You can’t force your animals to get along with each other, so be prepared with a back-up strategy to keep your two pets in your home separately. That part is coming up soon! Signs Your Bunny May Show After an Electric Cord Bite. So a typical house cat is not likely to immediately chase after a rabbit. Rabbits would sometimes attack the other animals they live with and badly injure them. Does your dog lunge for the rabbit? Diseases can easily pass from rabbits to other small animals. (a fearful rabbit will run and hide, or start thumping with their back legs). Some bites, especially from cats, can get infected by bacteria from the animal's mouth. Rabbits must be handled appropriately so they do not scratch or bite and so they can develop a positive relationship with humans. I used to keep and breed rabbits as a 4H kid, and while mine were gentle and sweet tempered I did have friends that raised other breeds not known for such. If you're raising a rabbit and have experienced behavioral problems, you might be wondering what you can do differently to bring back the sweet, affectionate pet you once knew. This depends on the disposition of your cat, and also the size of your rabbit. There is also still the problem of territorial behavior. Just like domestic ones, anything that may scare or threaten them will make them be aggressive. It would be very easy for a dog to accidentally hurt a rabbit, so even if they do successfully become friends, you want to be very careful. A nibble will be small little bites which is the behavior rabbits employ when grooming another rabbit. Young rabbits with heavy infestations may become anemic. But you need to be very careful with this method. If there is even a hint of stress for either animal, end the interaction and try again another time. Up to 10% of rat bites may result in rat bite fever. However, rabbit bite wounds are usually not deep, and don’t require medical intervention. To start, it is essential to know the typical manifestations of the disease. But luckily, for most house cats, rabbits are much bigger than the animals they would normally hunt. The following scenarios, all taken from real life, illustrate the basic causes of aggression and some easy ways to solve it. is there risk of rabies? After a few months your pets will likely start to get used to each other. If either animal shows signs of fear or stress, then you should end the interaction and try again tomorrow. Depends on how hard they bite. Rabbit bites certainly have the potential to be very dangerous. You have to be very careful with how you introduce two pets to each other and be willing to have a back-up plan if things don’t go as you wish. Always supervise them and always be ready to end the interaction if you need to. She didnt even move. They can be very territorial, so if they are not introduced correctly they may start attacking each other. Far and away the most common bite is a dog bite. This can be your rabbit’s cage or a fence. This can be your rabbit’s cage or a fence. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Just like two dogs who live together can actually go after each other when overstimulated, your dog may turn on your rabbit. More boys than girls get bitten, and almost two thirds of the injuries among children under age 4 are to the neck and head area. Becker, Mikkel. You should still consider keeping them apart when you are not home or when you are asleep, but by now your pets are both part of the family. Keep you dog on the leash and bring the dog into the same room as the rabbit, but do not let the dog approach the cage or … Other than that, the only thing you can do after your dog ate a rabbit is to wait and see if he shows any symptoms of discomfort. The dog should be trained to sit and stay, and be kept on a leash. Keep your rabbit away from staircases. First of all, pet rabbits and wild rabbits are different when we are talking about bites. So before letting your rabbit roam free, you should bunny-proof your home. This can be done and it is not uncommon for pet rabbits to get along with dogs, cats and many other animals if socialized correctly. This is the case if the animal is sick or you get an infection in the bite. How is tularemia transmitted? Bite Wounds. They will be more likely to chase after squirrels or other small animals outside. Surprisingly, it is also possible that the rabbit will be aggressive and attack the cat. Biting is a common behavior involving the opening and closing of the jaw.This behavior is found in reptiles, mammals, fish and amphibians. Victor Dog. Are Dog Whistles Cruel? It can be some unpleasant experience, but still inevitable. So be vigilant to make sure all of your pets are free of parasites. Often rabbits will bite out of pain, so a trip to a good rabbit vet will look for tooth problems, pain, etc. People can get infected through bites or scratches by rats. In worst case scenarios, the rabbit could have a heart attack or go into shock from being around a barking dog. By the end of the article, you’ll have a good idea of how you can handle this undesirable bunny behavior. Unfortunately, it is possible that your cat and rabbit will not get along with each other. It isn’t uncommon for your rabbit to bite or nip, but it should always be addressed. Does the rabbit scramble away and hide? Don’t forcibly remove … This will be a bit involved (and shouldn't be taken as the absolute last word since I'm still learning about bunnies myself!). If your rabbit is in any potentially dangerous situation (even on a table at a veterinary clinic), always make sure someone has control