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Can I Take My Rabbit on a Road Trip Safely?

Britt
by Britt
Published:  September 1st, 2023
Photo credit: Dmitry Dven / Shutterstock.com

As pet parents and animal lovers, we often talk about the joys of road-tripping with cats and dogs, but what about the many other pets we call family? What if you share your heart (and home) with a rabbit?


Great news! Whether you’re planning a family vacation and want to include your bunny in the fun, or you’re moving across the country and need to figure out how to transport a rabbit to your new home, taking your furry family member on the road IS possible.


To help you plan for your next big trip, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about taking a road trip with a rabbit, including the safest way to travel with your rabbit, tips for the most enjoyable trip for both you and your rabbit, and when it’s best to leave your rabbit at home with a friend, family member, or trusted pet sitter.


Let’s get started…


Is it Stressful for Rabbits to Travel?


One of the most important questions we must ask ourselves whenever we consider travelling with a pet is whether travel will bring more stress than it’s worth. If your rabbit is going to be stressed and anxious the entire time, they won’t be able to enjoy spending this time with you.


There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Instead, we each need to learn to read our rabbit’s body language and recognize when they are uncomfortable in a situation.


The most common signs of stress in rabbits include:

  • Ears flattened to their back
  • A rigid, crouched posture
  • Thumping of hind legs
  • Trembling
  • Restlessness
  • Lethargy or lower-than-normal energy levels
  • Loss of appetite or increased appetite
  • Change in bathroom habits
  • Loudly grinding their teeth
  • Wide and bulging eyes
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Making frustrated grunting noises
  • Sudden, unexplained aggressive behavior
  • Hiding or acting withdrawn
  • Reluctance to be touched or held
  • Loss of interest in their favorite activities
  • Self-mutilation habits (excessive licking, biting, etc.)


For your first rabbit travel experience, start small. Introduce them first to the vehicle in your driveway, waiting to turn on the engine until they are comfortable with it off. You can then work up to a longer trip by starting with the engine going but sitting in the driveway, moving slightly up and down the driveway, and then taking a short trip around the block.


Throughout the conditioning process, pay careful attention to your rabbit. If you notice any of the above signs of stress, slow down and avoid moving on to the next step. This may mean, in time, acknowledging that your rabbit isn’t comfortable travelling despite your best efforts – and that’s okay! Many rabbits are happier relaxing at home and being spoiled by a loved one while you are on vacation.

Can Rabbits Go on Long Car Rides?


Yes! If you take the time to condition your rabbit to travel in the car comfortably and they show that they are relaxed when the vehicle is in motion, there is a good chance that they will handle a longer car ride. Of course, there are some additional considerations for a longer car ride.


First, you should pay extra attention to the area where your rabbit will spend their time. This means providing them with a carrier that allows enough room to move around slightly and stretch their legs, as well as a comfortable place to lie down.


When planning your road trip route, account for regular breaks. This is your opportunity to offer your bunny fresh water and a snack. If you litter-trained your rabbit, give them time to use the box before hitting the road again. If not, you can harness your rabbit and take them into the grass to do their business. This is also your chance to check their travel space and do necessary cleanups.


Can You Sedate a Rabbit for Travel?


While sedation may sound like the perfect solution, experts don’t recommend using sedation before a road trip with your rabbit. It may even have the opposite effect, adding to the problem.


Consider, for a moment, you have a highly anxious rabbit that has been sedated. As you’re travelling, that sedation starts to wear off. As your rabbit starts to come to, they will be in a foggy state of mind, which can cause more confusion, making them more nervous as they try to figure out what they are experiencing. Then, as their mind starts to clear up, they recognize that they are in a situation that has proven to be stressful in the past. Not only will this make the current trip more stressful, but it sets the stage for your rabbit to associate fear and anxiety with the idea of travelling in the future.


Additionally, there is the risk that sedation can have unwanted side effects, including affecting your rabbit’s ability to breathe.


If you must road trip with a rabbit that isn’t comfortable in the vehicle, such as an upcoming long-distance move, make an appointment with your veterinarian. This will allow you to express your concerns, discuss your options, and find a solution under a professional's knowledgeable care and watchful eye.

