With spring on the way, many rabbit owners are thinking about letting their pets out in their gardens. The cold weather is finally coming to an end, and it’s time for them to enjoy some freedom once more.

However, as a pet owner, there are certain hazards you need to be aware of if you’re thinking of letting your rabbit out and about. Here are some of the things that you’ll need to consider:

Poisonous bulbs and flowers

During the spring and summer, plant life explodes. Unfortunately, many flowers and bulbs are poisonous for rabbits.

The most poisonous plants for rabbits are deadly nightshade, daffodils, azalea, foxglove, hemlock, meadow saffron and poppies. Also, look out for begonias, chrysanthemums, clematis, tulips, hyacinth, lily of the valley, iris and morning glory.

There are also some human crops that rabbits shouldn’t eat. These include potato plants, rhubarb, tomato plants, garlic and onion. Lettuces and other evergreens may harm rabbits too.

Cut grass fermentation

During the spring, lawns start growing at a higher rate. Around April time, mowing becomes a regular activity.

Many owners wonder whether they can feed their rabbits grass cuttings. While rabbits can eat fresh, untreated grass, they should not eat grass cut by lawnmowers. Mown grass undergoes fermentation which can lead rabbits to develop upset stomachs.

There are also good reasons not to feed your rabbit any grass at all. Other wild animals may have left traces of urine or faeces on the grass, which could cause infection. Furthermore, if the grass has been treated with chemicals, then it could be toxic.

Generally speaking, rabbits should eat hay. Hay is processed, contains more fibre and allows your rabbit to grind down his or her teeth.

Breeding issues

There’s a lot of truth to the old saying “breeding like rabbits.” Come the springtime, rabbits’ sex drive increases, and they will take any opportunity they get to copulate.

For this reason, your rabbit may have an encounter with a wild rabbit if left alone in your garden. Copulation could take place since domesticated rabbits are often the same species, leading to young.

Before allowing your pet to use your garden unsupervised, check that there are no points of access for other rabbits. Look for holes underneath garden fences or gates.

Anxiety

Rabbits can experience heightened levels of stress in the spring. Longer days combined with instinct to reproduce can put them on edge.

Fortunately, pet calming supplements from Pet Remedy can help. These natural agents cut pet stress and make your rabbit feel calmer as the warmer weather arrives.

Overheating

Speaking of high temperatures, overheating can also be a risk as the weather improves. Thanks to their thick fur coats, rabbits often retain too much warmth in hot weather, potentially leading to seizures.

To keep rabbits cool, make sure that they have access to shade and water. If you think that your bunny is getting too hot, move them out of the sun.

Takeaway

In summary, spring can be a potentially hazardous time for rabbits. However, once you’re aware of these issues, you can put measures in place to protect them.