There’s more than just cat people and dog people out there. Some of us pet lovers are all about rabbits and if you have ever held a fluffy bunny in your arms, you’d understand. Unfortunately, there is far less information on the care of rabbits than there is for cats, dogs, and even birds. Lucky for you, if you are in need of some tips, look no further. Here are all the things you do need to do take care of your precious rabbit.
Vaccination
Let this be the number one rule for your bunny. For any animal in fact. Vaccination is a must and is the only proven way of protecting rabbits against diseases like myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) which can be potentially life-threatening.
Parasites
Watch out for parasites. If neglected, these nasty creatures can do some serious damage. One internal parasite, in particular, named Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) affects up to 50% of domestic rabbits. Fleas are also incredibly common and can cause unpleasant skin irritations. Your local vet can advise you on the best treatment. Do not use products made for dogs on cats!
Teeth
Dental issues are a major source of problems for rabbits. They need a lot of fiber in their diet. These types of foods help wear down fast-growing teeth. Teeth that don’t get worn down result in drooling and even loss of appetite. Speak to your vet to get the best list of foods for your rabbit.
Nails
Long nails start to curve. This can often result in sore paws and a lot of scratching. One must cut their rabbit’s nails regularly. But be careful how you trim them. Cutting the pink part in the middle of the nail (called the quick) can be very painful for the rabbit and cause bleeding. Check with your vet for advice.
Neutering
Neutering rabbits is recommended to help prevent undesired offspring. It can also prevent unruly behavior such as aggression and mood swings. This is especially true for male rabbits as they tend to get quite aggressive during these periods.
