Is deworming once or twice a year too much?

[kurottabun]

I recently talked to a renowned rabbit-savvy vet and she mentioned that it’s good to take bunnies to the vet once or twice a year for routine check ups (which I agree) and also feed deworming meds because the rabbits eat hay everyday. I assume it’s because worms are sometimes found in hay, but I’m not quite sure.

It’s much more common to have dogs and cats than rabbits where I am, and I don’t think it’s even possible to plant timothy grass here (in a tropical rainforest climate). Which means that I don’t know where the timothy hay I get originates from, how long they have been kept, or whether it has worms (are worms always visible?).

I’ve read that routine deworming isn’t necessary, but is once or twice a year considered “routine” or is it okay?

[Sirius&Luna]

I would say it was unnecessary. Most rabbit owners don’t deworm unless they spot worms in the poop. Once or twice a year would be considered ‘routine’.

I think worm risk is higher from vegetables than hay, but I also don’t think it’s particularly high risk. I think worms mainly come from rabbits eating things outside.

[Bam]

Parasitic pressure varies a lot globally and it’s heavier in subtropical/tropical climates. I don’t think worms spread with hay though. Routine deworming is more for animals that grace or take prey (cats) or find and eat terrible things outside (dogs).

But a rabbit savvy and renowned vet would know what’s important for rabbits in the area he/she is working in. Did they suggest any particular dewormer? Or any particular worms?

[Mikey]

My vet only routinely deworms outdoor rabbits or rabbits that spend time outdoors (aside of transportation). If your bun is purely an indoor bun, my vet doesnt do deworming unless your bun has worms.

I would ask the vet some questions like why, what kind of meds, for how long, etc. If you agree with it, go ahead. And if not, tell the vet you dont want to do it, or look for another equally as qualified or better vet

[kurottabun]

Thanks guys. Currently I am only consulting the vet via email and haven’t actually gone there myself. I’ll try to check with her on what dewormer she uses.

I do keep him indoors, but he came from a breeder who houses the rabbits in a shaded hut-like environment that’s outdoors. And being in a tropical climate we have all sorts of bugs, all year round lol. He was also bred before coming to me (I only found out recently) so I’m not sure if he currently carries any parasites that could have been passed over from other rabbits.

Is it alright if I deworm him this time just to be safe? I’m planning to bring him for his first vet checkup this year.

[LBJ10]

Deworming him as a precaution probably wouldn’t hurt anything.

[Bam]

I agree with LBJ, I think deworming him as a precaution wouldn’t hurt anything. It could be beneficial for him.

[Author]

Messages