Living with your favorite little guy is one of the best things ever, but what if you want to add another animal to the mix? Do you have to stay with the same species, rabbits, or can your rabbit get along with another animal?
Maybe you're thinking about adding a dog to the family, but you're wondering if the dog's instinct would have it grabbing your little guy in his teeth right quick. It's a good question to ask, but let us be the first to let you know that it's 100% possible for a rabbit and dog to be best friends! It's not just dogs your rabbit can get along with, but also other pets like cats, birds, rodents, etc.
Before you go about introducing your rabbit to the new family member read through these tips!
While having your rabbits become friends with your other pets isn’t impossible, it takes work. When deciding whether you will have other pets besides rabbits, you always need to have your rabbit’s best interest at heart.
Time and Patience
Out in the wild they are prey animals and often have to constantly live in fear of being eaten. In order for them to get along with another household pet your rabbit must feel completely comfortable and know that nothing is going to happen to it. This takes time and patience.
TIP: Having the rabbit and other animal grow up together may help the bonding process be a bit easier. They will grow up not knowing a difference and will have no disposition to them being a different species.
Training
When intermingling your rabbits with other pets you should always be around, just in case. You never know what may happen. Remember, animals are still animals and sometimes they can’t help when their instincts take over. It's a strong possibility that you'll need to train your new pet, like a dog, how to treat your rabbit along with training your rabbit how to interact with the new pet.
Important Note: While it is possible for your rabbit to get along with a new pet, such as a dog, it is dependent on both animals personality and your willingness to teach them both how to act and to make sure you don't leave them alone with each other for long stretches of time.
Below you'll see a video that shows your rabbit and dog can get along just fine and a video that has an owner reminding her boxer to be nice to the rabbits. Both are proof that your rabbit can get along with a dog and visa versa!
Rabbit Gives Dog Massage
Boxer with Rabbits Hopping Around
For more in-depth information on what animals you can have your pet rabbit around give this article a read!
Do Rabbits Do Well With Other Household Pets?
Posted by Naomi Millburn
Cats
With the proper circumstances and a healthy environment, rabbits and felines may make a good team, particularly in cases where the bunny doesn't react fearfully to the latter's mere presence. In general, rabbits work better with cats that have calm and relaxed overall dispositions. The initial introduction of a cat and a rabbit can make a world of difference. If you introduce the fluffy duo to each other gradually and always in a neutral setting, you may be able to get some success in getting them adapted to each other.
Dogs
Dogs are a similar situation as cats. If a canine has a mild and gentle temperament, he may get along with a rabbit just fine. It's crucial, however, to always monitor dogs around rabbits, especially at first. Doggies have a tendency to get overexcited around new things, so you want to take care to ensure that your pooch doesn't get a little too rambunctious around your bunny. An overly energetic dog may be very scary to a rabbit, especially at first.
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs and rabbits also may be a suitable match. However, in some situations you may notice a rabbit becoming a little too bothersome for the guinea pig, especially when it comes to chasing activities. Guinea pigs generally aren't the biggest fans of being run after all the livelong day, and some rabbits may do just that. It's important to note, though, that all guinea pigs are individuals. One may get along famously with a fluffy cavy, and another, not so much.
[Continue to Original Article for Other Pets!]
While it is possible to have your rabbit get along with other pets it's important to do your research first and know what to expect so that you are prepared. Always use caution when introducing your rabbit to new pets, especially dogs and cats.
Looking for a place to get all your rabbit's hay, bedding, or chew toys in one spot? We have all all of those necessities in our store! We pride ourselves on supporting a community of small pet owners who care deeply about providing happy and healthy lifestyles for their pets.
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