Photo credit: Toey Toey / Shutterstock.com

How to Travel with a Rabbit Safely: X Tips


Schedule a Vet Checkup


Before heading on any trip, schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. This is an opportunity to ensure that your rabbit is in top shape and can travel comfortably. Rabbits are masters of hiding pain and illness, making a proper checkup even more critical. If you have questions, like whether sedation is a solution for your rabbit, this is the perfect time to have that conversation.


Plan Your Trip Well in Advance


Many travel lovers enjoy hopping in the car and heading out on the road with no plan, trusting that the road will take them somewhere exciting and it will all work out somehow. This is great if it’s just you and your spouse, but it doesn’t work well if your rabbit is joining in on the adventure. Instead, take the time to sit down and plan out where you are going, what breaks you will be taking, and what is waiting for you when you arrive at your destination. Take note of any small animal veterinarians along your travel route, including their location and contact information. This will make it easier to find help in an emergency.


This allows you to predict any potential setbacks or problems that you may encounter and prepare to manage those situations accordingly.


Stress is more than just an annoyance for your rabbit. High stress levels can make them physically ill by triggering conditions like GI Stasis. This condition may present as nothing more than digestive upset at first, but left untreated, it can quickly turn fatal.


Pack a Fully Stocked First Aid Kit


A first aid kit is an essential element whenever you are traveling, even if it’s just you on a solo adventure. Of course, your first aid kit isn’t going to be much good if you don’t take the time to check that it’s fully stocked before heading out on your journey. For those of us adventuring with a furry friend, this means packing some specialized items to address the unique challenges our pets may face.


Some supplies you may want to add to your first aid kit for traveling with a rabbit include:


Keep all your first aid kit essentials in a waterproof container where you can access it quickly, for example, under the front seat of the vehicle, where you can easily grab it without moving other items out of the way.


Purchase a Pet Carrier


What is the safest way to travel with a rabbit? Unlike humans and larger dogs, you can’t secure your rabbit properly using a seatbelt. Instead, secure your rabbit safely in a travel carrier. This will prevent them from being thrown in the event of an accident. To keep the carrier from moving during travels, use the seatbelt to hold it firmly in place on the seat.


Choose a carrier that provides plenty of ventilation. If your rabbit is slightly nervous or unsure about car travel, selecting a rabbit travel carrier that allows them to see and engage with you easily can help ease their mind.

Line the Carrier with a Pee Pad


Adding a puppy pee pad to the bottom of your bunny travel carrier can make cleanup far easier if your rabbit has an accident during travel. You can use a low-cost, disposable pee pad that can be quickly disposed of wherever your travels take you or, if you’re more concerned about your impact on the environment, there are reusable pee pads that you will bring home and wash after your trip.


Include Items with Familiar Scents


Another great way to ease the anxiety your rabbit experiences during travel is to include a favorite item in their carrier. This could be a bed they often sleep in or a toy they regularly play with. Including a familiar scent in their setup will provide a relaxing and calming effect, helping them settle into their carrier with less stress.


Consider Draping a Blanket Over Your Rabbit Travel Carrier


Rabbits are naturally more comfortable in a den-like setting. You can recreate this by draping a blanket over your rabbit's carrier to darken the space and provide the feeling of being safely underground. Take it a step further by placing blankets or hay inside the carrier that your rabbit can burrow into. But pay careful attention to the ventilation, ensuring you aren’t cutting it off entirely.


Avoid Playing Loud Music


One thing often associated with a successful road trip is a killer playlist – but you must pay careful attention to the volume of your music during your travels. Loud music can contribute to your rabbit’s stress levels, worsening a difficult situation. This doesn’t mean you must avoid playing your favorite tunes. Just keep the volume down.


On the other hand, music can be used to help reduce stress. If you notice your rabbit is starting to show signs of stress and anxiety, try turning on calming music. Classical music has been found to have a calming effect on animals. You can also try playing a podcast or audiobook showcasing a calm voice.

