Rabbit-Proofing Your Dog’s Territory

Spring has sprung, and with it bunnies are springing out of their nests and into your dog’s territory. Catching a rabbit is usually nothing to worry about, but they do pose a few serious concerns.

Though rare, rabbits can carry rabies, which isn’t always prevented by a prior vaccination. If a rabbit breaks your dog’s skin in self-defense, immediately clean the wound and contact your veterinarian. They will be able to thoroughly disinfect the wound and provide preventative treatment against any diseases the rabbit may have carried.

If your dog eats any part of the rabbit, they could become infected with tapeworms. This is especially true with baby rabbits. Be sure to examine their stool, and if your dog vomits, has diarrhea, or exhibits any other unusual symptoms, contact your veterinarian ASAP.

Rabbits are also part of the larger food chain. Predatory animals such a coyotes or wolves could follow rabbits into your yard where they pose a much greater danger to your dogs.

But how do you prevent the rodent invaders to start with? The most basics steps are:

1) Eliminate hiding places.

If you have any brush or wood piles, low-hanging branches or bushes, tall grass, or spaces underneath sheds or porches, clean those areas up so as not to give rabbits anywhere to hide or nest. You might consider putting chicken wire or other barriers around areas like slightly raised patios to prevent burrows where you cannot reach them. Rabbits usually nest around trees and other sheltered areas. Keep an eye out for any tufts of fur mixed with grass. Mother rabbits weave these together to create camouflaged nests.

2) Close the buffet.

Rabbits eat constantly and are always on the hunt for things like fruits and vegetables, tree bark, clover, hay, pine needles, and a variety of plant matter. If your yard is full of plants, then rabbits will see it as a veritable buffet. If you can, raise your plants out of reach or fence them off so the rodents can’t help themselves. Also beware of things like compost piles, trash bins, and yard waste they could gain access to for meals.

3) Repellants

There are several dog-safe repellants available for sprinkling around your property. Alternatively, you could also try sprinkling your and/or your dog’s hair around. This is a natural deterrent as hair smells of predators the rabbits want to avoid.

Rabbits are most actively feeding round dawn and dusk, so keep a watchful eye when taking dogs out for potty breaks and walks. A little caution now can save you a trip to the vet and a mess to clean up later.