Halloween is coming up quick! You’ll find lots of tips for keeping dogs and cats happy and safe over the autumn holiday, but what about rabbits? We’re ‘hoppy’ to help! An Ellicott City, MD vet discusses spending Halloween with bunnies in this article.
Seasonal Treats
The stores are pretty much overflowing with pumpkins. Floppy can also enjoy some of this delicious autumn crop! In fact, pumpkin is both delicious and nutritious. It’s packed with Vitamin A, and also contains healthy proteins and carbs. However, we don’t recommend letting your pet eat the seeds or rinds. (Note: it would not be inappropriate to take a picture of your furry pal with her pumpkin before you cut it up.) Apples are also safe for rabbits, though, as with pumpkins, you should only offer the flesh. Don’t give your bunny any corn, candy, or chocolate though. Ask your vet for specific advice.
Decorations
As you know, bunnies love to chew. Keep your little buddy in mind as you decorate. Anything small or sharp should be placed somewhere your rabbit can’t reach. This also applies to items with dangling ropes or cords, and anything covered in paint, varnish, glitter, or dye. That said, you may be able to find some things that work great as both decorations and bunny chews. Pine cones, for instance, are a huge hit with Floppy. Just avoid the scented ones, as well as any covered in paint or glitter. Certain fruit tree branches, such as apple trees, are also fine.
Weather
It’s starting to get quite chilly. Offer Floppy a warm, comfy bed or hide to snuggle up in at night. If you keep your bunny in an outdoor hutch, please consider bringing her in for the winter. Wild rabbits dig into burrows when it gets cold. A bunny in an outdoor pen or hutch doesn’t have that option, and can really suffer in frigid temps. If you do keep your pet outside, make sure her habitat is well-insulated, and provide extra bedding.
Activities
Autumn is great snuggle weather. While not all bunnies are lap bunnies, many like sitting next to their humans. Settle in and watch a movie with Floppy. Bunnicula would be a great choice. If you’re up for something darker, Donnie Darko wouldn’t be inappropriate.
Happy Halloween! Contact us, your Ellicott City, MD animal clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs.
