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Easter Animal Care

by Dr. Dawn Bookmyer, DVM

A friend recently visited the local animal shelter, saw several rabbits there and later asked me, “What do you think about giving the kids a real live Easter bunny?” My answer to this, at Easter time as well as throughout the year, is: think carefully before giving a live animal as a gift. According to the American Humane Society the majority of rabbits, chicks and ducklings given as Easter gifts will die within a few weeks of the holiday. Most will die of neglect and improper care, but some will be abandoned to the wild and, unable to fend for themselves, starve to death or fall victim to predators.

While rabbits can be wonderful pets, but they are not the low maintenance animals that some people assume they are. Like cats and dogs, rabbits should be spayed or neutered (to decrease the possibility of aggressive behavior, and to facilitate housetraining). Rabbits need daily exercise, regular grooming and a varied diet consisting of rabbit pellets and fresh fruit and vegetables. Their cages must be cleaned a minimum of 3 times a week and you will need to “bunny proof” your house because rabbits like to chew, and that includes things as harmless as your shoes, but as dangerous as electrical cords.

It may surprise you to know that rabbits are not an ideal pet for very young children. Children like to pick up animals and cuddle them, and rabbits are ground loving creatures who become threatened and agitated when they are picked up. Children under the age of 7 would probably be better off with a plush toy bunny for Easter.

When selecting a rabbit I encourage you to visit the animal shelter. A medium to large size rabbit may be a better choice than a dwarf or miniature breed, which are often more energetic and excitable. As you select your rabbit, remember – rabbits can live 10-15 years and the role of caretaker almost always falls to the adults.

I urge you to think even harder about the purchase of a chick or duckling. While they are cute, they can require as much as 2-3 hours of daily care, may be very difficult to housetrain, and may also carry salmonellosis. Most importantly, if cared for properly, they will grow up - and most city dwellers do not have the resources to care for adult chickens and ducks. Bear in mind that domesticated chickens and ducks may not have the instincts to survive in the wild, so returning them to their “natural” habitat is not a humane option.

Before you purchase a rabbit, chick or duckling, talk to your veterinarian. A vet will be able to point out the pros ands cons of owning such an animal. And if you already own a cat or dog, you will also need to talk to your vet about whether all your animals will be able co-exist peacefully.

As we approach the Easter season I’d like to offer a word of warning to cat owners: while Easter lilies are beautiful, they are toxic to cats. Consumption of even a small amount of the plant can cause kidney failure and death unless the cat receives aggressive treatment within 18 hours. Watch for vomiting, lethargy and decreased appetite as symptoms of poisoning.

Lilies are not a threat to dogs, but as many of you know, chocolate is. So, as always, keep an eye on your dog – especially around the Easter baskets!