Sociable, affectionate, and intelligent, domestic rabbits can make fantastic companions. Taking a little time to explore how to take care of a pet rabbit will help you keep your furry friend healthy and hopping along happily. Rabbits are complicated creatures, after all, that require proper care and supervision to flourish. Delivering that care isn’t particularly difficult; it’s largely a matter of being mindful of the animal’s needs.
How to Take Care of a Pet Rabbit
Handling
As prey animals, rabbits are easily startled, so it’s vital that you handle your pet calmly and correctly. To avoid scaring your pet, be careful how you approach it. The lateral placement of a rabbit’s eyes make it difficult for the animal to see what’s directly in front of it clearly, so be sure that your rabbit sees you before you try to interact with it. Always pet it gently and support its entire body when you are holding it. Although they make look sturdy, rabbits’ skeletons are surprisingly fragile. Frightened rabbits have actually broken their backs by struggling to escape perceived threats. Never pick up a rabbit by its ears or force it onto its back.
Feeding
Cartoon rabbits are notorious for munching on carrots, but your pet rabbit won’t thrive on carrots alone. Instead, they need a high-quality pelleted rabbit food, plenty of hay to nibble on, and fresh water. In fact, those three things should be available at all times. Your bunny will also enjoy some fresh fruits and veggies, but these should make up less than 10 percent of the animal’s diet, and anything uneaten must be removed within 24 hours. You should skip any treats that are high in sugar or fat.
Housing
While you may have seen rabbits kept in backyard hutches, pet rabbits do best when kept inside your home and away from the changing temperatures and prowling predators that might bother them outside. Rabbits can be trained to use a litter box, so you can allow them to roam your home freely if you thoroughly rabbit-proof the space by removing anything hazardous that they might chew on. Cleaning supplies and toxic chemicals should be safely stowed, and plants and electrical cords must be kept out of reach. If rabbit-proofing isn’t an option, rabbits can be kept in a large cage that gives them plenty of room to move around and stretch out. The cage should be stocked with a food bowl, water bottle, hay rack, chews, and a hiding place. The litter box and any wet bedding should be scooped out each day. Each week, the cage and its contents should be completely cleaned and the bedding should be totally replaced.
Health Care
When it comes to keeping your rabbit healthy, the right veterinarian is an invaluable ally. However, not all veterinarians are able to treat rabbits, so don’t wait for an emergency to locate a suitable one. If you haven’t located a vet capable of treating rabbits before you bring your pet home, make finding one a priority. An exotic veterinarian who is prepared to treat various nontraditional pets will likely be your best bet. Ideally, your rabbit should have annual checkups. It should also be spayed or neutered; this will lessen its risk of certain cancers and reduce the likelihood of aggressive behavior. In addition, you should make an appointment with your vet immediately if your pet displays any indication of illness. The following symptoms are potential red flags:
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
- Refusal of food or water
- Weight loss
- Unusual hair loss or skin lesions
- Discharge from the eyes or nose
- Diarrhea
- Overgrown teeth or nails
Grooming
Rabbits generally keep themselves clean, so baths are rarely necessary, but a regular brushing is smart. It reduces shedding and helps to prevent hairballs and matting. You’ll also want to clip your rabbit’s nails to keep them from getting too long.
Play Time
Rabbits crave social interaction, so make time to talk with your pet rabbit and stroke it gently each day. These furry critters also love toys that they can manipulate. These items don’t have to be fancy. Plain cardboard tubes or boxes and nontoxic wooden objects will provide stimulation, entertainment, and a much-needed opportunity to chew. Chewing is vital for rabbits. Because their teeth continue to grow throughout their lifetimes, rabbits need to chomp on things to keep their teeth from becoming overgrown. By giving your pet items that are safe to chew on, you can help keep it healthy and prevents this natural behavior from becoming dangerously destructive.
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Do you have questions about how to take care of a pet rabbit? Petsway can help. Our team of pet experts would be happy to offer advice and help you locate the supplies that you need to keep your bunny happy and healthy. Plus, we have a selection of pets available for purchase, including rabbits! Visit us today to find your new pet and discover how to take care of a pet rabbit.