Bacterial Infections:
* Tularemia: This is a serious bacterial infection that can be spread through rabbit fleas, ticks, or direct contact with infected rabbits. Symptoms in dogs can include fever, lethargy, swollen lymph nodes, and difficulty breathing.
* Rabbit fever (Pasteurellosis): This bacterial infection is common in rabbits and can be transmitted to dogs through bites or scratches. Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, abscesses, and difficulty breathing.
* Leptospirosis: While often spread through rat urine, wild rabbits can also carry this bacterial infection. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and muscle pain.
Viral Infections:
* Rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV): This highly contagious viral disease is fatal to rabbits but can also infect dogs, causing symptoms like fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.
* Myxomatosis: While primarily affecting rabbits, dogs can also be infected with this viral disease. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, and swollen eyelids.
Parasites:
* Rabbit fleas: These fleas can bite dogs, causing irritation and itching. They can also transmit other diseases.
* Rabbit ear mites: These mites can infect dogs, causing ear infections and irritation.
* Roundworms: While dogs can get roundworms from various sources, wild rabbits can also be a source of infection. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss.
* Tapeworms: Dogs can get tapeworms from eating infected rabbits. Symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea, and increased appetite.
Other Diseases:
* Ringworm: While not directly from rabbits, dogs can contract ringworm from areas where rabbits have been. This fungal infection causes circular lesions on the skin.
Prevention:
* Avoid contact with wild rabbits: Keep your dog away from wild rabbits and their droppings.
* Vaccinate your dog: Vaccinating your dog against rabies and leptospirosis can help prevent these diseases.
* Use flea and tick prevention: Regularly treat your dog with a flea and tick prevention product.
* Check your dog for parasites: Regularly examine your dog for fleas, ticks, and other parasites.
* Keep your dog's vaccinations up to date: This will help protect them from some of the diseases mentioned above.
If you suspect your dog has been exposed to a wild rabbit or is showing any symptoms of illness, it is crucial to contact your veterinarian immediately for diagnosis and treatment.