Everyone wishes their pet to enjoy a long and stable life, and cat and dog lifespans are well-known. Rabbits, on the other hand, are a little more difficult to deal with, however, they have an average lifespan like other species.

Rabbits are common pets, and their lifespans have improved over time, due in part to the high level of care offered by their owners. We all know that a variety of factors will influence a pet’s longevity, and rabbits are no different.

If you’ve had a rabbit for years or are only thinking about buying one, keep reading to find out how long they live on average and some advice for keeping your rabbit as healthy as possible during his or her life.

 

Rabbits as a Pet (Domestic Rabbits): A Short History

Wild cottontail rabbits in your yard are not the same as domesticated house rabbits. Pet rabbits are known as Oryctolagus cuniculus, while wild rabbits are known as Lepus sylvaticus. Even if they are distant relatives and belong to the same family, pet rabbits and wild rabbits are technically separate species.

Rabbits have been used for food and fur throughout history, but they have also been kept as pets since the 19th century. Rabbits became more common in homes throughout America in the late twentieth century, and their popularity has only increased since then. When more people became aware of the great personality of pet rabbits, their welfare increased, resulting in a longer lifetime for house rabbits.

 

The lifespan of Rabbits Explained

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Domestic rabbits normally live between 8 and 12 years, while wild rabbits can only live a few years due to illness, malnutrition, and predators. Although rabbits come in a range of breeds, it’s impossible to tell if some live much longer than others. Larger dogs, on the other hand, tend to live shorter lives than smaller breeds. You can’t make too many assumptions since some rabbits will always come along and prove you wrong.

Generally speaking, rabbits continue living longer thanks to a combination of specially trained veterinarians and an increased understanding of how rabbits must live and the rabbit diet.

 

The lifespan of Rabbit Breeds

Though a pet rabbit’s average lifetime is between eight and fourteen years, some species are considered to live longer than others. Miniature or dwarf rabbit breeds, like dogs, prefer to live longer than giant breeds. Dwarf rabbits, mini lops, and other small rabbits survive to be double digits, whereas big breeds such as French lops as well as Flemish giants do not. Breeds are also very important because some people do tend to make a crossbreed between animals which also can harm the animals. 

 

Nutrition and Lifespan of Rabbits

A rabbit, like any other species, has unique dietary needs, and we know that what we give our pet rabbits has a significant influence on how long they live. Food is related to a rabbit’s physical well-being because if it isn’t having the right vitamins, nutrients, fiber, and other ingredients in its food, the rabbits won’t be healthy and won’t survive long. 

A pet rabbit’s diet should consist of special pelleted rabbit foods, hay, and vegetables. Few sweets and fruits may be offered in moderation, but an overweight rabbit would suffer from an unbalanced diet. Some owners only feed their rabbits pet store pellets, which may be deficient in the minerals and vitamins that a rabbit requires.

 

Health and Lifespan of Rabbits

Many aspects affect the rabbit’s health, in addition to the food you feed it. Rabbits can get infected or get parasites, and if these things aren’t tackled, they can shorten the rabbit’s life. Washing your hands before and after touching your rabbit, as well as cleaning the cage daily, are safe ways to keep your rabbit secure. Daily trips to your veterinarian can also help you spot any complications that your rabbit might be having until it’s too late. 

Your rabbit’s lifetime will be increased by spaying or neutering it. Male rabbits may develop testicular cancer, whereas female rabbits are susceptible to mammary and uterine cancers. By spaying or neutering your rabbit, you dramatically reduce the chances of it contracting cancer and, as a result, improve its chances of living a long life.

 

Habits and Lifespan of Rabbits

Rabbits need a huge amount of space and positive reinforcement, but many people say rabbits would be happier if they have locked in a cage their whole lives. Rabbits, while capable of living both indoors and outside, require wide areas to call their own, as well as games, chew toys, and things to play with. Rabbits who aren’t granted adequate room and enrichment aren’t quite as safe as others who are, and therefore do not survive as long as they can.

It’s also vital to provide your rabbit with a peaceful climate. Excessive stress can lead to your rabbit’s demise. Your rabbit can go into shock and die if it is taunted by a cat or dog, caught by a kid, or wounded.

 

Deaths of Rabbits: Common Reasons

Gastrointestinal (GI) stasis is a common cause of death in rabbits, and it can kill them easily. GI stasis can be caused by several conditions, including stress, exhaustion, or blockage. A rabbit that isn’t feeding or has fewer droppings than normal are warning signs to look out for. Heatstroke (for rabbits who are outside), illness, poisoning, infectious illness, cancer, and stress-related heart attacks are also common causes of death.

 

Lifespan Of A Pet Rabbit

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The bottom line is that with the right diet, shelter, and living environments, your pet rabbit’s life expectancy will comfortably hit double digits. Rabbits are social, playful, positive, and adventurous beings that need daily socialization, toys, and a comfortable space to explore to stay happy. As you brace for your pet rabbit’s arrival, keep our advice in mind. Overall, also to avoid sudden death for rabbits is to know that the pet rabbit’s life expectancy, which is like that of other species, is determined by their breed, diet, and other living conditions.

https://www.rabbitproducersassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/What-Is-The-Average-Lifespan-Of-A-Pet-Rabbit-2-1024x682.jpghttps://www.rabbitproducersassociation.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/What-Is-The-Average-Lifespan-Of-A-Pet-Rabbit-2-150x150.jpgArifUncategorizedEveryone wishes their pet to enjoy a long and stable life, and cat and dog lifespans are well-known. Rabbits, on the other hand, are a little more difficult to deal with, however, they have an average lifespan like other species. Rabbits are common pets, and their lifespans have improved over...All you need to know about Netherland Dwarf Rabbit