Although rabbits are common domestic pets, severe respiratory allergic reactions to rabbits in households are unusual. Ory c 1, a 17-kDa glycoprotein found in saliva and fur, has previously been identified as a major rabbit allergen.
Allergens from rodents are usually present in hair, dander, saliva and urine. Dust from litter or sawdust in the bottom of cages may contribute to airborne allergens from rodents. Rabbit allergens are present in dander, hair and saliva.
In most cases, symptoms of a pet allergy are much like the symptoms of hay fever. You may find that being near your bunny causes your nose to run as you start sneezing and your eyes start watering. In rare cases, more serious symptoms such as wheezing and asthma may even happen.
Don't Make Loud Noises
Take care when vacuuming, mowing the lawn or doing anything near your rabbit's cage that is noisy. When you first get your rabbit, introduce him to things like vacuums slowly. Turn it on for a few seconds, then off, then on again, then off, then on for a bit longer, then off and so on.
Why do rabbits sneeze? Rabbits will sneeze because their nasal passage becomes irritated. This can happen because an external object, such as a small particle of dust, makes its way up the rabbit's nose. Their nose can also be irritated from an internal infection or build-up of mucus in the nasal passage.
While allergies to rabbits are relatively rare, grass allergies are commonplace. The bad news is that a rabbit's primary food source is hay, which is basically just dried grass. Even if you are not allergic to rabbits, you might be allergic to their food.
Just like people, some rabbits are allergic to certain substances that cause them to itch and scratch. Usually, these allergies are environmental and not food-based, so you can make changes to bedding, litter, cleaning solutions, and air purifiers to make your rabbit more comfortable at home.
Any fast or sudden movements, loud noises, unfamiliar smells or larger creatures – including their owners – can trigger a fear response. 'We're predators from a rabbit's point of view,' explains clinical animal behaviourist Rosie Bescoby, who runs animal behaviour consultancy Pet Sense.
Try sprinkling dried sulfur around or on your plants. Rabbits also dislike the smell of onions, so try planting these around your garden to further deter the furry creatures. To discourage pesky rabbits, try dusting your plants with plain talcum powder.
Do NOT feed the following: cereals, grains, nuts, seeds, corn, beans, peas, breads, biscuits, sweets, sugar, breakfast cereals, chocolate or any garden plants that are toxic to rabbits (see links below).
What can rabbits not eat? These foods are poisonous for your rabbit and could make her ill: Potatoes, daffodils, tulips, rhubarb, lillies, mushrooms, avocado, broad beans, sweet peas, buttercup, kidney beans, jasmine, foxglove and iceberg lettuce.
Fruit. Pretty much any fruit will make a good sweet treat, though the high sugar content means it should only be given in moderation. It's also important to remove any pips or stones that could become choking hazards. Bananas, apples, strawberries and raspberries have all proven a hit.
Nasal sprays containing anti-inflammatory steroids are excellent for controlling severe allergies. These drugs suppress the local immune system in eyes and nose before the allergy is triggered. Others have good success with allergy desensitization shots; ask whether you can use your rabbit's own fur.
Order a rabbit allergy IgE blood test to detect an allergy to rabbits. This test measures the amount of allergen-specific antibodies in a blood sample. While pet allergies are generally associated with dogs and cats, rabbits may also trigger an allergic reaction for some individuals.
Theoretically, salmonella, listeria and pseudotuberculosis can be passed from rabbits to humans, but the risk is vanishingly small and you are far more likely to catch these diseases via contaminated food.
Staring is very common in rabbits. It's likely your rabbit stares at you out of love and happiness, but they could also be hungry, or confused. Rabbits also have a transparent eyelid that they use while they sleep, which may make it seem like they are staring.
Body heat: Rabbits regulate body temperature by their ears. Very cold or hot ears could indicate a fever or a drop in body temperature.
Generally, rabbits bite because they have a need to assert dominance, defend their food, or protect themselves from a predator. A dominant rabbit may bite an owner for no apparent reason. Indoor rabbits may suddenly nip at their owner's hands and/or feet when they move too close to the rabbit's territory.
The best places to pet a rabbit are their forehead and behind their ears. The cheeks and strokes down their backs are also good spots. But rabbits dislike being pet on their bottom, feet, chin, and underside.
Rabbits should not be picked up by the scruff of their neck; proper gentle handling should be used instead. Appropriate handling will be safer and less distressing to the rabbit. A rabbit must never be lifted or held by the ears. This is distressing, painful, and cruel, and can also damage the ears.
Hold rabbits gently but firmly - ensure one hand supports their back and hindquarters at all times. Help them feel secure by holding all four feet against your body. Never pick rabbits up by their ears - this would be extremely stressful and is highly likely to injure them.