By Adrian A. Kruiser, BBA, RVT, LVT
David Prado / Stocksy
Rabbits are playful, have soft fur, don’t make much noise, and live longer than some other breeds of pocket pets. All of these (and more) traits make rabbits popular pets for both children and adults, but anyone considering adopting a house rabbit should be prepared to give them the proper care they need to live out their lives. Learn how long rabbits live and what they need to live a long and happy life.
Rabbit lifespan
If you’ve never had a rabbit as a pet, you might be wondering, “How long do rabbits live as pets?” Rabbits are larger and have a much longer lifespan than smaller pocket pets such as hamsters, gerbils, and hedgehogs. Rabbits have an average lifespan of 5 to 10 years, and most healthy pet rabbits live to about 8 years old. This lifespan depends on the rabbit breed. Most small rabbit breeds, such as the Dwarf breed, tend to live longer than larger rabbit breeds. The oldest rabbit on record was a captive wild rabbit in Australia that died at the age of 18.
However, if rabbits are not getting proper nutrition, they are unlikely to live as long as properly fed rabbits. Rabbits born with the condition, or rabbits that develop the condition later in life, are also less likely to live longer than healthy rabbits. Genetics can affect a rabbit’s lifespan, as can everyday environment and lifestyle. Rabbits that have been regularly stressed, lacked adequate mental or physical stimulation, or exposed to external hazards may not live as long as pet rabbits living a relaxed but active indoor lifestyle.
How to keep rabbits healthy and live longer
To see your rabbit get the most out of it as it ages, you’ll want to do what you can to keep it healthy. Here are some tips to help your rabbit live a long, healthy and happy life.
Rabbits are herbivores, so they eat plants, but the type of plant they eat is also important. Rabbits need to get the right amount and type of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, so rabbits should eat mostly hay and green leafy vegetables, along with a small amount of fortified rabbit pellets each day. Limit treats and fruit to no more than 10% of your rabbit’s diet, and provide both a water bowl and water bottle to encourage proper hydration.
- provide appropriate medical care
Although there are no vaccines that rabbits must have in the United States, rabbits should have regular check-ups by a veterinarian to catch minor problems before they become major problems. Additionally, spaying and neutering rabbits may help them live longer by preventing the development of many types of cancer.
Rabbits need mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy. Provide your rabbit with a rich environment to encourage him to play, run and work for food. Rabbits like different tunnels and platforms with plenty of room to hop and jump.
If you put your rabbit outside in a coop, make sure the coop is securely fastened. Predators such as raccoons and hawks can easily injure or kill rabbits living outdoors. If your rabbit is playing outside, keep it in a safe fenced area or put it on a harness and leash.
- keep rabbits hygienic
To avoid infection, it is necessary to clean the pens regularly, as well as monitor the rabbit’s feet and hind end. Prevent faeces from accumulating in the cage and bathe the rabbit as needed if urine or faeces get on the fur.
- Give your rabbit a friend
Rabbits are social animals, so having a partner rabbit works best. If you’re thinking of getting a rabbit, consider getting two rabbits.
Common diseases of rabbits
There are a number of ailments that can adversely affect a rabbit’s lifespan, but some ailments are more common than others:
- cancer – Uterine, breast, testicular, bone and other types of cancer can develop in rabbits, many of which can be eliminated by spaying/neutering.
- Pasteurella multocida – This bacterium most commonly causes respiratory infections called “snuffles,” but can also cause problems such as abscesses, ear infections, and conjunctivitis.
- gastrointestinal stasis – Often called ileus, gastrointestinal or gastrointestinal stasis, occurs when a rabbit’s bowel stops moving. This is a life-threatening problem and can be caused by pain, stress, improper diet, parasites, and more.
- tooth problem – Rabbit teeth continue to grow and can cause problems. If the tooth problem becomes too large, the rabbit may stop eating or develop tooth abscesses, both of which can be life threatening.
References:
Diseases in rabbits | VCA Animal Hospital
Evidence-Based Rabbit Care and Nutrition
Rabbit Cancer – Bishop Stortford Veterinarian
Adrian Cruther is an accomplished veterinarian and author with over 15 years of hands-on experience in the care of domestic and exotic animals.