pet rabbit does not require as much care as other types of pets due to their size. In reality, caring for a pet rabbit can sometimes take as much care as other animals. One of the responsibilities you have is to ensure that your rabbit is in good health. If you think that your rabbit is not well, here is what you need to know.

What Does a Sick Rabbit Look Like?

One of the most difficult parts of owning a rabbit is detecting when it is sick. Unlike cats and dogs that might be very vocal about their ailments, a rabbit might only have slight changes in behavior that can signal poor health. For instance, your pet's only sign that it is sick might be an increase in drooling. 

It is important to examine your pet on a regular basis so you can detect any changes. Changes to look for include: 

• Appetite change
• Labored breathing
• Elevated temperature in the ears
• Increase in droppings
• Tooth grinding
• Bleeding

Other symptoms to be wary of include seizures and unresponsiveness. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet rabbit, head to the veterinary hospital to have it examined. 

What About Transporting the Rabbit?

Rabbits are relatively skittish animals. This means transporting your pet to the veterinary hospital can be challenging. In fact, your rabbit can experience an increase in anxiety. 

Before placing your rabbit in its carrier, it is a good idea to make it comfortable. You can place some hay and any other familiar toys that your rabbit has inside the carrier. You also need to ensure that you have water ready to give the rabbit on the way.  When placing the carrier in the car, try to ensure that there is no direct sunlight hitting it. Do not block the carrier's ventilation though. 

Before heading to the veterinary hospital, be sure to call contact the staff there first. In the event that the hospital is not open, you can be redirected to a nearby one. You also give the staff a chance to prepare for emergency procedures, if necessary. 

Consult with your rabbit's regular veterinarian to learn other symptoms to look for when assessing your pet's overall condition. Changes to your pet's health can happen quickly and it is because of this, you need to take action as soon as possible. To find out more, speak with a business like Clovis Veterinary Hospital P A.