Last Updated on June 12, 2023 by Admin
Bunnies are arguably among the top most popular pets to own. When properly taken care of, your pet rabbit’s lifespan is extended and their overall health tremendously improves. However, there are usually some factors you need to consider when it comes to improving both their mental and physical well-being. This article will talk about some of the tips you need to know when it comes to your pets’ general health, regardless of the breed.
The average lifespan of a rabbit
Wild rabbits usually have a shorter lifespan compared to their counterparts, the domestic rabbits. A rabbit in the wild lives for a few years, contrary to a domesticated rabbit has an average lifespan of between 8 to 12 years. In other words, wild rabbits have a shorter lifespan because they are more prone to lurking predators, diseases, starvation, etc.
All factors held constant; the type of rabbit breed also determines its longevity. It is a known fact that different rabbit breeds usually have different life expectancies. For instance, a larger breed tends to have a relatively shorter lifespan than a medium-sized or dwarf rabbit.
Generally, domesticated rabbits’ average lifespan has increased tremendously over the years, thanks to veterinarians’ advanced and specialized training. Lastly, owners are more informed on properly taking care of their bunnies in feeding, shelter, grooming, etc. Over the years, rabbits have also become quite a popular pet for adoption after cats and dogs, hence automatically leading to more acceptance and better care.
How to increase your Rabbits’ longevity
There are usually many factors that you need to consider when you want to increase your bunny’s lifespan. However, the primary factor boils down to how well you take care of your pet. Below are the four basic factors you need to consider when it comes to a rabbit’s longevity.
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Food
A rabbit’s diet should contain a sufficient amount of hay and a high fiber-rich diet comprising greens such as kale, endive, etc. When it comes to giving your pets treats, ensure that you do it moderately to avoid health-related issues that may arise. It’s always advisable to occasionally give your bunnies a treat in the form of a slice of fruit or carrot.
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Housing
Another fundamental factor that determines the longevity of a rabbit lifespan has a suitable rabbit hutch. Proper housing should be spacious enough to enable your rabbits to exercise and also play around. Rabbits usually get easily bored, and it’s, therefore, essential to let them play outside of their cages.
For instance, if you keep your bunnies indoors, it’s usually advisable to have a special room for them to roam freely. Alternatively, if you’re ok with your rabbits roaming freely, then always rabbit-proof your house, cover any wires that might be lying around, books, or any valuable item that the rabbits might get their paws on.
Also, ensure that your bunnies can’t access any high places, particularly staircases; they usually tend to jump off and might end up injuring themselves. Lastly, those who keep their pets outdoors should ensure proper shelter and security for their pets- free from predators that might want to harm your bunnies.
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Veterinary care
Your rabbits’ over health should be monitored by a veterinarian at least once per year. Therefore, it’s recommendable to have occasional checkup trips to the veterinarian, especially when you have adult bunnies.
Neutering or spaying your bunnies can tremendously increase your bunny’s lifespan. Unspayed does are mostly at risk of uterine cancer. Therefore, it’s essential to visit an experienced vet if you want your bunnies to remain healthy.
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Mental stimulation
Just like human rabbits easily get bored when they lack mental stimulation. A rabbit that lacks physical and mental stimulation is most definitely going to find alternative ways to entertain itself. In most cases, it usually ends up being destructive.
A bored rabbit might end up chewing your furniture or even destroying your carpet. It is, therefore, recommendable to give your rabbits various toys to keep them actively entertained.
Common causes of rabbit death
Bunnies’ main cause of death is usually gastrointestinal or GI tract, which is usually lethal and can kill your pet rabbits fast. Always watch out for early signs and symptoms such as loss of appetite, abnormal or small droppings, etc. The GI tract or other common related deaths can be due to numerous factors such as:
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Intestinal Blockage
- Poisoning
- Heart attacks
- Heatstroke
- Cancer
- Infectious diseases
- Severe Injuries
Conclusion
Generally, it’s usually important to give full attention to your rabbits’ overall health, and if symptoms persist, ensure that you take them to a veterinarian. Bunnies are usually good at hiding their sickness, and when you start noticing health abnormalities, there’s a high chance that they have been suffering for a while.
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