Welcoming a rabbit into your family and wondering how long these adorable creatures live? Fortunately, with modern veterinary care, bunnies are now living longer than ever. Our Augusta vets discuss rabbit lifespan and how to help your bunny live a long and healthy life.
How Long Do Pet Rabbits Live?
Rabbits are a popular pet among families in North America. They have the ability to be trained as well as being a pet that you are able to pet and cuddle as you would with cats and dogs. But what is it like having a rabbit as a pet and what is the expected lifespan of these pets when they have proper care?
Different Rabbit Breeds
As with most animals, the breed can have a large effect on the lifespan of your pet rabbit. This is most commonly seen in small breeds vs larger breeds, with the smaller breeds of rabbits living longer than large breeds.
Some breeds of rabbits are also genetically predisposed to various conditions and diseases that have the potential to shorten their lifespan. This is something that you should keep in mind while deciding on which breed of rabbit to add to your family.
Providing Optimal Nutrition For Rabbits
The nutritional requirements of your pet rabbit will be specific to their species and breed. The food that you decide to feed your new pet will have a direct effect on how long they may live.
Your rabbit will have a specific set of requirements when it comes to their daily needs for vitamins, minerals, fiber and other main sources of nutrition.
Your rabbit should be fed a balanced diet of specialized pellets, hay and various vegetables while also allowing them to enjoy the occasional treats and fruit in moderation.
Caring For Your Rabbit's Health
One way that you can help ensure that your pet rabbit lives a long life is by protecting them with ongoing care.
You can help prevent parasites and various diseases by ensuring that you are consistent with good hygiene such as washing your hands before and after handling your rabbit as well as keeping their enclosure clean and free of messes.
You can provide ongoing preventive care by bringing your rabbit in for routine exams and care with their Augusta veterinarian. These routine visits will allow the vet to address any potential health concerns quickly as well as provide preventive care for any parasites that your rabbit may have contracted.
At Highland Animal Hospital also recommend having your rabbit spayed or neutered. This can not only help prevent unwanted babies but also a variety of potentially life-threatening cancers that could shorten the lifespan of your pet rabbit.
Rabbit Lifestyle
While many people may think that rabbits are perfectly fine with living in a cage, this couldn't be further from the truth. Rabbits that live with open space to run around as well as toys for mental stimulation typically live healthier lives than those that are kept confined to cages.
Another thing to keep in mind is that rabbits prefer calm environments and can panic when there are sudden movements or loud noises. If they suffer from too much stress due to children, other pets or loud sounds it can cause them to go into shock which can be potentially fatal.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.