Rabbits can make great household pets, but many people wonder how long the lifespan is for these companions. Today, our Hopkinsville vets talk about pet rabbits including how long they live, and how you can care for them.
The Lifespan of Pet Rabbits
Pet rabbits typically have a lifespan between 8 and 12 years, but there are a variety of factors that can influence how long a domesticated rabbit will leave.
To ensure your pet rabbit can get the appropriate care they need, make sure you have a vet in your area that can care for exotic pets such as rabbits.
Breeds of Rabbit
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 & Diet
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.
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 to their local vet for routine exams. 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.
Veterinarians 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.