The Dark Side Of Keeping Bunnies As Pets

Uncovering the Unexpected Challenges Of Pet Bunny Ownership

By Tom Seest

The Dark Side Of Keeping Bunnies As Pets

At BackyardBunnyNews, we help people who want to raise rabbits and bunnies by collating information about the hare-raising experience.

If you are looking for a low-maintenance pet, consider a reptile or another pet that doesn’t require constant attention. Rabbits, on the other hand, require social interaction and stimulation, and without enough of this, they can develop bad habits and depression. This is a major drawback for some people, so you may want to consider other options if you aren’t interested in spending hours on your pet’s needs.

Why Your Rabbit Needs Human Interaction

Rabbits need social interaction with humans to remain happy and healthy. This is true for both their physical and mental well-being. They can even live with other animals but must not exhibit aggressive or predatory behavior. It is also important to consider any existing pets and determine if they are compatible before purchasing a rabbit.
Rabbits are highly social animals and need daily interaction. They do not like the idea of being locked in a cage all the time. They need to spend time outdoors, socialize, exercise, and explore. In addition to human interaction, they love to be around other rabbits.
Rabbits will sometimes try to get your attention by nipping your leg or standing on its hind legs. However, they do not bite very hard. In fact, unless cornered, they rarely bite, so be careful. However, if they become impatient, they may try to hurt you.
House rabbits can be good pets because they are highly social. They like to run around freely and have litter boxes. They can also live in a single room. But they still need social interaction with humans to become good pets. To engage in such interactions, try sitting down on the floor with your rabbit.
If you are considering adopting a rabbit, you should contact a local animal shelter first. Although most shelters are full all the time, many of them rely on a network of foster families to take in new animals. Taking in a new animal can be stressful, so it is vital to be prepared and informed about the specific needs of your new pet. Some shelters even provide a basic bunny care booklet to help new adopters care for their new furry friends.
A rabbit needs daily attention. They also need to exercise and play frequently. Their need for stimulation is essential for a happy life. You should provide your new pet with toys, treats, and activities to keep them busy. Ensure that they have access to the proper food, water, and shelter.

Chewing: a Common Bunny Behavior

Keeping a rabbit as a pet can be challenging for a number of reasons. These include its need to chew and the fact that it can become destructive if it gets bored. Unlike dogs, bunnies aren’t able to learn the language of the house or learn how to obey commands. However, you can deter them by making shrill noises, clapping your hands, or shouting. In some cases, a foot stamp or dirty look may also do the trick.
Trying to stop your bunny from chewing can have two effects: it will stop the behavior in the moment and will teach it not to chew in the future. By praising your rabbit when it stops chewing and rewarding it when it stops chewing on things you’ve allowed it to chew, you will make your bunny a good pet.
One reason for chewing incessantly is that rabbits are creatures of habit. When their routines are disrupted, they get stressed. This can be caused by many factors, such as a new pet, a new sound, or simply being left alone. Stress can lead to bad behavior in your rabbit, so getting them back into a regular routine will help you curb your rabbit’s chewing problem.
Fortunately, most bunnies are not destructive unless they’re young. In general, young bunnies chew on things such as walls, electronics, flip-flops, and video games. While young rabbits have a high level of energy, they tend to mellow out as they get older. The best way to prevent your bunny from chewing your valuables is to make your home safe from them. A bunny-proofed home will prevent your rabbit from chewing your home’s wiring.

The Dangers of Keeping a Bunny Pet

Many people keep bunnies as pets, but some rabbits can be harmful to humans. They can carry diseases that are potentially fatal to humans, including encephalitozoonosis. Symptoms of this disease include dehydration, muscle pain, and organ enlargement. If you’re pregnant, or have a compromised immune system, you should consult your veterinarian before caring for your bunny.
Some rabbits are infected with tapeworms, a parasitic infection that can affect humans. These parasites live in the skin of bunnies and can be passed to humans by domestic dogs or cats. While rabbits cannot transmit tapeworm infections, they are intermediate hosts and can get infections themselves. Infected bunnies may develop tapeworm cysts in their skin and liver. To prevent this problem, you should always thoroughly wash your hands after handling your pet. Also, you should wash the skin and any other parts of your body if you come in contact with rabbit droppings.
Rabbits are social animals, and they need interaction daily. They do not like being alone, so make sure to provide them with enough outdoor space to socialize. They also need plenty of time to explore, play, and exercise. When they are indoors, bunnies should live in a secure hutch. Using a padlock on the hutch will protect them from burglars.
You should know which plants are poisonous for rabbits. Do not let them eat any unknown plants, as the sudden change will upset their fragile digestive system. You should also fence in any area where your rabbit can come into contact with poisonous plants. Also, avoid placing your bunny near plants that contain pesticides.

Why Dogs Should Beware of Bunnies

Bunnies can be dangerous for dogs because they can carry ticks and fleas. They also carry two dangerous bacteria: rabies and tularemia. Both can be passed to dogs through rabbit food. Thankfully, rabies is not widespread, but it is dangerous for humans and dogs. A dog infected with rabies will display flu-like symptoms, such as fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and diarrhea.
Tularemia, or Rabbit Fever, is a bacterial disease that can be deadly for dogs with weak immune systems. Tularemia is caused by the bacteria Francisella tularensis, which produces toxins in the blood. A dog can contract the disease by eating an infected rabbit or being bitten by a flea.
Dogs should be kept away from rabbits when they’re around small dogs. Unlike cats, rabbits can attack a dog if they feel cornered. Normally, rabbits will try to run away. A dog should never be left alone with a rabbit, and bunnies should be kept in a room where the dog cannot reach them.
Another danger from rabbits is tapeworms. Though rare, dogs can contract this parasite from rabbit meat. Because they aren’t used to eating raw meat, rabbit meat may contain tapeworms, which are flat, segmented worms that attach to the dog’s intestinal wall. A dog with tapeworms will have small white segments in its stool.
A puppy may not understand the difference between a dog and a rabbit, and may jump up and bite it. Puppies are also more excitable and can startle a rabbit. This type of behavior can cause behavioral and health issues.

Cats Beware: The Dangers of Bunnies as Pets

Cats and bunnies have different lifestyles. In the wild, they are natural enemies. When a cat approaches a rabbit, it may become defensive and territorial. In the home, the rabbit might also become aggressive if the cat enters the yard. If you want to avoid this situation, you need to prepare your cat for the possibility of a rabbit attacking a cat.
Cats are much bigger than bunnies and can jump higher. This makes them more easily able to access counters, beds, and work surfaces. On the other hand, bunnies are much smaller and fit through small holes. Even if you buy a pet rabbit, you must make sure that your cat doesn’t get into the rabbit’s den.
When introducing the two animals, be patient and try to get them used to each other. Avoid putting them in the same room for a long time. If you are lucky, the pets will bond over time. Just be sure to supervise any interactions closely and don’t leave them unattended.
Bunnies can be very territorial and bossy. Cats may retaliate with defensive swipes when a rabbit tries to boss them around. To prevent this, you should provide a safe place for both animals to retreat. Cats’ claws and mouths carry bacteria, and this could cause serious damage to a rabbit. To prevent this from happening, you should use cat claw covers.
If you do decide to get a pet rabbit, you need to be sure that you get it vaccinated and neutered. Both species can spread certain diseases, so it’s best to have the pets neutered or spayed. This will make them more tame and less likely to fight each other.

Be sure to read our other related stories at BackyardBunnyNews to learn more about raising bunnies and rabbits.