Tag Archive for: small animal

Do Rabbits Make a Good Pet?

Do Rabbits Make a Good Pet?

With Easter around the corner you might be wondering “Is a rabbit a good pet?” Rabbits should never be bought on impulse. In fact, this time of year some places will not sell rabbits. This is due to their high abandonment/surrender rate because they were purchased as an Easter gift. Rabbits are a multi-year commitment. Not just an Easter accessory.

If you’re still curious if rabbits make good pets (and you’re not getting one as an Easter gift) then keep reading!

Rabbits are affectionate

Rabbits are affectionate and social animals. While rabbits do not like to be held that doesn’t mean they still can’t be affectionate and social. Watching your rabbit play and flop can be a great source of joy.

Rabbits are quiet (usually)

Rabbits are quiet (usually), but remember that they do thump their back legs. If angry (one thump) or frightened (multiple thumps).  Just think of Bambi’s friend Thumper for example!

This means you’ll want to access your living arrangements. Especially if you live in an apartment as the thumping can disturb neighbors. Always check with your landlord to be sure that bunnies are allowed before investing in bringing one home with you.

Rabbits can be litter trained

Rabbits are easy to train to use a litter box. Which means easier clean up and less nuggets on the carpet when they are running around during their play time with you.

Some people wonder if rabbits are smelly/dirty animals. This is not true! Rabbits do not have offensive smells.  Using a litter box and cleaning it regularly will keep the urine smell down. Their pellets don’t have a strong odor either. They often smell like wood chips if they have any odor to them at all.

The trick is to keep their area clean to reduce/eliminate any unwanted odors. Plus, it is better for both of you!

To learn more about litter training rabbits, see this guide.

Rabbits can live for 10 years

An average rabbit’s life span is 7-10 years.  As such, consider this fact when deciding to get a rabbit. You are committing to their happiness and care for possibly a decade. Different breeds and indoor versus an outdoor rabbit can affect this number.

Fun fact: The oldest rabbit that ever lived was 18 years and 10 months!

Rabbits can learn tricks

Rabbits can be trained to do tricks and even do agility courses.  Rabbits are social and curious and follow you, sit in your lap and even “beg” for treats! They love a gentle pet and many love being massaged.  They may even ‘purr’. You will have a lot of fun teaching them and enriching their lives through play.

You can even harness train a rabbit! Take your rabbit for a walk once you have them harness trained.

Rabbits are small (most of the time)

Rabbits are typically small animals. Take the Netherland Dwarf rabbit for example. The Netherland Dwarf will remain tiny at just about 2.5 pounds, and there are over a dozen breeds that remain under 5 pounds making them an ideal companion.

File:4-Week-Old Netherlands Dwarf Rabbit.JPG

Aaron Van Dyken, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

However, not all rabbits stay small. A great example of this is the Flemish Giant rabbit. While still adorable, the Flemish Giant rabbit can weigh from 12 – 22 pounds. The world record length for a Flemish Giant rabbit is 4ft 3in! That’s a BIG rabbit!

Lucile Petit, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Those are the pluses to having a rabbit as a pet but we need to look at some of the less than desirable traits and behaviors that must be taken into consideration when deciding to bring your bunny home.

Rabbits chew everything

Bunnies CHEW EVERYTHING, especially wires.  So you will need to bunny proof your area.  Finding rabbit forums should help you discover the unique ways others have addressed this problem.

Also consider rabbits are burrowers. Protecting carpet especially in corner areas is important. If you just installed new carpet, a bringing a rabbit home may need to wait.

Rabbits don’t like being held or picked up

Contrary to what Instagram will show you, rabbits do not like being held or picked up a lot. Bunnies are a prey animal and this activates their desire to flee.  Picking them up may not be what they like but getting on their level and encouraging interaction with a favorite treat will help them to feel comfortable and enjoy interacting with you.

If you’re wanting a cute and cuddly animal to hold all day, a rabbit is not for you.

Rabbits need a lot of space

Your rabbit needs lots of space.  Measure your bunny nose to feet sprawled out, the enclosure needs to be 3-4 times that length. If your rabbit is 1 foot long you will need to provide an enclosure that is 3-4 feet in length. If you are getting a baby bunny, you may need to buy a larger enclosure as they grow. It’s best to plan for their average adult size.

Outside of the cage, rabbits need 1-2 hours of at least 24 square feet or the size of most living areas.  This time is when you and your rabbit can get to know each other.  It is important for you to fulfill this need for socialization in your bunny.

Rabbits are active in the morning and evening

A rabbits sleep cycle is similar to a cat in that they are most active in the early morning and before sunset. So interact with them while having breakfast and when you get home in the evening. If you’re the kind of person who wakes up late and goes to bed late, a rabbit might not be the ideal pet for you.

Rabbits eat a lot of hay

Your rabbits diet will change as they age. A typical rabbit’s diet consists of 80% hay (timothy or orchard unlimited), 15% leafy greens (1-2 cups), 4% pellets (¼-½ cup), and treats 1% (1-2 tablespoons). Your local pet store will get very familiar with you and your timothy hay purchases.