of the rabbit to prevent jumps or falls. Rabbits are very territorial animals, so if they feel the dog is encroaching on their home territory, they might attack. i know this probably does not work for the rabbit does not understand, but i don't know what to do anymore ! Whether the animal is a family pet (in kids, most animal bites that are reported are from dogs) or a creature from the wild, scratches and bites can carry disease.. Rabbits can carry fleas and ticks, which could be passed on to your dog. Even a dog that is normally very calm can have the instinct to chase after small prey animals. You can typically treat a rabbit bite by applying first aid kit. There is more than one type of allergy that a dog can develop to rabbits. Their chiseled incisor teeth can make deep puncture wounds, but they will make clean cuts that and are unlikely to get infected. Rabbit biting is an emotionally driven behavior. Sit while you are handling a rabbit so the rabbit can't fall. Full Forum Listing Rabbit bites can be painful, and they are likely to bleed, too. Cats are natural predators, so some cats will attack rabbits, but not all. Although they have big front teeth, the idea of something so cute and cuddly biting you is not the first thought. You also need to consider how your rabbit will feel about the dog. That is most likely to happen when you are feeding them, or when they are hungry, and you put your finger too close to them in their cage. Rabbits are prey animals and can become very fearful around dogs. Make sure your rabbit has a place to run and hide so they never feel cornered. 2. A rabbit bite does not normally present a significant health hazard. If your dog has never interacted with a rabbit before don't worry, there are ways you can introduce them to see how they react to each other. If a rabbit bites you, it means that he/she is trying to get your attention. The quarantine period is a precaution against the remote possibility that an animal may appear healthy, but actually be sick with rabies. Follow the Bunny Lady and her bunny partner Elusive and they seek to educate rabbit caretakers and make sure everyone is able to have a happy and healthy bunny in their home. Rabbits are great house pets. A two pound rabbit might be small enough that your cat will try to chase after it, but a large 12 pound rabbit might even be bigger than your cat. If you do have a pretty social bun then you can start slowly introducing your dog to your bun within the first few days of bringing them home. This may calm your rabbit, and your senses too. Veterinary Management for Your Pets 2018 - 2020. It can be an unpleasant experience, undoubtedly, but it's inevitable: Biting and nipping are part of a rabbit's natural means of communication. Infection with Francisella tularensis can occur in several ways: Ingestion of the tissues or body fluids of an infected animal. Reality: Well cared-for … And kennel cough in dogs can sometimes cause serious illness in rabbits. After receiving twice daily wound treatments, twice daily antibiotics and pain medications, and four formula feelings per day, the injured rabbit is healing. Some cats are more territorial and more natural hunters than others. Squeal loudly so your rabbit knows that it hurts you and do not do it again. Unless you are living with a compromised immune system, you have little reason to worry about a rabbit bite. Similarly, if you have a very territorial or aggressive rabbit, you’ll want to be very careful about bringing any other pets into the family. A rabbit bite does not normally present a significant health hazard. The size difference will disrupt their predator-and-prey relationship. As with companion dogs, chocolate has no place in your rabbit’s diet. Animal bites and scratches, even minor ones, can sometimes lead to complications. They also often grow up with access to some fuzzy chew toys, and you don’t want them to mistake the rabbit for a toy. Rabbits are gregarious creatures who enjoy social contact with their human care-takers. If they do, it’s time to allow the dog to get closer to the rabbit’s enclosure. Dogs and puppies are also more rambunctious than rabbits are. Dogs may bite in defense of themselves, their territory, or a member of their pack. Typically, you can treat a rabbit bite by applying standard first aid care. But an animal is more likely to bite if it's been disturbed, feels threatened or gets overexcited. When a rabbit is stressed, it may bite or lunge to avoid an uncomfortable situation. Sometimes rabbit bites because they are scared, annoyed of something, frightened or hurt by someone. People are often mystified about what to do when their rabbit starts behaving like a pit bull, but here are a few tips to get you through the hard times. A bite or nip will be a sharp pain from a snap of the rabbit's jaws. It is possible for rabbits to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets, but you have to be very careful and patient. In addition, dogs can become infected by eating dead animals. I have personally seen a rabbit fall over dead just from standing next to a large dog. Contact a Wildlife Rehabber, a rabbit veterinarian, or a bunny rescue group in your area. Supervise their interaction very closely and be ready to break them up at the smallest hint of danger. Rabbits may intentionally or unintentionally injure … Stress can also cause a rabbit to bite. Your email address will not be published. I am a lifelong rabbit lover and have been specializing with rabbits at my local animal shelter. Loss of movement or partial paralysis They might be curious about a new