Why You Should Spay or Neuter Your Pet Rabbit

Many people are now aware of the many issues facing unaltered cats and dogs. In response to this awareness, many responsible pet owners are now having their cats and dogs spayed or neutered. However, many of the same people who would never even think of having an unaltered cat or dog don't even know that their pet rabbit can be altered. However, having your rabbit spayed or neutered as just as important as altering your cat or dog.

In the past, rabbits were generally viewed as solely outdoor pets to be kept in a hutch. But consider this: unaltered rabbits living outside only live an average of 3 years, while a house rabbit that is altered lives 10 to 12 years. That is a considerably longer lifespan that you are giving your rabbit by spaying or neutering them and keeping them inside. It is also a far higher quality of life. Yes, some rabbits might live longer than 3 years outside. But why have a pet if you are just going to keep them outside as a decoration? Bring them inside and learn about the joys of having a house rabbit.

When people talk about why they altered their dogs or cats, they often speak about health reasons. While the incidence of testicular cancer in male rabbits is rather low, approximately 80% of female rabbits will develop uterine cancer if not spayed. This makes it particularly important for you to spay your female rabbit if you want her to be around for a long time.

Another topic that often comes up in spay and neuter discussions about dogs and cats, is the behavioral benefit. Without being altered, cats and dogs can have some serious behavioral issues. This is also the case with rabbits. Rabbits that are not altered are more likely to grunt at you, lunge at you, and even bite. Unaltered rabbits are also less likely to want to be held and more likely to want to escape. It's definitely a good idea to avoid these behavioral issues by altering your pet.

Rabbits also happen to be social animals. Unaltered rabbits can be difficult to bond to each other. Altered rabbits are much easier to bond and also won't have the risk of getting pregant and well, breeding like rabbits. It's a good idea to have two rabbits if at all possible.

Most people seem to be at least somewhat concerned about their house and the belongings inside, even if they aren't as concerned about the health or behavioral issues of their rabbit. Rabbit urine can do some serious staining of walls and discoloration of carpets. Did you know that unaltered rabbits often spray urine to mark their territory? The surgery is not going to cost your nearly as much as it will to have to keep repainting walls and tearing out carpets. Not to mention the amount of personal belongings that will be destroyed. While not all unaltered rabbits spray urine, it is much less likely for an altered rabbit to be so worried about marking territory. Spayed or neutered rabbits are also much more likely to be good about using their litterbox, resulting in less accidents for you to clean up.

The good news is, it's getting easier and easier all the time to have your pet rabbit altered. More and more vets are learning how to spay and neuter rabbits. There are also low cost spay and neuter programs for rabbits available in many areas. If you have difficulty locating a low cost spay or neuter program near you, check with the nearest rescue for information.

Unfortunately, rabbits are being euthanized all the time in animal shelters because there are just too many. By spaying or neutering your rabbit, you are helping to ensure that you don't contribute to the overpopulation problem. If you don't already have a rabbit and are considering adopting one, check with your local shelter, where the rabbit will likely already be altered for you. If more people spay or neuter their rabbits, not only will the rabbits and their owners have happier lives, but there will also be less of a problem with rabbit overpopulation. Like dogs and cats, rabbits have an overpopulation problem in several areas. Like dogs and cats, rabbits also should be altered.