Final Thoughts: Road Trip with a Rabbit


Traveling with a pet can be stressful, especially if it’s a pet that doesn’t usually join you for road trips and vacations. But this doesn’t mean you can’t set your rabbit up for a safe and enjoyable trip. The most important thing you can do when considering a road trip with a rabbit is to take the time to plan out the various elements of your travels well in advance, including setting up your rabbit’s travel carrier, identifying places to stop along the route, ensuring you have a list of small animal veterinarians in the event of an emergency, and more.


We can’t control everything that happens, especially when on the road or visiting somewhere new. However, we can identify potential complications or challenges and ensure that we are ready to take them in stride. This will significantly increase the chance of your trip being enjoyable for both you and your furry best friend.

WOW
Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Indiana and Lucifer – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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The Unseen Threat: Dangers of Secondhand Smoke for Your Pet

Most people are well aware of the dangers of smoking. They understand what smoking does to their bodies and know the potential health risks of lighting up a cigarette. But did you know that exposure to secondhand smoke may have serious health consequences for your pets?It’s no secret that smoking is bad for people. In the United States, between 80% to 90% of lung cancer deaths are linked to cigarette smoking. Secondhand smoking is also linked with an increased risk of other forms of cancer, such as breast and colorectal cancer, heart and respiratory disease.Studies have shown that more than 50% of bladder cancer cases in humans are caused by cigarette smoking. A recent study involving Scottish terriers found a link between cigarette smoke exposure and bladder cancer. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in dogs, and many pooches are diagnosed with some form of this terrible disease. Although many factors may predispose a pet to cancer, research shows that passive smoking is a main danger.Scientists from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University discovered that Scottish terriers who were exposed to secondhand smoke at home were six times more likely to develop bladder cancer than those who were not routinely exposed to smoke.Passive smoking is also linked with nasal cancer in dogs. This type of cancer is often diagnosed in long-nosed breeds such as collies, greyhounds, and borzois. The increased surface area in their nasal canals traps inhaled particles, allowing carcinogens from tobacco smoke to accumulate in the nasal mucus. As a result, long-nosed dogs are at a greater risk of developing tumors in their snouts. On the other hand, brachycephalic or short-nosed dog breeds, such as pugs and French bulldogs, are more likely to develop lung cancer. Their short noses aren’t as effective at trapping inhaled particles and allow more carcinogens to reach the lungs.Being exposed to smoke increases the risk that your dog will develop cancer, but that’s not all. Pooches that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems.Dogs aren’t the only pets to suffer the consequences of inhaling secondhand smoke on a daily basis. Cats, birds, and small critters like guinea pigs and rabbits are also at risk.Cats that live with smokers are more likely to develop asthma and lung cancer. Felines that inhale secondhand smoke regularly also have a higher incidence of malignant lymphoma.  Studies have found higher nicotine concentrations in the hair of cats living with smokers than those living in smoke-free homes. The same is true for dogs living with smokers, no matter whether their owners smoked inside or outside. Cats are famous for being fastidious groomers, but licking the fur puts them at risk of ingesting even more toxic particles from secondhand smoke than simply inhaling them. Felines that groom excessively can develop oral tumors from licking toxic particles off their fur.Secondhand smoke alone isn't responsible for all health problems seen in cats and dogs. Diet, genetics, lifestyle, and exposure to other potentially toxic substances in the environment combined affect the pet’s overall health.Owners concerned with the well-being of their four-legged companions should be more aware of the air quality in their homes and make necessary lifestyle changes.Choosing to smoke outside can minimize some risks associated with exposure to secondhand smoke. Improving ventilation, opening the windows, and using air filters can help too. However, it’s important to note that even a low exposure to secondhand smoke can be harmful to your four-legged companion.Quitting smoking is hard, but knowing how secondhand smoke affects your pet’s health may motivate you to put down that cigarette once and for all!Join the PetGuiJoin the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Does Your Dog Have What it Takes to Be a B.A.R.K. Ranger?

