If you decide to add a pet rabbit to your family then you may be wondering how long these fluffy creatures will live. Luckily, with modern veterinary care, bunnies are now living longer than ever. Our South Lebanon veterinarians talk about the rabbit lifespan and how long you can expect your pet rabbit to live.
How Long Do Pet Rabbits Live?
Fleas are external parasites that survive by parasitizing a host animal. Adult fleas will continue to reproduce and thrive on your pet unless you take steps to break their lifecycle.
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.
Rabbit Nutrition
The nutritional requirements of your pet rabbit will be specific to its 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 its 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.
Rabbit 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 South Lebanon 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.
Our vets in South Lebanon 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.