Bunnies & Allergies

If you are sneezing, coughing and watery-eyed since getting your pet rabbit, you may have a rabbit-related allergy. With hundreds of pet rabbits euthanized in shelters every year, and many more languishing in shelters and rescues, you may be reluctant to part with your pet. Before you relinquish your bunny to a backyard hutch or cage in the basement, you should try to determine what exactly is causing your allergy and attempt to minimize your symptoms.

  1. Bunny "Dander" Allergies

    • Most people believe that fur is the cause of allergies, but the culprit is actually proteins present in the rabbit's skin, saliva and urine. These proteins collect on fur during grooming, on surfaces where they sit or lay and in litter boxes. These allergens dry and form a very fine, invisible powder which becomes airborne and triggers allergies when inhaled.

    Hay Allergies

    • Many people believe they are allergic to their rabbit, when it is actually the rabbit's main food source, hay, and the pollen and dust that comes with it that is causing the problem. Though it is unhealthy to eliminate hay from the rabbit's diet, you can try covering hayboxes or hay racks, or ask another family member to handle the bunny hay. Store hay that is not being eaten in the garage or basement.

    Bedding or Litter Allergies

    • Use of woodchips as bedding or litter may cause respiratory issues. Woodchips give off aromatic oils which are not good for you or your bunny. Switch to a paper-based product for bedding and litter.

    Minimizing Allergies

    • Keep your bunny out of your bedroom and off of your furniture. If possible, let your bunny's play area and living space be in an area that is not carpeted, as much dander and dust gets caught in carpets. Keep your rabbit's area and litterboxes as clean as possible, and wear a face mask when cleaning. Using a HEPA vaccuum cleaner or placing a HEPA air filter near the rabbit area may help your allergies. There are rabbit-safe products, such as AllerPet, which can be sprayed on the bunny to reduce the effects of dander. Wiping down the bunny with a damp cloth may also help. Always wash your hands immediately after petting your bunny.

    Medicating Allergies

    • There are many safe, effective allergy medications sold over the counter which can help minimize your allergy symptoms. Or, you may opt to consult an allergist for immunotherapy, which desensitizes a person's immune system to allergies by injecting a serum containing a small amount of the allergen.