Rabbit vet care can be expensive

Vet care can be expensive, neutering can run $200-$500 and yearly exams in the $100’s.

Depending on the area you live, you may not have access to a veterinarian who can treat rabbits. Traveling to get necessary medical care is another expense. You may also not be able to access emergency services in time if you are having to drive and hour or more to the closest small animal emergency vet.

The Wabbit Wiki provides some excellent resources for finding a rabbit veterinarian. As well as red flags and questions to ask your rabbit’s vet.

Rabbits are not ideal for small children

People often assume rabbits are a great first pet for small children. Rabbits have a more delicate bone structure, so they may not be the best choice for small children.  Handling them requires a soft touch. If you have a small child, make sure to show and teach them how to handle a rabbit properly. Do not leave them unsupervised with the rabbit. You will also want to make sure your rabbits enclosure has a secure, child-proof lock on it.

Rabbits shed, a lot

From Lionhead rabbits to the wide variety of angora rabbits, rabbits cute cuddly fur means that they do shed. Long-haired rabbits are not typically recommended for first-time rabbit owners as they do require significantly more maintenance compared to their short-haired counterparts.

Conclusion

Let’s remember that many who have a rabbit as a pet relate how much joy and happiness they bring to their lives. Now that you know exactly what goes into caring for a rabbit, you can be successful in providing for their physical and social requirements and can enjoy your furry little friend!

Is a Guinea Pig Right for You?

Is a Guinea Pig Right for You?

Guinea pigs can make great companions! But is a guinea pig right for you? Here’s some things you need to consider before adopting a guinea pig. If you don’t think a guinea pig is the right fit for you check out our which pet to adopt post.

How much time do you have?

Guinea pigs require time out of their cage every day to stretch their legs, cuddle in your lap, or explore new environments. Daily interaction and attention are a must for a guinea pig’s well-being.
Guinea pigs need regular grooming, at least once a week for shorthaired breeds and daily for longhaired breeds.
Cages need thoroughly cleaned on a weekly basis with spot-cleanings every few days.

Do you have young children?

Young children may unintentionally drop a guinea pig, squeeze them, or frighten them into biting. Guinea pigs require a gentle touch and can easily be startled by sudden movements and loud noises.

What’s your budget?

Over their lifetime, guinea pigs cost significantly less than a dog or a cat but you will still need to spent a few hundred dollars a year (excluding veterinary costs) on supplies. There’s also the initial cost of equipment if this is your first guinea pig. Make sure you have a veterinarian that takes care of guinea pigs as well.

Are you considering adding another guinea pig?

If you already determined that a guinea pig is right for you, maybe you’re considering getting a second guinea pig. Guinea pigs are social creatures and to help prevent a solitary pig from becoming lonely you may need to adopt a second guinea pig.

Who will watch your guinea pig when you’re on vacation?

Guinea pigs need fresh water and food daily. When you’re on vacation you can rest assured a Wet Noses pet sitter will take excellent care of your pig.

So, is a guinea pig the right pet for you?

Think a guinea pig is right for you? See guinea pigs for adoption in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Guinea Pig Infographic

Does somebody you know have a guinea pig? Or maybe you have a fun guinea pig story. Let us know in the comments!

Heartworm In Dogs: The Facts and What To Do About It

Heartworm in Dogs: The Facts and What to do about it Header

Heartworm In Dogs: The Facts and What To Do About It

What is heartworm?

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a worm that lives in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of pets that have been infected by mosquitos. These worms get their name from where the adults live in the body: the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of an infected animal. Dogs are most susceptible to infection but cats and ferrets can also become infected.

Can heartworm be treated?

Yes! But treatment costs 10-15x more than preventatives and treatment can take months. It is not always 100% successful. Treatment usually involves Melarsomine dihydrochloride which is an FDA-approved drug used to kill adult heartworms in dogs. The medication is injected deep into the back muscles. This treatment is often only used for Class 1, 2, and 3 cases of heartworm. Class 4 of heartworm is risky and often fatal as the blood is being blocked by a mass of worms. Surgery is the only option for class 4 cases. There is no FDA-approved drug to treat heartworm in cats and ferrets.

Is my pet at risk?

Heartworm is found in all 50 states. Even if your pet is indoors, a stray infected mosquito that finds its way into your house can infect your pet.

Is heartworm in dogs deadly?

Potentially. Heartworm can cause: severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage of other organs especially if left untreated. There are 4 classes of heartworm with class 1, 2, and 3 being treatable with medication. Class 4 requires surgery that may not be successful.

Can I do anything to prevent heartworm in dogs?

Yes! Pets should be on year-round preventatives and get regular testing for early detection. Preventative care costs less than treatment and only takes a few minutes. If you have cats and ferrets, keep them indoors to help reduce their risk of being infected. For dogs, make sure to mosquito-proof your yard as much as possible. This includes removing any standing water, regular yard maintenance, and using fans when outside.

 

Heartworm Disease in Pets Infographic

Want to learn more about heartworm in dogs and facts? See the FDA’s page on heartworm that goes into more depth.