Beyond the Front Door

All experienced bunny-owners know that a little outdoor exercise is good for a healthy rabbit. Fresh air benefits your pets want to play, and while he is romping in the grass, you may notice him kick up his heels with joy!

BORED BUNNY

A bored rabbit is likely to chew and gnaw on his cage, and maybe even attempt to chew on a rug or blanket, even if he is well-trained. While living full-time outside isn't a good choice, playing for a limited time is a fun way for your rabbit to exercise fully. Most owners think it is unsafe for a bunny to play outdoors, but they are wrong. However, rabbit owners who are careless leave bunnies to play on their own, left to fend for themselves in the open. But a serious bunny-caretaker doesn't live their pets where the great outdoors could pose a threat to their precious carrot-munchers. If you have a fenced-in yard, your pet will have a little more free run of the outdoors just as well as he does indoors. It is still fun to have a harness on hand, in case your rabbit is brave enough to walk on the leash down the sidewalk! Daisy has her very own red harness that she adores, although she really rather would prefer "taking the reins" and racing around our yard. Still, your pet may enjoy either form of exercise when going outside, because there are many exciting things to see and do.



CAREFUL PLAY

Dogs or cats love rabbits, and not to be their friends, but for a nice dinner. Some dogs or cats do live peacefully with a rabbit, but the strange dogs that aren't yours are the ones to watch for. Be careful that the harness is tight enough! It may look fine when your pet is happily nibbling on grass, but if he is attacked, he could wiggle out. Also, don't tighten it too much, because your bunny could choke when running or walking, and the spine could be damaged beyond repair if your pet became frightened. Even calm rabbits could be seriously hurt, though! Most plants, like grass, pansies, and dandelions, are safe, but some, like hastas, are poisonous. Then why do wild rabbits eat them with no sign of injury? Well, this is because wild rabbits are truly equipped for the outdoors. They can live in the coldest conditions, unlike domestic rabbit breeds. Your domestic pet needs protection, and you can supply it!



KEEP IT QUICK AND FUN

Rabbits need that positive human affection, because they will get bored and aggressive without it. Instead of holding onto your rabbits leash while talking to the neighbor, or sitting on the porch "watching" him lay in the yard while you read the newspaper, play with him! That's right, get down on your knees! Offer him treats and play fun games that rabbits like! You got it!


ALL DONE!

When bunnies lay down, it usually means they are saying, "C'mon, I am pooped! No more play!" When he lays down in the grass, pet him and talk to him. When it gets long, and you think you should be heading in, say a key word, such as, "Inside!" or, "All done!" That way if you need your bunny to wrap it up, you can say the word. He will do it immediately. To show him, pick him up and take him in. After a few weeks of saying it, it will "click." Cool, huh?




I hope you enjoy playing outdoors with your bunny or other pet as much as I did! Remember to be safe, have fun, and go beyond the average indoor playtime!

Spooky!

My sister holds her bunny Lily--this rabbit doesn't need a costume!!

Happy Halloween, everybody! Today we are getting stuff ready: carving our pumpkins, filling the candy bowl......It's a surprise I had any time to post something today, but it's a good thing I do!! Anyway, I wanted to talk about the real scary stuff going on if you have a pet. Number one, costumes. Anyone loves to see a bunny in a magician's hat or even a rat (I saw this once!) role-playing a parrot while sitting on a "pirate's" shoulder. They may look so cute and the oohs and aahs prove it, but is it the right size? Is it too tight or too loose? Does the pet feel comfortable wearing the costume? Ask yourself these questions before you put anything on your pet.

Next up is the candy. It may be the best treat on earth, but never give your critter a nibble of a chocolate bar. (The same with dogs or cats;they can easily get a hold of your stash of candy and you could find them with a guilty look--and even worse, they'll have to go to the vet!) To solve this yearly dilemma, give Rufus a dog biscuit, and he'll likely be satisfied with his very own Halloween treat. The same goes with small pets--hand them a few sunflower seeds or even some pumpkin seeds and watch them enjoy it!

 Last but definitely not least, is decor. Those cute pumpkins and black-and-orange garlands may look harmless, but could easily lead to deadly consequences. Keep flames up high, and avoid decorations your pet could chew on, get stuck in, or break(such as glass items). Animals love to eat pumpkins, and if they fall inside, the flame could burn their fur and injure them. Use fake candles which shine LED lights, and keep most decor outdoors if possible.



All holidays can be potentially dangerous to your small pet. Have fun, and be safe!! Happy Halloween--I hope you get lots of treats and no tricks!!

ATTACK OF THE VAMPIRE BUNNY!!