As your rabbit gets older and starts to show signs of old age, you may begin to wonder when is a rabbit considered a senior? And how old do rabbits live? What extra care does a senior rabbit need and what health issues should you look out for? Well, we have all the information you need to care for an old rabbit in this guide.

How Long Do Rabbits Live?

A pet rabbits life expectancy is usually 8-12 years, and they’re considered senior when they reach 7-8 years old, but the lifespan of a rabbit varies as every bunny is different. Larger breeds tend to have shorter lifespans and age more quickly, so are considered elderly when they're 4-5 years old. Breeds with lop ears or flat faces (brachycephalic) also appear to have shorter lifespans. Other breeds reach 9-10 years before they start to slow down.

What Health Problems Should I Be Aware Of?

Senior rabbits become more prone to age-related problems. Take your rabbit to see your vet if you notice changes in their behaviour or physical signs. Some of the most common problems are:

• Blindness: cataracts are common in elderly rabbits. Keep your rabbit in the same environment so that they are familiar with their surroundings and less likely to bump into things and injure themselves.
• Cancer: reproductive cancers are the most common in female rabbits. Spaying your rabbit is the best way to prevent this type of cancer.
• Deafness: when approaching a deaf rabbit, make sure they can see you and don’t make sudden movements so that you don’t scare them. Always be gentle and patient with them.
• Dental disease: cheek teeth may gradually tip, leading to sharp edges that irritate the cheek or tongue. This problem can be resolved by burring the sharp edges under anaesthesia but will likely need repeating as the rabbit’s teeth continue to grow.
• Dirty bottom: if your rabbit is struggling to clean themselves, make sure you clean their bottom regularly with lukewarm water and cotton wool, then dry them with a soft, clean towel.
• Heart disease: this is rare but can develop in older rabbits. Keep an eye out for difficulty breathing, a hunched posture, lack of appetite, pale or blue gums/lips, exercise intolerance and weight loss. Medication can be given to help your rabbit live comfortably.
• Kidney/urinary problems: urinary tract infections and stones can lead to kidney failure if untreated. Fresh water and a good quality diet can prevent kidney/urinary issues.
• Mobility issues: keep your rabbit active and a healthy weight to slow this ageing issue.
• Obesity: older rabbits are less active, so you’ll need to make changes to their diet and encourage them to exercise. Make sure your rabbit’s eating a high fibre diet that is low in grains, carbohydrates and sugars.
• Osteoarthritis (arthritis): often found in the hips and spine. Anti-inflammatory pain relief will help your rabbit feel more comfortable, which will improve their mobility.
• Overgrown claws: an older rabbit is less active which means their claws aren’t worn down as much. Long nails cause discomfort and can lead to further problems, so you’ll need to regularly clip them.
• Spinal problems: keeping your pet slim with the correct diet and regular exercise will help to prevent spinal problems. Also try to prevent your rabbit from jumping off high levels.
• Sore hocks: pressure sores on your rabbit’s feet can be prevented by making sure your rabbit has plenty of soft, clean bedding, and are kept a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
• Urine scalding: urine drips onto the rabbit’s back legs and causes irritation. This can usually be resolved by safely trimming the fur around that area and regularly bathing with mild soap and applying topical products.

What Does Senior Rabbit Care Involve?

As your rabbit ages, you may need to adapt their housing to suit their needs. Rubber mats or rugs can be used to prevent your rabbit from slipping. Replace steps with ramps to make it easier for you rabbit to get up and down different levels. If their litter trays have high sides, you’ll need to lower them so that your rabbit can easily get in and out - make sure their food and water are easily accessible.

If your rabbit is kept outdoors, add extra insulation and bedding to keep them warm during the colder seasons. If you decide to move them indoors, do so gradually so that they have time to adjust to their new surroundings.

All rabbits require an unlimited supply of good quality hay and/or grass. Fresh vegetables and green foods are also important. You may wish to include senior rabbit food which are nuggets that contain the right amount of nutrients for an older rabbit. Any diet changes should be made gradually to prevent stomach issues.

Exercise is important to keep your rabbit fit and healthy. You can encourage your rabbit to keep active by using their favourite toys and treats. You can hide items for them to find, or place treats in different spots around their enclosure.

It’s important to take your rabbit for regular health checks with your vet so that any illness can be caught and treated at an early stage. Keep up with the parasite treatments even if you move your rabbit indoors. Vaccinations should continue to be part of your rabbit’s annual healthcare routine as they help to protect your rabbit from life-threatening diseases. Your vet may prescribe medication to help with any pain, which will improve your rabbit's quality of life.

Rabbits are social, so sharing their lives with another bunny is important to them. It’s inevitable that one rabbit will die before the other, which will have an impact on their mental health. Allow your rabbit time to grieve before introducing a new companion. If your rabbit is elderly and you don’t wish to get another rabbit, make sure you spend plenty of time with them and provide them with plenty of toys and enrichment.

What Are the Signs That Your Rabbit Is Dying of Old Age?

A rabbit that passes peacefully from old age is unlikely to show many signs beforehand, but you may notice them eating less and being less active. If your rabbit is suffering from a health issue that despite medication is causing them pain and affecting their quality of life, then euthanasia may be the kindest option. Speak to your vet for more advice on when the time is right for your rabbit.

A senior rabbit is less active and more prone to health issues, but there are things that you can do to help them. The most important aspects of senior rabbit care are maintaining exercise, feeding the correct diet, keeping up with vaccinations, parasite treatment and taking your rabbit for regular vet check-ups. This will help to keep your rabbit comfortable and happy throughout their senior years.

Everypaw Rabbit Insurance

Here at Everypaw, we want to help you keep your bunny healthy and in tip top shape. So, when it comes to your young rabbit’s care, Everypaw’s Rabbit Insurance could be just the cover to look after your little thumper.

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