Are you planning to get a bunny soon? Funny, playful, and cute, Floppy is a great little friend. However, as with any new pet, you’ll need to take some time to build her trust. Keeping in mind that rabbits are shy is important. They are always on the lookout for hawks, wolves, coyotes, wild dogs, and other threats. Below, a doctor gives some tips on how to win Floppy’s heart.

Start Things Out On The Right Paw

You can start building trust with your pet as soon as you bring her home. Do not try to pull Floppy out of her cage. Give her a few days to settle in, then just open the door and let her come out whenever she wants. Your curious pet will become interested in her new home and you at some point. When she gets close, put out your hand for her to sniff. Treats won’t hurt, either.

It is very important to bunnyproof your home before you bring Floppy home. Remove or secure anything you don’t want your pet friend to reach. Any gaps under and behind beds and furniture should be sealed. You should also cover baseboards, wood or plastic furniture legs, and any wires or cords. You can also use a taste deterrent if that is better. Things like small or sharp objects, personal items, plastics, drugs, and chemicals could also be dangerous, so these will need to be kept out of reach. Ask your Fayetteville, NC vet for advice on how to keep bunnies safe.

Do Not Scare Your Pet

Floppy holds grudges, so if you scare her, she will remember it. Don’t make noise or move quickly. Also, only pick up your pet if you need to move her or put her in her cage. If she doesn’t want to be held, don’t. It didn’t work for the Abominable Snow Man: he wasn’t able to become friends with Bugs Bunny by smooshing him with hugs, and it won’t work for you either! Even if your pet friend is the cutest thing ever, overpowering her will make her scared.

Communicate With Your Rabbit.

Talking to Floppy will help her get used to you. Make your voice sound happy and calm. Pay attention to how Floppy moves and how cute her ears are.

Give Out Fun Toys

Rabbits like to play. They also need to chew, so they will need a lot of safe toys to do that. Some really good ones are sold in shops, but you can also make your own at home. But make sure you only use safe products. Often, things made of paper, cardboard, wood, or straw will work. Avoid things that have sharp edges, plastic parts, or threads, and especially things that are made of things that could be deadly. Get more information from your Fayetteville, NC vet.

Win Floppy’s Heart With Treats

Feeding pets treats is a common way to win their hearts. Just pick out safe things. 

Bunnies love sweets, and while they shouldn’t have too many sugary foods, they can have small amounts of things like apples, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, or strawberries. Beet greens, bell peppers, cucumbers, grapes, green beans, honeydew, kiwi, mango, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, pumpkin, raspberries, and watermelon are also safe to eat.

It’s equally important to know what isn’t safe. That list includes corn, lentils, mushrooms, garlic, green onions, kelp, leeks, corn, currants, avocado, chocolate, alcohol, figs, nuts, olives, onions, peanuts, popcorn, potatoes, quinoa, rhubarb, rice, seeds, beets, walnuts, and anything else that has xylitol, alcohol, or a lot of salt, fat, or sugar. 

Ask your vet for specific advice.

Get To Eye Level

If you think about it, Floppy probably thinks we look like huge monsters. Getting down to the ground can make you look less scary.

Be Gentle

Animals form bonds with people who are kind to them and care for them. Good old-fashioned TLC will work wonders here. Find out important rabbit care tips from your vet. This includes how to set up the cage, typical illnesses, food suggestions, and toys. We’re always happy to help!

Make An Appointment At Our Fayetteville, NC Veterinary Clinic

Are you interested in learning how to take care of rabbits? When you need help, just call our Fayetteville, NC cat clinic! We are dedicated to giving great care.