February Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month Rabbits are cute and loveable;
they are the third most adopted pet in the United States. Dogs and cats are the top two popular pets. Because bunnies are so adorable many people buy them on impulse without knowing anything about their care or needs. They often think of them as beginner pets that don’t live long, can be caged and are low maintenance. When people discover how much care and maintenance is really required they often surrender them to shelters or abandon them outdoors. Sadly they are the third most relinquished pet.
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e believe that responsible pet parenting begins with selecting the right pet for you. Pet rabbits make great pets for the right person or family and will provide them with lots of joy, love and companionship. If you’re thinking of adopting a pet rabbit here are a few important facts to consider before making that decision. Rabbits live a long time – their average lifespan is from eight to 12 years Rabbits are indoor pets. They do live in cages but need time every day outside of their cage. It is important to bunny-proof your house or provide an area large enough for them to safely roam, explore and get exercise. As with all pets, rabbits require socialization and enrichment activities to help stimulate them to prevent boredom.
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Many rabbits are shy in a new environment and resist being handled. It is very important to spend time talking softly to them before trying to pet and handle them. For more information about pet rabbits check the website for House Rabbit Society www.rabbits.org.
Adopting a rabbit is a big step. If after doing research you want a pet rabbit, please consider adoption. There are so many wonderful bunnies waiting to find great homes! The Animal Foundation [ https://animalfoundation.com Nevada SPCA [ https://nevadaspca.org Bunnies Matter [ http://bunniesmatter.org
ITCH!
ry itchy skin is a common problem for both people and pets during the cold winter months. The cold dry air of winter combined with the warm dry air in our homes leads to one thing – Itchy, dry skin. While we have the luxury of lathering on the lotion, our canine friends are not so lucky. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help your dog with the constant itching. Providing your pet with plenty of water is one of the best ways to help relieve dry skin. Although it seems very basic, we don’t always monitor their water consumption during the winter. Dogs should drink at least one ounce per pound daily. Keeping an eye on their water bowl for cleanliness and monitoring the amount of water they consume will help you determine if your dog is drinking enough. Using filtered water or an automatic water fountain can be helpful in increasing their water intake. In addition to getting more water into our pets, it is also helpful to get more water into the air. Humidifiers put moisture back into the dry air; helping both pets and people with dry skin. You may try running it at night in the bedroom where you sleep. Adjusting your pet’s brushing and bathing routine in winter is also important in combating dry skin. The simple rule: Brush more, bathe less. Brushing your pet helps remove dead skin cells and stimulates the hair follicles to release natural oils in the skin. Bathing your dog strips the body of the natural oils that keep the skin hydrated. In the winter, keep baths to a minimum and use moisturizing shampoos with ingredients like aloe vera and oatmeal. • 40
Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021
