How to Care for Cottontail Rabbits With Age

Look into medications for your rabbit if it is experiencing any pain. Many cottontail rabbits will experience pain from their joints and backs, making it difficult to move. However, medication can help decrease the pain, making it possible for your rabbit to continue to enjoy its mobility.

Place your rabbit on a specialized diet. You will want the diet to be high in fiber, such as grass hay, and very low in carbohydrates, such as grains and sugars. This diet will help keep your rabbit slim and healthy. Excess weight can cause health problems, such as diabetes.

Make sure your elder rabbit gets plenty of exercise. Since rabbits spend most of their time in their cages, it is important to let them out often for exercise and time to play. Confined rabbits often live shorter lives and have a poor quality of life.

Keep a close eye on your elder rabbit and make sure that they don't jump from high places. This includes couches, beds, and chairs. Elder rabbits that jump from high heights can easily hurt their backs and necks.

Watch for rashes on the skin between the rabbit's back legs. It is easy for urine to spray or drip in these crevices and cause a rash. The owner can help this situation by shaving the hair in these areas and keeping the areas clean.

Watch for changes in your rabbit's behavior that may point to diseases. If your rabbit is having trouble getting around, you should get it checked out for arthritis and other joint problems. Having a decrease in appetite is an important symptom of many diseases, such as renal failure or cancer. Also, watch to see if your rabbit has a change in thirst. Increased thirst can be a sign of renal failure and diabetes. If your rabbit begins to experience any abnormal symptoms, make sure it is seem by a veterinarian immediately to be treated properly.