Thanksgiving With Bunnies

Thanksgiving is coming up next week! You’ll find quite a bit of information on helping keep your dog or cat safe and happy through the autumn holiday. But what about rabbits? Floppy is also part of the family, and she’s just as prone to mischief as our canine and feline friends. A local Fort Myers, FL vet offers some advice on spending Turkey Day with a bunny in this article.

Decorations

Keep your cute pet in mind as you decorate. Rabbits, as you likely know, are basically chewing machines. Anything ropy or stringy is a potential hazard, as are small and sharp items, toxic plants, chemicals, medications, and plastic bags and wrappers. Of course, you can help your furry pal get in on the fun. Add some safe, seasonal decorative items to Floppy’s cage, such as a bed or fleece blanket with an autumn theme.

Food

Floppy can enjoy a special meal or snack. In fact, quite a few of the fruits and veggies you may find on a Thanksgiving spread are safe for rabbits. Your cute pet can also help you get rid of some of those food scraps. Consider keeping a bunny bin on hand as you’re prepping your meal. Some things that are safe for rabbits include carrots, celery, leafy greens, and bell peppers, as well as many herbs, such as basil, mint, rosemary, and parsley. You can also indulge your furry pal’s sweet tooth by giving her some apple or banana slices. If you really want to pamper your little buddy, look up a recipe for a bunny-safe carrot cake. 

The holidays bring an elevated risk of pets ingesting unsafe foods. It’s important to be aware of what isn’t safe. That includes garlic and onions; nuts; seeds; raw potatoes; baked goods; meat; bread; raw dough; alcohol; chocolate; avocado; and caffeine. Ask your vet for more information.

Guests

Are you hosting this year’s event? If you’re having company over, take a few steps to prevent mishaps and ensure that things go smoothly. Ask guests not to feed her, and if possible, let Floppy have her free time in the morning. Keep her safe and sound in her cage during the busiest part of the day. You can also set out a bunny playpen to keep her out of the way. Don’t forget to take some cute pictures of your furry little pal!

Our Advice on Thanksgiving With Bunnies in 2024

What are some rabbit-safe foods that can be included in a Thanksgiving meal?

Several rabbit-safe foods can be incorporated into a Thanksgiving meal. These include carrots, celery, leafy greens, bell peppers, and herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, and parsley. You can also offer your rabbit apple or banana slices as a sweet treat. However, it’s crucial to avoid harmful foods, such as garlic, onions, nuts, seeds, raw potatoes, baked goods, meat, bread, raw dough, alcohol, chocolate, avocado, and caffeine. Ensure that any foods you share with your rabbit are free from seasonings, spices, or additives that could harm their digestive system. Consulting your vet for specific dietary recommendations is advisable.

What precautions should be taken when hosting Thanksgiving with a rabbit?

When hosting Thanksgiving with a rabbit, taking precautions is essential to ensure their safety and comfort. First, inform your guests to refrain from feeding the rabbit any unfamiliar foods. During the busiest part of the day, keep your rabbit secure in their cage to prevent accidents or stress. Consider setting up a bunny playpen to give them a designated space. Avoid decorations or items that could be hazardous, such as toxic plants, plastic bags, or small and sharp objects. With these precautions, you can enjoy the holiday while keeping your rabbit safe and stress-free.

How can you involve your rabbit in the Thanksgiving festivities?

Involving your rabbit in Thanksgiving festivities can be a delightful experience. Consider placing safe, seasonal decorations like a bed or fleece blanket with an autumn theme in their cage to include them. While enjoying your meal preparation, create a designated bunny bin with rabbit-safe scraps, including carrots, celery, leafy greens, and herbs. These treats allow your furry friend to participate in the holiday feast. If you want to go the extra mile, explore rabbit-safe treat recipes like a carrot cake. Remember to prioritize their safety and avoid harmful foods or decorations to ensure a happy and healthy Thanksgiving for your rabbit.

How can you pamper your rabbit with a special Thanksgiving treat?

You can pamper your rabbit with a special Thanksgiving treat by offering them safe and rabbit-friendly foods from your holiday meal. Consider preparing a small plate of rabbit-safe vegetables like carrots, celery, and leafy greens. You can also provide a slice of apple or banana as a sweet indulgence. If you’re feeling creative, look up a recipe for a bunny-safe carrot cake, which can make for a delightful and festive treat. Always ensure the treat is free from harmful seasonings, additives, or ingredients that could upset your rabbit’s digestive system, and consult your vet for specific dietary recommendations.

What steps can you take to ensure your rabbit enjoys the holiday safely?

To ensure your rabbit enjoys the holiday safely, take several precautionary steps. First, rabbit-proof your home by removing hazards like toxic plants, plastic bags, and small objects that can be chewed or ingested. During meal preparation and celebrations, create a secure area for your rabbit to prevent accidents or stress. Inform guests not to feed their rabbits unfamiliar foods. Provide safe, rabbit-friendly treats from your holiday meal, such as carrots, celery, leafy greens, or fruit slices. Avoid sharing harmful foods like garlic, onions, chocolate, or caffeine. By following these steps, you can ensure that your rabbit has a safe and enjoyable holiday experience.

Happy Thanksgiving! Do you have questions about your rabbit’s health or care? Contact us, your local Fort Myers, FL pet hospital, today!