Fun in the Sun
Ah, summer. Time for house rabbits to head outdoors, romp in the green grass and feel the breeze in their fur. Backyard adventures can be lots of fun for both rabbits and their caregivers, but the great outdoors, especially in summer, can also be rife with hazards. Like your mother reminding you to wear plenty of sunscreen and to stay out of the pool for 30 minutes after lunch, rabbits, too, need to take a few precautions before enjoying their fun in the sun.
I haven't met a rabbit yet who doesn't enjoy a summer picnic. Most will nibble on the grass and plants growing around the yard, sampling and foraging. But before you let bunny munch away, know your plants. That beautiful shrub might be poisonous! Rabbits will NOT instinctively avoid poisonous plants, so it's up to you as their guardian to know what's what. Make a list of everything growing in your yard, then check it against the list of poisonous plants on the House Rabbit Society's Web site (http://www.rabbit.org/chapters/san-diego... Don't take any chances here. Either remove those plants that are dangerous, or don't let bunny out in the yard at all. When in doubt, take it out. Also, keep the phone number to the ASCPA's animal poison hotline (888-426-4435) where you can get to it in an emergency.
Grasses and lawns can also contain harmful fertilizers and pesticides. Again, be aware of what's growing around your home. If you own your home, avoid using fertilizers and pesticides, or use a natural, rabbit-friendly alternative such as compost, soapy water, or diatomaceous earth. If you rent, ask your landlord if the lawn has been treated. Public parks are often sprayed with chemicals, too. Ask your local parks department if they have treated your park, when, and with what. You can't be too conservative when it comes to your pet. If you have any doubts about the safety of a lawn, bunny should not be allowed to graze it.
Digging is one of the rabbit's chief pleasures. Better they dig in the yard than in your carpet, right? Well, sort of. Yes, it is far better for a rabbit to have something harmless to dig in, such as a box full of hay or newspaper, than it is for them to rip up your new shag rug. But backyard dirt can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that you'll never see or know about until it's too late. If you're headed outside, this can be a tough one to avoid. Use common sense. If you see your rabbit eating large amounts of dirt, stop them. Most rabbits will do fine just padding around the earth and digging the occasional hole.
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