Understanding Your Bunny

Bunnies are super cute, and make great pets. These little furballs do have some very specific needs, however. If you’re a first-time bunny owner, you’ll want to do some research to learn about some of the do’s and don’ts of caring for Floppy. Read on for some great tips from a Carteret County, NC veterinarian on understanding your bunny.

One of the most important things bunny parents should understand is that bunnies need to chew. If Floppy can’t wear her teeth down, she could develop painful dental problems! Provide your cute buddy with lots of suitable chew toys. Items made of wood, cardboard, or paper are suitable, as long as they don’t have sharp edges or small parts, and aren’t coated with varnish, paint, or glitter.

Floppy will need a comfy cage that offers plenty of room to play and hop around. You’ll need to add a suitable substrate, such as aspen; food dishes; a water bottle; and a hidey-hole. Ask your vet for more information.

Hay should actually form the bulk of your bunny’s diet. That cute furry tummy is suited for digesting tough plants and fibers, which is what wild rabbits eat. Pets eat much softer foods than wild rabbits, so you’ll need to give Floppy plenty of hay to keep everything running smoothly. You can feed your bunny commercial food for her main meals. You’ll also want to supplement these things with fresh produce. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Floppy will need daily time out of her cage. Before letting your adorable pet out to play, you’ll need to do some bunnyproofing. Remove or secure toxic plants, plastic bags, chemicals, medications, and any small or sharp objects. You’ll also want to protect or block off furniture legs, baseboards, and any openings behind or beneath furniture or cabinets. Ask your vet for more bunnyproofing tips.

Bunnies are quite smart. They can be litterbox trained, and can learn basic petiquette, such as what they should or shouldn’t chew. Floppy can be stubborn, however, and may be a bit opinionated. Never punish your pet for misbehaving. Instead, clap your hands or stomp your foot to show disapproval. Otherwise, focus on rewarding your bunny with toys and treats when she’s being good.

Please contact us, your Carteret County, NC animal clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We’re happy to help!