Is your dog your favorite adventure buddy? Do you dream of exploring America’s National Parks system with your furry best friend by your side? While many parks have limitations on where dogs are allowed, the popularity of pet-friendly travel is on the rise. In response, the U.S. National Park Service introduced a program to teach dog parents how to travel with their pups responsibly – the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program. But does your dog have what it takes to be a B.A.R.K. Ranger? What is involved in earning that title anyway? In this article, we will break down the B.A.R.K. principles and why they are so important for responsible outdoor travel. We will also share tips for helping your dog become a certified B.A.R.K. ranger. What Does the Acronym “B.A.R.K.” Stand For? Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is the B.A.R.K. Ranger program, and what does the acronym “B.A.R.K.” stand for? Recognizing that a growing number of dog parents wanted to bring their pups with them when visiting the parks, the U.S. National Park Service recognized a need for education on how to travel with dogs responsibly. This means focusing on the importance of respecting the environment, local wildlife, and other visitors to the park. This program is a partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). It is part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People Initiative, which is focused on the idea that “parks can be gateways to good health – for people and the planet.” The B.A.R.K. acronym stands for: B – Bag your pet’s wasteA – Always leash your petR – Respect wildlife K – Know where you can goThe concept is similar to the traditional Leave No Trace principles but focuses on how a dog may impact the environment and the overall park experience. What Are the Qualifications to Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger? The good news is that the requirements to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger are very broad. The program is open to dogs of all ages, breeds, sizes, and activity levels. From the senior chihuahua who prefers to be carried along the trail while still enjoying the fresh air to the high-energy Border Collie who could hike for days without stopping, all are welcome! So, does your dog meet the qualifications? As long as they are dog – YES!What is the Process of Getting Your Dog’s B.A.R.K. Ranger Certification? This is where the conversation becomes a little more complicated. While the B.A.R.K. Ranger program is a National Park Service program, the exact requirements to be named a B.A.R.K. Ranger vary from park to park. This allows each park to customize the program to best suit its area and the needs of those who visit each park specifically. At some parks, you will be asked to take a booklet and fill it out. Once you have completed the booklet, you will receive your commemorative leash tag. At other parks, a program is offered that you will attend to learn more about the B.A.R.K. principles and how they can be applied in your travels. Finally, some parks make it incredibly easy. They ask those interested to learn about the B.A.R.K. principles at home before coming to the park. Upon arrival, the dog's parents are asked if they understand and agree with them. They then take a pledge to follow these principles before their dog is given the coveted title.

Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?

Cats are known and adored for their free spirit, their stubborn nature, their agility, and their cute and cuddly side as well. They are skilled hunters, and as such they have sharp and perfected teeth. But while a cat roaming the outdoors would gnaw and eat prey she previously caught when you have a pet cat, those same teeth are used to eat a very different kind of food. Naturally, this can have a big impact on your cat’s dental health, as the same principles that were true in nature are not applicable for indoor-only cats anymore – which brings up an important question: do you need to clean a cat’s teeth? How important is this for their hygiene? And most importantly, how do you do it? Let’s take a closer look at this question.Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?Just like for us humans, dental care is important for kitties too. Of course, human and feline teeth are totally different, so dental hygiene is not exactly the same for both. Cat teeth are not brushed as often as our own, but nevertheless, you should provide some level of dental hygiene to your four-legged friend, as it can be a great benefit for their health. Neglect their little chompers for a long time, and their teeth could deteriorate over the years. This can lead to great discomfort, pain, loss of appetite, and from there – many other problems as well. So, in short, keeping your cat’s teeth clean and maintained is an essential aspect of caring for them. Of course, regular vet checkups will give you a good insight into their dental health and will allow you to spot problems early on and tackle them more easily. But it also goes a long way to know the tips and tricks that help maintain a cat’s dental hygiene. Here are just a few:Regular Brushing

Plain Jane Dogs Work Harder to Communicate

Studies show dogs without facial markings tend to get the short end of the stick... so to speak.

