It's never too early to start thinking about how we can support our outdoor pets as the temperatures start to drop and nights start drawing in.
Rabbits often start presenting in practice with gut related issues as the seasons change, but we can help to head off some of these problems at the pass with a little proactive planning!
Supporting gut health is so important as the temperatures start to drop, so now is the time to make any repairs to the bunny empire.
So, to help your bunnies glide into autumn ...
🐰 Increase the hay for eating and hay/straw in their bedroom. Even if it's warm during the day, our night temperatures are dropping, so ensure that they can stay cool if they want to but that there is additional warm bedding if they want to. It's really important that they have the option to cool down or warm up.
💧 Don't forget to keep those water bowls topped up, and make sure that they don't freeze over. If your rabbit is on a dropper bottle, consider adding in a large, ceramic water bowl too, as studies have found that rabbits prefer bowls and that this keeps them better hydrated as they can take a longer, more satisfying drink. Just like us! And the better sated and hydrated they are, the better their guts work!
🐰 Do some brushing. Their summer moult is starting so their fur ingestion will increase. Help beat the floofballs with some calm, gentle brushing and positive reinforcement.
🐰 Don't restrict exercise. This is so important for health. Many owners think that allowing rabbits outside when it's cold, wet or snowy will be detrimental, but actually, the opposite is true. It's really important that rabbits keep moving and stay warm in order to keep those guts moving. Inactive, chilly rabbits are at a much higher risk of gut stasis. Rabbits should have the same access to exercise and fresh air all year round. Of course, if their run is is likely to get muddy, or there's the risk of them just sitting on wet ground,, you could put a cover over their run. A tarpauline would suffice; it doesn't have to be expensive or fancy, but it is important that they get to move around whatever the weather. My rabbits loved playing about in the snow, even when they were in their senior years.
The really important thing is that they have somewhere warm, draught-free, and dry to retreat to afterwards.
🐰 Underlying pain issues might also flare up as the cold weather begins, especially in older rabbits, so consider getting a bunny check-up with your vet or RVN so that you can make sure your bunny is in tip-top shape!
Prevention is better than cure so it's never too early to start your autumn bunny prep! 🐇 🍂