Inverness vet: Pets can provide comfort in these worrying times
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This is a column by Alison Laurie-Chalmers, who is a senior consultant at Crown Vets in Inverness.
Rabbits have long been synonymous with spring. If looked after well they can be rewarding, lovely pets and can be so much fun, so I thought I would talk about rabbit care this week.
Ideally, try to keep rabbits in pairs, or in a compatible group, as they are not solitary animals. Naturally sociable, they like companionship and their behaviour will reflect this.
Neutering them will prevent unwanted litters and potential fighting and neutered rabbits are generally happier and healthier.
Rabbits are sensitive animals so children should be taught how to safely handle and care for them. They are not an ideal first pet for very young children as they do need quiet, patient handling and minimal stress.
Annual vaccinations are very important against myxomatosis and VHD.
Rabbits can live for up to 10 years and as with all other pets, they need time and attention and should be checked on at least twice a day. They must be kept in spacious accommodation which allows them to stand up, hop, stretch and play.
Most rabbits are happy living either indoors or out. If you choose to keep them indoors, extra care must be taken to keep them safe. Generally, rabbits can live side by side with other household pets such as cats and dogs quite happily, provided the other animal is well trained and does not view your rabbit as prey.
You should introduce other pets to your rabbit carefully and slowly, and make sure it can always escape to an area of safety.
Rabbits are relatively easy to litter train and will usually go to the toilet in the same place every time. A paper-based biodegradable litter is safest.
Rabbits are chewers so always provide plenty of safe things for them to chew on. All electric cables must have a strong protective covering or wire guard around them, and house plants should be moved as they may be poisonous.
Outdoor rabbits also need plenty of room, with a large hutch and surrounding run and a private compartment.
It is vital that any outdoor accommodation is sited in a sheltered, shaded area away from direct sunlight, strong winds and rain.
A healthy diet is one of the most important things. An inappropriate diet can lead to obesity, digestive issues and severe dental problems. Hay and grass should be the basis, making up to 85 per cent of a rabbit’s diet. They also need a daily variety of fresh leafy greens as 10 per cent of their diet. Kale, spinach and savoy cabbage are ideal.
Cereal-based diets are high in sugar and low in minerals and should not be given. Small quantities of a good complete pellet diet are a better choice, making up five per cent of their diet.
Carrots and fruit can be high in sugar and starch, so only feed as an occasional treat. Never give rabbits lawn grass cuttings as this will cause serious health problems. Fresh clean water must also be available and changed daily.
Rabbits need mental stimulation and this can come from having plenty of room to run around and safe things to chew.
Four-legged friends can help enormously with our own mental health and emotions. If we are feeling a little anxious due to isolation, just take time to sit and observe your pets and enjoy watching their behaviour. Looking after our pets does provide us with some positive focus during these worrying times.
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