Lost Service Dog Survived 2 Months Alone in the Colorado Mountains

It’s every dog parent’s nightmare. 14-month-old service dog in training Nova Riley slipped out of her harness and bolted out of a Safeway parking lot in a panic. After several sightings by the community as they searched tirelessly alongside owner Robynne Simons-Sealy, Nova continued to run in fear from anyone who attempted to catch her. After two long months of worrying and searching, Simons-Sealy was reunited with her beloved Bernese Mountain Dog. Nova was discovered injured in the woods of Meyers Ranch Park by two hikers on November 19th. The hikers recognized that she was injured, frightened, and needed help. They tried to carry her out to safely, but due to her high anxiety (understandable, given the situation), she bit one of her rescuers. Refusing to leave the poor dog behind, they decided to bring in help. One hiker stayed with Nova to keep her calm and assure her they weren’t giving up on her. The other hiker descended the trail to ask the park rangers for help and guide them, along with Animal Control Officer Kylie Rupe, three miles back to her position. “When we first got up there, I had brought treats and food up with me, knowing she would probably be very food-motivated at that point,” explained Rupe. “I used food to make friends, and she was very friendly but skittish.” With the help of both the rangers and animal control, Nova was carried to safety on a tarp. One of the rangers had recognized Nova from a lost dog poster, allowing her to be reunited with her worried and ever-grateful owner.

Dog Finds A Forever Home After Spending 1,007 Days at Delaware Shelter

Tessy, now a 5-year-old black Labrador retriever mix, spent 1,007 days at a Delaware animal shelter before being adopted into a forever home. This cute pooch arrived at Humane Animal Partners (formerly Delaware Humane Association and Delaware SPCA) on January 17, 2021, hoping to be adopted in no time.Unfortunately, finding her people proved challenging for Tessy. Days, weeks, months, and years went by, and Tessy was still living at the shelter with no prospective adopters in sight. “Tessy is loyal, goofy, snuggly, and remarkably smart,” said Leigh McKinley, a director at the Humane Animal Partners, according to PEOPLE. Like many other shelter dogs, Tessy had some trust issues and was wary of new people and experiences. These problems were the reasons for Tessy’s longer stay at the Humane Animal Partners shelter. “Tessy exhibited fear-reactive behaviors in the form of lunging, barking, and growling towards unfamiliar stimuli. Our goal was to help her overcome those fears and learn to trust humans and her surrounding environment, essentially changing her emotional response from a negative to a positive,” McKinley explained.The shelter used a behavioral modification plan, which consisted of positive reinforcement training techniques to help Tessy overcome her fears. Fixing a problematic behavior takes a lot of time, patience, and effort, but the shelter’s staff didn’t give up on Tessy.“Changing an involuntary physiological behavior takes dedication and consistency to be successful, and while we were determined to see this through, the nature of being in a shelter, with different staff members working with her on any given day, and for varying amounts of time, means the change would take time,” said McKinley. “We also needed to make sure her adopters were the right fit for her. We took a very thoughtful and careful approach to introducing her to people, and it took time for the right family to find her.”Then, almost three years later, all of Tessy’s hard work paid off! After 1,007 days at the shelter, this cute pooch has finally found her forever home. The family who adopted Tessy, met her several times to help her feel at ease. For the adopters, it was love at first sight, and Tessy instantly felt safe around them. “When her adopters Jeanine and Jeff first met her, we all tried to keep a level head about it, not getting our hopes up too high. After their third meeting, though, we could tell Tessy had already established a level of trust with them that we had never seen so quickly before,” said McKinley. Jeff and Jeanine adopted the pooch shortly after the third visit, and the shelter’s staff was ecstatic that Tessy had found a loving home.“It was a rollercoaster of emotions leading up to the adoption day, everything from celebrations to disbelief to sadness, excitement, a bit of anxiety, and everything in between. Mostly, though, we felt proud. Proud of her, proud of everyone who helped get her to this point, and proud of the results,” McKinley shared.  “We all know she’d do okay, we are also quite aware that going from three years in the shelter into a loving home is a big adjustment, and it will take her a while to fully acclimate. We tried to instill in her adopters to be confident and patient but never to be complacent.” the shelter’s director added.It’s important to know that not every visit to an animal shelter ends with ‘love at first sight.’ A lot of adoptable dogs have experienced some level of trauma and neglect, and are generally more anxious inside the shelter. Keep an open mind when visiting your local shelter and remember that each of these pups deserves a loving family and a forever home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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