Have you recently adopted a rabbit? Good for you! Floppy is a very cute and frisky pet. She’s also a bit mischievous, and has a strong need to chew. Your furry buddy will need free time out of her cage every day. However, before you let her out to play, you’ll need to do some bunnyproofing. A Forest Hill, MD vet offers tips on how to do that in this article.

Toxins

Remove or secure toxic plants, medicines, household cleaning agents, automotive products, lawn and garden chemicals, pesticides, and anything else that could be poisonous to your furry friend.

Small/Sharp Objects

Be sure to keep anything small and/or sharp well out of reach of those cute little paws. This includes beads, buttons, tacks, craft kit pieces, earrings, nails, screws, safety pins, and more.

Wires and Cords

Secure any wires and cords. They can be serious choking hazards. Also, Floppy could seriously hurt herself if she bites into a live wire! This is a huge fire hazard as well.

Furniture Legs and Baseboards

Furniture legs and baseboards are a favorite bunny target. They’re the perfect height and texture for rabbits to nibble on. Use protective coverings and/or taste deterrent to curb Floppy’s plans.

Carpet

Floppy has been known to chew carpet fibers. Consider putting mats down in your pet’s play area to protect your rugs.

Openings

Bunnies can fit into some pretty tight spaces. They also often can’t resist nibbling on the upholstery beneath beds and couches. Seal off openings beneath and behind furniture and cabinets.

Personal Objects

Closets can be a gold mine for a curious bunny. Shoes, purses, belts, bookbags, and other personal items make tempting chew toys! Keep closets closed, and store personal items well out of paws’ reach.

Tips

If you have space, consider setting aside a room just for your fuzzy pal to play in. That way you won’t have to worry about the rest of the house. Just remember to spend time with your bunny, so she doesn’t feel isolated. Also, you should never punish your pet for chewing. Bunnies have open-rooted teeth, and must chew daily to prevent painful dental problems. Make sure Floppy always has suitable chew toys to nibble on. Ask your vet for more information.

Please contact us, your Forest Hill, MD pet clinic, with any questions or concerns about bunny health or care. We are here to help!