Housing
Summertime Hazards For Bunnies
By Chandra Moira Beal
Ah, summer. Time for house rabbits to head outdoors, romp in the green grass and feel the breeze in their fur. Backyard adventures can be lots of fun for both rabbits and their caregivers, but the great outdoors, especially in summer, can also be rife with hazards. Like your mother reminding you to wear plenty of sunscreen and to stay out of the pool for 30 minutes after lunch, rabbits, too, need to take a few precautions before enjoying their fun in the sun.
I haven't met a rabbit yet who doesn't enjoy a summer picnic. Most will nibble on the grass and plants growing around the yard, sampling and foraging. But before you let bunny munch away, know your plants. That beautiful shrub might be poisonous! Rabbits will NOT instinctively avoid poisonous plants, so it's up to you as their guardian to know what's what. Make a list of everything growing in your yard, then check it against a list of poisonous plants. Don't take any chances here. Either remove those plants that are dangerous, or don't let bunny out in the yard at all. When in doubt, take it out. Also, keep the phone number to the ASCPA's animal poison hotline (888-426-4435) where you can get to it in an emergency.
Grasses and lawns can also contain harmful fertilizers and pesticides. Again, be aware of what's growing around your home. If you own your home, avoid using fertilizers and pesticides, or use a natural, rabbit-friendly alternative such as compost, soapy water, or diatomaceous earth. If you rent, ask your landlord if the lawn has been treated. Public parks are often sprayed with chemicals, too. Ask your local parks department if they have treated your park, when, and with what. You can't be too conservative when it comes to your pet. If you have any doubts about the safety of a lawn, bunny should not be allowed to graze it.
Digging is one of the rabbit's chief pleasures. Better they dig in the yard than in your carpet, right? Well, sort of. Yes, it is far better for a rabbit to have something harmless to dig in, such as a box full of hay or newspaper, than it is for them to rip up your new shag rug. But backyard dirt can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that you'll never see or know about until it's too late. If you're headed outside, this can be a tough one to avoid. Use common sense. If you see your rabbit eating large amounts of dirt, stop them. Most rabbits will do fine just padding around the earth and digging the occasional hole.
When summer temperatures soar, your rabbit is better off being a couch potato. Heat is intolerable for rabbits. If the temperature is above 85°F, postpone your excursion. Try making your trips to the yard early in the morning or in the evenings when the outdoor temperature is slightly cooler. Make sure your rabbit has a shady spot to retreat to, and plenty of water to drink. If you are traveling or underestimated the heat level, get your bunny to a cool spot as soon as possible. Drape wet towels over their cage or carrier, or freeze bottles of water and place them around the rabbit. I like to keep a few of these on hand year-round for making quick trips in the car more comfortable.
Attack by predators is another danger of the outdoors. Neighborhood dogs and cats, no matter how well behaved you think they are, see your rabbit as prey. Some rabbits can be so scared by the mere presence of a predator that they die of fright. Wild animals such as raccoons, owls, possums, etc. can pose a danger, too. Don't think that just because you live in the city, wild animals don't visit your yard. I have even seen hawks in my urban neighborhood. Never, ever leave a rabbit unattended in the yard. Keep them on a harness and leash, in an enclosed pen, or within a few feet of you at all times. Don't turn your back even for a minute.
Mosquitoes and fleas proliferate in the warm, moist summer weather, and would like nothing better than a free meal courtesy of your rabbit. Although it is extremely rare for rabbits to carry heartworm, mosquitoes are still annoying and bothersome to rabbits, and if they're pesky enough can cause anemia. Fleas, too, can make a rabbit miserable. Give your rabbit a thorough combing before heading back in the house, or treat them with a mild herbal powder of rosemary, sage and bay leaves before you go out. Don't use natural powders containing pennyroyal. This herb is toxic to rabbits. And never, ever flea-dip a rabbit.
If all this makes you want to spend the summer watching movies with your rabbit inside instead of playing outside, don't be discouraged. Most rabbits will enjoy many trips to the yard with no problems at all. Just be aware of the possible dangers and be prepared. Use common sense and caution. Playing outdoors can be very healthy for your rabbit. They need Vitamin D from the sunshine, a chance to exercise, and plenty of stimulation for their curiosity. With a little planning, your bun can be cool as a cucumber this summer.
© Copyright by Chandra Moira Beal. All rights reserved.
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