Finding a good vet for your rabbit is important, and it is even more important that you have one in mind before your bunny falls ill. The vet you used to take your cat to might have been great with Fluffy, but what does he know about rabbits?

In your search for the right vet for your rabbit let a telephone conversation with several offices be your starting place. The answers you get to a few simple questions can help you decide if a particular vet is really equipped to take care of your precious pet:

1. How often do you see rabbits? If the answer is not often ,this a red flag right away. If the receptionist hesitates or says something like “we can see rabbits” or “we will accept a rabbit” this is not the same as a vet who sees them on a regular basis. Ask how many bunnies they see each week. One or two once in a while is not enough to make the vet in question a rabbit expert.

2. Ask how much it costs to spay or neuter a rabbit: Even if you did this ages ago, asking this one question can be another way to determine how often rabbits are seen at a practice. If the receptionist has to check to see if they do, then it is rather obvious that they do not do so very often. If you get a quick answer and a price quote, this is a very good sign.

3. Throw in a Tricky Question: Try asking if a rabbit should be forced to fast before surgery. The correct answer is a resounding NO. Fasting is to prevent vomiting under anesthesia, and rabbits cannot vomit. If the receptionist says yes, give her the benefit of the doubt for a moment, she is not the vet. Ask her to check with her boss. If she does and the answer is still yes, hang up and call another vet.

4. Do not assume a livestock vet knows her rabbits: Vets who work with farmers and breeders may not always share the compassion that house rabbit owners have for their beloved bunnies. Livestock are usually a financial commodity and sick rabbits are often killed instead of being treated.

5. Ask Fluffy’s Vet for a Recommendation: Remember the nice cat Dr? He may not know his rabbits, but chances are he knows someone who does. That way you can take the referral, then call and ask your trick question to make sure!

The Netherland Dwarf Rabbit – Feisty Bunny in a Tiny Body

The Netherland Dwarf Rabbit is another tiny, cute breed that is incredibly popular with breeders and pet owners alike. The average Netherland Dwarf tips the scales at a diminutive two pounds, making it one of the smallest breeds in the world.

Just Like the Bunny in the Commercials

The Netherland Dwarf is usually a furry bundle of energy. They hate to be cooped up for long periods of time and love to run around and play with small toys. If their owner doesn’t give them their own, they have a habit of making them, out of mattresses, clothing and any papers they might find (lock up your important documents!).

They do get a rather bad rap, as many people describe them as being bad tempered, but if they are handled properly from an early age they bite and scratch no more than other breeds. It may be a good idea when purchasing a Netherland Dwarf to go for a slightly older animal, around five months, so you have a better idea of its temperament.

Stubby Ears and Chunky Bodies

The Netherland Dwarf is a stout looking creature, with short, stubby ears. A show Netherland will be disqualified if its ears measure over two and a half inches. Their small ears also mean they cannot regulate heat as well as bigger eared bunnies, so they need to be kept cool at all times. They come in a vast array of colors, more than any other breed.

Harder to Breed, But Worth the Effort

The Netherland Dwarf is a notoriously difficult rabbit to breed successfully. From small sized litters (averaging one to four) half can be born with two dwarfing genes, which is invariably fatal. The Netherland also sometimes carries the “Max Factor Gene” which causes kits to be born with mutated or missing limbs and misaligned teeth. For a breeder, finding good specimens to breed can be a hard task, but most who make the effort usually find its well worth it.