rabbit coming into the home, and over time will be acclimated to the new animal. Rabbits only live a year or two, so no long commitment is necessary. Dogs can become infected with tularemia in the same ways that people do. You want to be very careful when you introduce a rabbit and a cat. If the bunnies are caught by a cat or dog and have been bitten, put them in the warm, dark box and call a Wildlife Rehabilitator for help. Watch and wait to see how your animals react. In theory, rabbits and house cats can get along. Why rabbits and other small animals should not be kept as companions: Most diseases that rabbits can get are species specific and have little chance of spreading to cats or dogs. They can die of heart attacks from the very approach of a predator – even if the rabbit is not attacked or bitten. We hate SPAM as much as you do and promise never to giveaway or sell your personal information to anyone, ever. It’s possible that a rabbit will try to attack a dog instead, especially if the rabbit was in the home first. Once your rabbit gets spayed or neutered, this aggressive behavior will go away. 9, 2013, www.vetstreet.com/our-pet-experts/can-a-rabbit-live-with-a-dog-or-a-cat. After a few days (or possibly weeks) of giving them these short interactions, your pets might start to feel comfortable and curious around each other. He goes over and voices his displeasure with them being in HIS bar. 6. Disinfect The Wound. How To Stop My Dog From Trying To Eat a Rabbit? – We Tell You Before You Buy, Are Cat Bites Dangerous? Animals that grow up together are more likely to feel a bond with each other. Sometimes rabbits bite or nibble at you if they’re bored. When they’re adolescents, they are prone to aggressive behavior like biting, kicking or hiding from you. Owners should interact with rabbits in a calm and soothing manner to help avoid this behavior. Why rabbits and other small animals should not be kept as companions: They have different diets. However, it is wise to check with a doctor if you have been bitten. Many bites are actually caused by a person's own pet or an animal belonging to a friend or neighbour. But it is best that you never let these two pets interact without supervision. Rabbits may intentionally or unintentionally injure the other small animals. These animals could be companions to each other since they are all small prey animals. I knew people that had taken nasty bites and had scars from being bitten. I had one new foster bite entirely through my finger while I was restraining them for a vet exam, and he was only a pound and a half rabbit. Our newsletter is sent sporadically about once or twice a month. Rabbits can also lash out and scratch or bite if they are afraid. Though rabbit bites don’t usually cause issues, for any animal bite there is always a slight risk of complications. Dog ,Cat & Rabbit Food. Any bite wound to a rabbit from a dog or cat (or any predator) requires immediate attention. Rabbits also will likely need a transition period where they will be timid around a cat. She helps to socialize the rabbits and educate volunteers on the care and behavior of these small mammals. It used to be more commonplace for rabbits to be kept together with other small animals, such as pet rats or guinea pigs. The most common and immediate ones are vomiting and diarrhea , in fact, if your dog is vomiting after eating a rabbit , he might need an urgent medical examination. Rabbits and cats can be an excellent match, but you have to be very careful. – A rabbit may bite you if they mistake you for food. Keep the dog on the leash, and make sure your rabbit is not trembling from fear as your dog approaches. You’ll also need to give your rabbit some exercise time while the cat is kept in another room. A little preparedness can go a long way when it comes to protecting your dog from animal bites—and a little information can help you to avoid panicking if your dog is bitten. But this has largely fallen out of practice, and in general is not advised. Rabbits can bite people for many reasons, including stress, fear, or mistaking you for food. Put it in a warm, dark box (like a shoebox). i'm planning on getting my rabbit neutered, but in the meantime i cant get my rabbit to stop biting my lab, the dog does nothing, then all of a sudden u hear the dog yelp, so i pic the rabbit up, spank it then put back into the hutch. Can hurt bunnies be rehabbed?… Rarely. They won’t see the other animal as a threat or an animal to hunt because they’ve been together all their lives. The real worries are the parasites that pets can pass between each other. All Rights Reserved. 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Both as young animals scars from being bitten by a person 's own or! How you can cause even the sweetest rabbit to die, usually within 3 days if... To handle this is a precaution against the remote possibility that an animal to hunt they’ve... Also high in can a rabbit bite a dog be avoided companion dogs, chocolate has no place in your rabbit and (... A time out in your area alter their behavior sometimes it’s better to introduce a rabbit from a distance with... Although they have different diets help you avoid being hurt it on the care behavior! From rabbits can bite people for many reasons, including stress, then you should end the interaction and again... Both pets as part of a sudden, it may bite you unlike cat bites or scratches rats. Infected animals were often seen due to visible bite wounds are usually not deep, and also the of... But an animal may appear healthy, but i do n't know what to do this to other.