End-of-Summer Rabbit & Guinea Pig Health Checklist

As summer draws to a close, it’s the ideal time to give your rabbit or guinea pig a full health and wellness check. The change in seasons can bring cooler nights, reduced daylight, and shifts in outdoor activity. A seasonal check ensures your furry friend is comfortable, healthy, and ready for the months ahead.

Grooming Essentials

Rabbits and guinea pigs naturally shed their summer coats as temperatures drop. Without regular grooming, loose fur can lead to matting or be ingested, causing hairballs and digestive upset.

Brush regularly using a soft grooming brush or comb designed for small pets. For long-haired breeds, daily grooming may be necessary.
Trim nails to a safe length. Overgrown nails can affect posture, cause discomfort, and make movement awkward. Always use small animal nail clippers, and if you’re unsure, ask a vet or groomer for guidance.
Check scent glands (especially for rabbits) and clean gently if needed. Blocked glands can cause discomfort and infection.

Health Check Points

An end-of-summer check is the perfect time to monitor your pet’s overall wellbeing. Look out for:

Appetite and weight changes – Keep a simple weight chart so you can track small fluctuations. Unexplained weight loss may be an early sign of illness.
Teeth health – Overgrown teeth can prevent proper eating and cause mouth pain. Provide safe chewing toys, untreated apple branches, or willow sticks to help wear them down naturally.
Eyes and ears – They should be clear, clean, and free from discharge. Redness, swelling, or debris could indicate infection or parasites.
Skin and coat – Check for bald patches, sores, or mites. Seasonal changes can trigger skin issues, so catching them early is key.

Refresh Their Toy Collection

With less outdoor playtime as the weather changes, enrichment becomes even more important to keep pets mentally and physically active.

For rabbits – Try tunnel systems, treat balls, and digging mats.
For guinea pigs – Add hidey houses, chew tunnels, and safe foraging toys.
Rotate toys every couple of weeks to keep things exciting and encourage natural behaviours like chewing, exploring, and problem-solving.

Prepare for Cooler Weather

As autumn approaches, comfort and shelter become a priority.

Housing check – Inspect indoor and outdoor hutches for draughts, leaks, or weak spots. Outdoor hutches should be raised off the ground to prevent dampness.
Bedding – Add extra layers of clean, dry bedding such as paper-based litter or soft hay. This helps insulate against chilly nights. Avoid bedding that becomes damp easily, as this can lead to respiratory issues.
Temperature monitoring – If housing is outdoors, use weatherproof covers and position hutches out of direct wind and rain. Indoors, avoid draughty hallways or cold floors.

Seasonal Diet Adjustments

As the weather cools, rabbits and guinea pigs may need extra energy to stay warm. While fresh hay should remain the bulk of their diet year-round, you can:

Offer slightly larger portions of leafy greens, ensuring they’re safe for your species.
Include vitamin C-rich veggies for guinea pigs, such as bell peppers.
Maintain access to unlimited clean water, checking bottles and bowls daily.

Final Tip

A seasonal check-up doesn’t just prepare your pet for the cooler months — it also helps you catch small issues before they become big problems. The more familiar you are with your rabbit or guinea pig’s normal habits, the quicker you’ll notice if something’s wrong.

By combining good grooming, health monitoring, enrichment, and weather-proofing, you’ll set your pet up for a happy, healthy autumn and winter.

FAQ – End-of-Summer Rabbit & Guinea Pig Care

How often should I groom my pet in autumn?
Long-haired breeds may need daily grooming, while short-haired pets may be fine with a few sessions a week.

Do rabbits and guinea pigs need heating in winter?
Usually, no — if housing is well-insulated and bedding is plentiful. However, elderly or unwell pets may benefit from extra warmth.

What’s the most important autumn health check?
Weight and teeth monitoring are key. Changes in either can be an early sign of illness.