| Why a House Rabbit? Perhaps you've just adopted your first rabbit, or maybe you already have a rabbit and would like more information to help you understand him/her better. I reommend that you keep your rabbit in the house rather than outdoors, because of outdoor hazards. Rabbits are intelligent animals who need affection, and they can become wonderful companion animals if given a chance to interact with their human families. The benfits of spay and neuter: Although most rabbits will use a litterbox, hormones may cause unneutered males and unspayed females to "mark territory." Spaying or neutering your rabbit improves litterbox habbits, lessens chewing behavior decrease territorial aggression, and gives your rabbit a happier, longer live. have your rabbit neutered between ages 3 1/2 to 6 months, depending on sexual maturity,by an experienced rabbit veterinarian. For rabbits more than 2 years old,gert a vetinary checkup first. Bunny-proofing bunny-proofing your home is part of living with a house rabbit. it is natural for rabbits to chew furniture, rugs, drapes, and most deadly of all, electrical cords. Give your rabbit enough attention, safe chewables, and toys so that she is distracted from chewing furniture and rugs. A card board box stuffed with hay makes an inexpensive playbox. Young rabbits (under a year) are more inclined to mischief and requite more confinement and/or bunny-proofing than mature rabbits. House Rabbits and other Animals House rabbits and indoor cats can get along fine as do rabbits and well-mannered dogs. Dgos should be trained to respond to commands before being trusted with a free-running rabbit, and supervison is needed to control a dog's playfull impulses ( this is especially true for puppies). Adding a second rabbit is easiest if the rabbits are neutered adults of opposite sexes. Major Health Problems Intestinal blockages: Because rabbits groom themselves constantly, they get furballs just as cats do. Unlike cats, however, rabbits cannot vomit, and excessive wallowed hair may cause a fatal blockage. Tabbits can also develop a serioud condition known as GI stasis which has many of the same symtons. If your rabbits shows a decrease in appetite and in size of drippings, get advice from a rabbit veterinarian. Pervention: Kepp bunny brushed (less hair is swallowed); provide exercise time/spavce--at least 30 ahours a week ; give a fresh handful of hay daily; add fresh vegertabvles gradually to the diet; give petroleum laxatives during a heavy molt of if symthetics have been swollared Bacterial Balance: A Rabbits digestive tract is inhabited by healthful bacterial. if the "good" bacteria balance is upset by stale food or a sudden change in diet harmful bacteria can take over the digestive track and kill the rabgit. Prevention: Keep all rabbit food in a cool dry plce and make dietary cahnges slowly, giving a new good in small amounts. If no abdominal gurgling or loose stool results in 24 hours, the food may be offered again. If you rabbit goes outside, check for pesticides and toxic plants. Infectious bacteria: Many rabbit diseases are caused by bacteria, not viruses and can be treated with antibiotics. If your rabb shows symptoms of a "cold" take him to the beterinarian familiar with antibiotcs that can be safely used in rabbits. Oral drugs of the Penicillin Family suck as Amoxicillin should NOT be given to a rabbit, since there is rick of destroying good intestinal bacteria. Danger Signs: Don't waste baluable time call you veterinarian immediatly if you see: Diarrhea with listlesness Sudden loss of appetitie with bloat and abdominal gurgling Loss of appetite with labored breathing Loss of appetitie with runny nose Head tilt Incontinene (urine-soaked rear legs) abscesses,lump or swellings anywhere any sudden behavior change Housing roomy cage resting board litterbox (in cage) pellet bowl or feeder water bottle/crock toys (chew and toss) pet carrier |
| Bunderful Bunnies |
| [ Bunny Basics: Living With a House Rabbit ] |
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