Rabbit Safety
101- Preparing for the Holidays
Poinsettias are not poisonous but should not be
eaten.
Holly, mistletoe and certain types of ivy can be toxic. So keep all
plants out of your rabbit’s reach.
If your Christmas tree has not been treated (with fire retardant,
pesticides, etc) or painted, then it should be safe to chew. Note
that natural chemical compounds in some evergreens may cause the
bunny's urine to turn more orange than usual, but this is not a
health concern.
Low hanging decorations could be inviting toys. On lower limbs, use
safe plastic or wooden ornaments a rabbit can safely nibble, tug, or
steal. Always supervise closely when bunny is loose around the tree.
Those of you who have Christmas trees also may also have extra
electrical cords and lights, which bunnies can and will chew. If
possible, put your Christmas tree in a room where Bunny doesn't
play. If this isn't possible, you can make your tree "off limits" to
your rabbit by placing a puppy pen around it, or you can use the pen
to section off the part of the room where the tree is, keeping bunny
safely away. This will help keep you and your rabbit safe from
chewed electrical cords and preserve your favorite Christmas
ornaments, as well.
 Be alert about synthetic tinsel and garland which, if ingested,
could cause tummy trouble or impactions. And be conscious of
potpourri.
Some rabbits enjoy nibbling on it, and there's no telling
what potentially harmful chemicals or preservatives might have been
used in the potpourri you're using.
While wrapping and opening gifts, keep in mind that tape and ribbon
are not good things for rabbits to eat, but they seem to be
especially attractive playthings to some bunnies. As a substitute,
give white tissue paper and you'll enjoy watching some happy
playtime.
'Tis the season for candles and fireplaces. Keep the first high out
of reach and the other enclosed so your bunny can't investigate too
closely. Even cold ashes can be harmful, as they are very caustic if
combined with water (including saliva!).
Be aware of low-lying candy, snack bowls, and gingerbread homes, or
your buns will have a (potentially dangerous) feast on holiday
treats. Coffee tables and end tables are usually low enough for a
healthy bunny to easily hop up and partake of your festive
offerings. Salty snacks are particularly risky, since a rabbit can
actually ingest a fatal overdose of salt if she eats too much (e.g.,
chips, salted nuts, etc.)
To reduce your rabbit's stress, try to stick as close as possible to
her routine. Make sure you remember to give her plenty of attention
and reassurance. If your bunny is particularly sensitive to noise
and activity, you may even want to move her to a quieter room while
your company is visiting.
Don't be shy about laying down some ground rules for your company,
especially if they include children. Never leave your rabbit
unsupervised with a child.
---House Rabbit Society
Bunny-Safe Holidays
Holidays can be both happy and stressful times. Here are some tips, compiled by HRS volunteers, to make the festive season safer for house rabbits.
Keep deadly holiday plants away from curious bunnies. Yew, mistletoe and holly berries can be fatal if eaten. Tempting garlands should be kept out of reach and dropped foliage removed immediately.
Bunnies should never be allowed to chew on artificial Christmas trees. A low fence or playpen around it will reduce temptation.
Don't forget to bunny-proof the electrical wiring and extension cords of Christmas tree lights, window candles, and holiday displays. In one instance, an unsupervised house bunny caused a tragic holiday fire. In another, wild bunnies were caught on video chewing the outdoor lighting!
Live Christmas trees can be fun for bunnies if a little thought is put into their purchase. Ask whether your live tree has been painted or treated with flame retardants; bunnies can be poisoned by these chemicals. Many untreated live trees are safe for bunnies and make a terrific Christmas present; the lower branches are great to nibble and play beneath. One caution: the coniferous tree pigments turn the urine a bright orange color; this is safe and won't hurt the bunny. However, you should always be alert for bright red in the urine, which can indicate blood. If in doubt, ask your vet.
Choose bunny-safe Christmas tree decorations. Never, ever, use tinsel on a tree where Bunny has access. The long plastic threads are too tempting and will tangle and obstruct the gut. Keep chewable or glass ornaments out of reach; only hard plastic ornaments can be hung on bunny-level branches. Ours like to push the swinging ornaments with their noses.
Be a Santa Bunny and make a donation to the HRS foster rabbits. They accrue thousands of dollars in medical bills yearly. Caring for them uses hundreds of pounds of food and litter, gallons of laundry detergent, and dozens of rolls of paper towels and color film.
Make a second donation to your local shelter. For many bunnies, the shelter personnel give bunnies the first kindness they've known. Are the cages worn and need replacement? What about clean, unchewed rugs and litterpans? Or a donation of good pellets and litter? The shelter animals deserve a special Christmas, too.
Speaking of presents, you'd better not forget that special Bun. A fresh, unstained litterpan can improve habits. Does that chewed tunnel need replacing? Or that ratty cardboard box? Avoid feeding an excess of food treats: tidbits of raisin, banana or apple are the best and healthiest. Good health is still the best present ever.
Finally, make sure Bunny gets plenty of attention. All the hustle and bustle can make it hard to give Bunny the attention s/he needs. It can also disrupt his or her routine and introduce noisy visitors who don't speak rabbit language. These stresses can lead to destructive behavior. Set aside special time and remember what the holidays are really about: having love and compassion for our fellow companions, human and animal. by Lori White, New Hampshire Chapter of the House Rabbit Society Submitted by: If you have rabbit related questions you would like answered,
get them answered at June's Booth |
