Before we get into your rabbits needs, you will want to know a few of the species available.  Most common are cottontails, dwarf, and lop eared rabbits for pets. The dwarf rabbit is small and best kept indoors, while the cottontails are not as sensitive to the weather and can be housed outside in moderate climates. The lop eared rabbits like the cottontails grow to be a good size and have long floppy ears. The type of rabbit you wish to have for a pet will in part decide on the care.

First like cats and dogs, rabbits require shots from the vet to keep them in good health.  People carry diseases that can harm animals if we do not wash before and after we handle our pet. Rabbits can be susceptible to worms and other dietary parasites so it is important to take your rabbit for its vet visit when needed. Speak with a vet about your rabbit’s care and any questions you may have before you complete your purchase.

Rabbits eat pellets, hay and vegetables. Most rabbits like to munch on carrots or lettuce. You want to feed your rabbit everyday to ensure they are receiving the proper amount of food. Unlike cats that eat when they are hungry, a rabbit can over eat and become over weight.  Some commercial feeds for rabbits contain nuts; however, these are typically not good as they are high in fiber. You can feed your rabbit fruit as a treat, but you should not do so daily.

Housing for a rabbit can be in your home or if you wish to keep them outside a wooden cage will work. Most outside cages are designed to let the waste fall through so they are not sitting on it or laying on it. The cage should be built large enough to house an adult rabbit with bedding spread out to make a nice little home. They should be given plenty of water and have it changed out daily. Having a backyard for your pet rabbit is a great idea. They can roam for a little exercise, which all pets need.

You will want to clean their cages out at least once a week or more depending on how messy or smelly it becomes. Your rabbit needs a clean environment just like you to eliminate the possibilities of disease. An important factor in having a long living rabbit is their environment. Most rabbits live 5 to 10 years.

Rabbits with their fuzzy cottontails or floppy ears are just some of the cutest pets you can own. They are a medium maintenance pet with proper feeding and environment care you can have your rabbit for years. Your children will enjoy showing off their pet rabbit to all their friends and beg you to take him to show and tell.  Pets are needed to complete a family and provide enjoyment for everyone.

Many people have been asking if their pets are safe, as the so called “swine” flu virus spreads through the country.

The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) indicates that the virus, which most think originated in Mexico, “appears to present a low risk of infecting cats and dogs.” The American Veterinary Medical Association suggests that “there is no evidence that pets are susceptible to this new strain of influenza.”

Even if there is no evidence at this time showing any risk to dogs and cats from the virus, owners of pet pigs, as well as pig farmers are being cautioned to watch their animal’s health closely during this outbreak. Precautions to limit transmission from humans to pigs and vice versa have been recommended.

The ASPCA advises keeping your pet pigs and swine on farms isolated from public contact. Influenza type A vaccines are readily available and highly recommended for healthy swine — something owners of Vietnamese Potbellies, African Pygmies and other pet pigs should consider.

The American Association of Swine Veterinarians advises that unnecessary visitors should not be allowed into swine production units, and for people to avoid any contact with pigs that is not required. If your pet pig shows signs of being unwell, call your veterinarian.

Exotic pets may expose young children to higher risks of disease and injuries than traditional household pets, according to the American Academy of Pediatricians in a new study published in their medical journal Pediatrics.

The pediatricians’ group says these non-traditional pets – which include hamsters, hedgehogs, baby chicks, monkeys, lizards and turtles – are likely to carry harmful or even potentially deadly germs. In addition, these exotic pets also tend to bite, scratch or claw much more often than the familiar cats and dogs.

The germs on their bodies and their unpredictable behavior can put younger children at risk, particularly those aged five and under. Children in this age group are more vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing and they also put their hands in their mouths more often than at older stages.

Parents have little understanding of the risks from potential infections exotic pets carry, according to researchers. They cited that:

One out of 10 salmonella-related illnesses in children is believed to arise from playing with small reptiles like lizards, iguanas and turtles. One hundred and three cases of salmonella infection in the late 2007 were due to pet turtles.

The same germ is also found in hamsters and can induce severe diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps.

Salmonella is common in baby chicks. Young children love to kiss or touch these animals, and the germs transfer to their mouths.

Hedgehogs have sharp quills that can penetrate children’s skins. This can introduce bacteria into the inner layers of skin and cause fever, rashes and stomach pains.

In 2003, an outbreak of monkey pox infected 20 people in the Midwest. The germs came from imported African Gambian rats which infected prairie dogs subsequently sold as pets.

The study said pet reptiles may be present in nearly four million households across the country. This estimate was based on data from the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The report also noted a 75 percent increase in the number of exotic pets in the country from 1992. By 2005, illegal importations of exotic pets into the country had grown to 88,000 mammals, 1.3 million reptiles and 203 million fish.

The report also warned that children can be infected even in public places when they touch animals at zoos.

Are you losing your pets to accidents? Do they wander and never return? Show them that you care. Keep your pets safe from harm with the petsafe wireless dog fence.

Rabbits are rising in popularity as domestic pets because of their calm and humble manners. They are easy to care for, can be litter box trained, and they don’t get sick very easy. Because of their character rabbits fit well in houses with other pets, as they can get along with cats and dogs. Rabbits’ average life expectancy is about 10 years.
Rabbits that are living in indoor cages, instead of outdoor cages, are more social and better protected from predators and infections. Rabbits are curious and love to chew on anything that looks interesting –so it is important that if you leave your rabbit free in your home to keep a close eye on it, in order to avoid bytes on electrical cords or toxic household plants.
Rabbits are usually not violent animals and they will run and hide if they are feeling threatened. But when they get upset they can become quiet aggressive.