By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Lop-eared rabbits are popular pets with soft temperaments and ears that fold beside the head. Those ears look cute and also create a warmer, less ventilated canal that can hide mites, wax, and infection. Lops still need the same foundation every rabbit needs: unlimited grass hay, space to hop, companionship planning, and a vet who actually sees rabbits often.
Key takeaways
- Hay is the main diet; pellets are measured extras, not the meal.
- Check lop ears regularly for crust, smell, and sensitivity.
- Dental disease is common in rabbits; drooling and selective eating are red flags.
- Desexing supports health and bonding; see timing advice with a rabbit vet.
- Related: rabbit desexing age, overgrown teeth, rabbit obesity, limping.
Ears: the lop-specific job
Once a week, gently lift each ear in good light. Look for dark crust (often mite related), discharge, swelling, or pain when touched. Do not push cotton buds deep into the canal. Book a vet if the rabbit shakes its head, tilts, or resents ear handling. Untreated ear pain drives reduced grooming and gut slowdowns.
Diet that protects teeth and gut
- Unlimited grass hay (oaten, timothy, meadow blends suited to your region)
- Leafy greens as advised for rabbits
- Measured pellets; avoid muesli mixes that let rabbits cherry-pick starch
- Fresh water in a bowl or bottle cleaned daily
- No chocolate, avocado, or high-sugar treats
Gut stasis (small faecal output, hunched posture, quiet behaviour) is an emergency in rabbits.
Housing and exercise
Indoor pens with room to stand fully upright and sprint are kinder than tiny hutches. Soft flooring prevents sore hocks. Hideouts reduce stress. Outdoor time needs predator-proofing and shade; Australian heat can kill rabbits in poorly ventilated boxes. Never leave a hutch in full sun.
Handling and companionship
Support the chest and hindquarters. Do not lift by ears. Many rabbits thrive with a compatible, desexed partner after careful slow introductions. Bonding fights can injure; get behaviour advice early.
Preventive care
- Rabbit-savvy health checks
- Vaccination where available and recommended in your region (discuss calicivirus protection with your vet)
- Parasite prevention plans suited to rabbits
- Nail trims and weight tracking
- Desexing for most pets
When it is an emergency
No faecal pellets for many hours, sudden collapse, laboured breathing, head tilt with rolling, limb trauma, or a rabbit grinding teeth in pain needs urgent care. Do not "wait until morning" for a silent rabbit that has stopped eating.
Daily observation checklist
Each day, note appetite for hay, number of faecal pellets, urine in the tray, and ear comfort when you approach. A rabbit that suddenly stops eating hay needs same-day advice even if it still nibbles a treat.
Trim nails before they curl into hocks. Heavy lops on wire floors develop sore hocks quickly; solid resting mats help. In heatwaves, freeze water bottles wrapped in towels for supervised lounging space and ensure constant shade.
FAQ
Are lops good for children?
They need quiet handling and adult-led care. They are not toys.
Why is my lop's ear folded unevenly?
Some asymmetry is conformational. Painful asymmetry with crust needs a vet.
Can I bathe my rabbit often?
Usually no. Spot clean. Full baths stress rabbits and chill them.
Do lops need grooming?
Yes. Long coats and facial folds need gentle combing; mats hurt.
Enrichment and safety for lops
Rotate cardboard dig boxes, willow toys, and short supervised exploration in rabbit-proofed rooms. Electrical cords and houseplants are common hazards. Because lop ears reduce air flow, avoid steamy bathrooms as play spaces and dry ear bases after any damp outdoor time.
If you keep rabbits outdoors in Australia, predator-proof with solid mesh, shaded areas, and locked night housing. Heat stress shows as sprawling, rapid breathing, and lethargy; move to a cool tiled room and call a rabbit-savvy vet promptly rather than waiting for nightfall.
Working with your veterinarian
Bring a short written timeline of what you have noticed, including dates and photos. Short videos of breathing, gait, or behaviour often help more than adjectives. Ask what should improve within 24 to 48 hours and what should trigger an earlier return.
Avoid stacking multiple new products, shampoos, or diet changes on the same day as a clinic visit; it muddies the picture. If cost is a concern, say so early so the team can prioritise diagnostics and discuss staged plans without judgment.
Talk with a vet
Send photos of ears, teeth (if your rabbit tolerates a lip lift), and housing for a care review. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Husbandry of pet rabbits.
- RSPCA Australia. Rabbit care information.
- WSAVA / rabbit welfare organisations. Dental and gut stasis recognition resources.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.