Rabbits are cute and furry animals. They can be great for certain types of people, due to their small size, docile nature and long lifespan (most live for more than 10 years). However, just because they are small does not mean that they are very easy to take care of. While they are less of a hassle than, say, a bigger animal, they still have their own special needs. Before you buy a rabbit as a pet make sure you do your homework and learn what it eats, where it needs to live and other hare specific information, so as to be sure you can properly care and provide for your furry friend.
The first thing any new pet needs is that you provide it with a safe and comfortable environment. All owners should know that rabbits should be kept almost exclusively indoors. This is because domestic rabbits are much more vulnerable to cold and diseases than their wild relatives.
Another reason why you should keep your rabbit inside rather than in your yard is because even in an enclosed outdoor environment they are vulnerable to predatory attacks. If they see or hear a nearby predatory animal that they instinctively fear, they will start panicking, and not having any place to run like they would outside in the wild, they could risk dying of a heart attack! Few things are as upsetting as seeing your pet die from such an insignificant fear. All animals act upon their instincts, and thus very likely to behave unexpectedly. This is why learning about their nature is very important. When keeping your rabbit inside you can either buy a cage or let him roam free through the house. If you give him freedom of movement however, make sure that your home is safe for rabbits.
Don?t leave objects or substances that can be harmful to your pet on the ground. Also note that rabbits are rodents and they like to munch on all kinds of things. Make sure they don?t sink their teeth into power cables or other equally dangerous stuff in your house! If you put them in a cage, you should buy one that is spacious, so that they have sufficient room to move around. You can also let them loose from time to time, so that they can stretch their legs a bit, but only under careful supervision.
Bunnies can also learn to use a litter box with a bit of training. In terms of diet, rabbits eat hay as well as a number of vegetables, such as leaf lettuce or parsley. Yes, they also enjoy eating carrots, but you should use them sparingly, as a sort of treat. Because their digestive system is sensitive, there are a number of foods you should avoid feeding them, such as iceberg lettuce, potatoes, tomatoes, corn, peas, beans, onions and a few more. Try to learn what foods are recommended for your rabbit, and which are to be avoided.
Try and follow these tips and also get as well informed as possible about rabbits before you bring one into your home, so that the time you spend with him is happy instead of troublesome.
What You Need to Know About Getting Pet Insurance for Rabbits
Our pets are our friends and even members of our families, so the thought of anything happening to them can be devastating for any loving pet owner. If you want to be prepared for times of need, you should consider getting insurance.
Whether your bunny lives in the garden or indoor with you, many things can go wrong and he will still be exposed to accidents and health issues; the last thing you want is to be unable to provide him the proper medical care due to financial reasons.
So, what does getting rabbit insurance mean?
The main benefit of getting insurance for your companion is to cover the costs in case of being stolen, lost or dead. However, for loving pet owners who create a special bond to their animal friends, there is more than this: there is also the genuine desire to provide proper care and ease pain, in case of potential problems (accidents and illnesses). Being able to afford proper veterinary care for your bunny is much easier when you have an insurance policy and make periodic payments which will translate into savings; if something unfortunate happens with your bunny, you make a claim and get the money you need.
How much does it cost?
There are several options to make a policy in order to protect your beloved companion. A budget option is more affordable but it doesn`t cover as much as a premium policy, so you should consider carefully all the possibilities in order to avoid getting the wrong options. To get an exact idea about what you need and how much will you be required to pay, you should contact an insurance company specialized in exotic and small animals, or use the online resources, provide your basic information, get free quotes from different companies and compare them.
What does the insurance cover?
If you choose a vet fee only policy, it will only cover treatment for illnesses or accidents. Some companies may also offer you additional benefits, like cheaper premium options for adding another bunny to the policy, which transforms it into a good budget option.
As about choosing a premier policy, the main benefit is that it will provide full coverage. However, remember that this is the most expensive option and typically there are no discounts for additional bunnies.
Like with every policy, there are limitations which typically include:
- Unrealistic vet fees
- Medical conditions known before the policy start date or noticed within the first days of the policy start date
- Vaccination and neutering for non-medical reasons
- Cosmetic treatment
- Dental treatments, unless there is a history of periodic checkups
- Prostheses, transplants etc.
Some policies will provide cover for alternative therapies recommended by a vet. You can also benefit from receiving money to cover your rabbit`s homecare with somebody else, if you are hospitalized for more than 2 days, as well as money to cover rewards and local advertisements, should your rabbit go missing.
When you make an insurance policy, do not simply assume that some things are covered. Talk to representatives of different insurance companies and see what they have to offer. Take your time to study the estimates you receive, because your disregard may lead to unaffordable bills and very sad consequences.
