Are you adopting a bunny? Congratulations! Your new pet is bound to keep you smiling with her cute antics and adorable face. Bunnies may be small, but they have quite a knack for getting themselves into mischief! In order to keep your pet safe, you’ll need to do some bunnyproofing. As your Marion, IA veterinarian, I’m here to help! I list some helpful bunnyproofing tips below.
Furniture Legs
Rabbits have open-rooted teeth, which means that your pet’s teeth never stop growing. Wild rabbits wear their teeth down on tough roots and plants, but pets eat softer foods, and need to chew to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Because bunnies are basically tiny, adorable little chewing machines, you’ll need to protect anything within your pet’s reach. Furniture legs and baseboards are both common targets. Use protective coverings on these items. You can find some very attractive ones in stores.
Small Spaces
Rabbits sometimes like to get under or behind furniture or cabinets and nibble on wood or upholstery. Seal off any openings your bunny could fit into.
Toxins
Our animal companions don’t necessarily know what is and isn’t safe for them to eat or chew on. Store anything potentially toxic, such as household cleaning agents, lawn/garden products, medicines, pesticides, automotive products, and other chemicals in secure cabinets. You may want to get childproof latches if you store these things in bottom cabinets. You’ll also want to remove any unsafe plants.
Plastic
Plastic bags, wrappers, and ties are all serious choking hazards for small animals. Keep these things well out of paws’ reach!
Wires and Cords
As you can probably imagine, chewing on an electrical cord can be very, very dangerous! Use protective coverings and/or taste deterrent to keep your pet from chewing wires and cords. Also, don’t let your drape cords hang low enough for your rabbit to reach them.
Carpets
Bunnies often love to chew up carpets. Consider putting rubber mats or area rugs down in your pet’s play area to protect your rugs.
Small/Sharp Objects
Keep small or sharp items, such as beads, pins, nails, jewelry, sewing kit pieces, and other hazardous items in secure spots your frisky pet can’t reach. Fishing gear, tacks, and buttons are also dangerous.
Please feel free to contact me, your Marion, IA veterinarian, with any questions or concerns about your bunny’s health or care. I am dedicated to providing excellent service!
