It is a lovely act to give your pet an identity with a cute little collar. Pets look adorable with a little bell, sequence, or a name tag around their necks, so everyone knows who they are and who’s their home.
However, collars are not for every furry friend. Strong-boned animals like dogs and cats have no problem wearing a collar, but can you put a collar on a bunny? That would be a no.
Rabbits are like your anxious friends. They startle easily. A collar around their neck can scare them, causing them harm. In efforts trying to take it off, they can get their leg or face stuck in it and get an injury. Plus, rabbits have sensitive necklines. They can get a rash or cuts through the collar. In extreme cases, collars can be fatal for the rabbit.
It is understandable why you would want to put a collar on your bunny. Rabbits are fragile creatures and can get lost in the house or hop away during a walk. Plus, you would love to give them their identity and personality. Luckily, there are other ways to ensure your bunny’s safety, inside and outside. Keep reading for more dos and don’ts of bunny care!
Also Check Out: New Zealand Rabbits for Sale
Reasons to Not Put A Collar on Your Bunny
Bunnies are challenging pets to have because they are fragile and delicate beings, emotionally and physically. A collar can cause many negative things to your pet:
- It can cause a neck injury or strangulation in your absence.
- It can be a source of skin infections.
- One hard tug on the collar can result in a fatal injury.
- The collar can create a sense of panic for your bunny, harming its little heart.
- Bunnies are emotional creatures. Collars can make your bunny resent or fear you.
What About A Tiny Bell Instead of A Collar?
Rabbits are known for their delicate hearing. A bell so close to them will make their little hearts scared and annoyed. Yes, the bell may be lighter than a collar. Nonetheless, it is bound to subject discomfort to your furry friend.
The sound of the bell would be like a loud gong to your pet. It will make them feel chaotic, and your bunny will try to take the bell off in any way possible. It can raise their chances of getting hurt and can be proven fatal in some cases.
Breakaway Collars are Also A Big No
Most pet owners like to use breakaway collars to prevent the strangulation of their pets. These are popular for dogs and cats but not for smaller animals like bunnies.
Bigger pets are strong and have enough force to open their breakaway collars when needed. However, due to the fragile nature of a rabbit’s bone structure, these little guys do not have the required strength to do so.
If your pet rabbit tries to open its breakaway collar, there is a high chance of injury. Your bunny can rash its neck, get a cut, injure its neck, harm its spine, strangle itself or hurt its leg.
How Can You Let Your Bunny Roam Free Without A Collar?
Every pet would love to be a free roamer. You can make your house safer for the furry creature without it having to wear a bell or collar. Just like babyproofing, you can rabbit-proof your home. You can try the following things to keep your bunny safe and minimize its chances of getting lost within the house:
- Remove any object your rabbit can get stuck in.
- Make sure there is nothing that can fall on your bunny.
- Cover all the wires as rabbits love to chew everything.
- Having no carpets is a plus point.
- You can designate a separate bunny room just like a baby’s nursery. It can be fully bunny-proofed for your furry friend’s enjoyment and safety.
How Do I Take My Bunny on A Walk Without A Collar?
Exercise is good for your bunny. It is heart-healthy and mood-elevating as bunnies are instinctual hoppers and have zoomies. Every pet parent loves to take their pets on a walk around the block or in the park.
It increases their pet’s social life and emotional health. Taking a dog or a cat to the park is easier than bunnies, especially when a collar is harmful to your pet.
Don’t worry! There are a couple of alternative measures that you can take to enjoy some playtime with your furry little buddy.
A Harness is Better than A Collar
Another alternative to a collar is a harness. As a harness hugs the entire rabbit, it is less likely to strangle or harm it. The trick is to find the perfect harness that is
- Snug but not tight.
- A perfect fit for your bunny’s body.
- Soft in touch.
- Cover your bunny’s whole bag not to risk sharp tugs.
Even with a harness, you need to be careful. As bunnies startle easily, keep in check that you are not pulling them too hard or unintentionally putting accessive pressure on their bodies.
With the best-suited harness, your bunny will be safe and cozy. We advise you to check your bunny’s emotional and physical behavior after the harness is on. Notice any negative changes like a show of discomfort, disapproval, pain, or unhappiness.
Your rabbit has different ways of showing its emotions. Keep a look out for the wiggling tail, which means your rabbit is in a mood. In such a case, remove the harness and switch to a controlled environment walk.
Also Check Out: Best Continental Giant Rabbit Breeders
Get A Microchip in The Little Guy
If losing your bunny in the park worries you, you can try the microchip method. It is a painless procedure where a vet inserts a microchip between the shoulder blades of your bunny.
It causes no discomfort to your pet and serves better than a collar. If your bunny gets separated from you, whoever finds it, will take it to a vet. They will simply scan your bunny’s chip, and its identification will pop up on their system.
It will tell them your bunny’s name, your name, and your location. It will make it easier for your pet to be returned to you.
Walk in A Controlled Environment
The best alternative for a collared walk is a walk in a controlled setting. You can bunny-proof your backyard and create little challenges like hoops and a bunny-safe tunnel for your rabbit to enjoy.
You will not have to worry about your rabbit running away or getting into trouble as it will be in a safe zone. It will be comforting for you as well to know that the space has no harmful elements that can be hazardous for your pet.
You can also look into bunny nurseries or playpens in your area. Or better yet, start one! There are bound to be other bunny raisers facing the same issue as you. You can build a community, and your pet can have friends to play with.
Switch A Walk to Some Other Fun Activity
If your bunny is a shy little thing, you might want to avoid the idea of a public walk. There are other fun activities that you do and create for your pet that it will surely enjoy. Connecting with your pet is of utmost importance. Coming up with activities you can do together is a plus point!
Some health-benefiting fun activities include:
- Create a series of tunnels and small slides for your bunny to run and hop through.
- Design a series of neat tricks to enhance your bunny’s intelligence, like jumping through a hoop or pressing a button for food.
- Get a rabbit wheel for your pet’s zoomies.
- Just like a dog, you can reinforce some behaviors in your bunny. Make it learn to hop on your command and enforce that behavior by rewarding it with a delicious treat.
Also Check Out: Lionhead Rabbits for Sale
Final Word
The bottom line is to spend time with your precious creature and keep them healthy. A simple collar should not be a hindrance in your relationship. Do alternative things, and be inventive!
Giving a personal touch to your bunny’s activities will bring your closer to it. Your furry friend will notice new things and appreciate your efforts. In return, you will get extra snuggles and cuddles!
If you are too scared to lose your bunny, use the microchip method and say no to collars. This way, your rabbit will not detest you, and you can keep it safe and sound.