If you or a family member is suffering from allergies and you suspect your bunny is the culprit, you may think about getting rid of the rabbit. Remember that hundreds of pet rabbits are euthanized in shelters every year, and many more are awaiting good homes in shelters and rescues. You may also think of relinquishing your rabbit to a backyard hutch or cage in the basement, but rabbits need enrichment, the attention and affection of their caretakers, plus a safe, predator-free environment in which to run and exercise. Luckily, there are few things you can do to make life bearable for both the bunny and the allergy-sufferer.
Causes of Allergies
- "Dander": Most people believe that fur is what causes allergies, but it is actually proteins in the bunny's skin, saliva and urine. This "dander" collects on fur during grooming and surfaces where the bunny lives, then dries and form a very fine, invisible powder. This powder triggers allergies when inhaled.
- Hay: Some people insist they are allergic to their bunny, when it is actually the rabbit's hay that is the problem. Hay is filled with pollen and dust which triggers allergies. Though it is not advisable to eliminate hay from the rabbit's diet--rabbits need the fiber and the wear on their teeth hay provides-- you can cover their hayboxes and hay racks, or have a family member who does not have allergies to handle the bunny hay. Any hay that is not being eaten immediately should be stored outside your main living area, such as in the basement or garage
- Bedding: Some people use woodchips as bedding or litter. The aromatic oils in woodchips are known to cause respiratory issues in both humans and bunnies. Switch to a paper-based product for bedding and litter.
Minimizing and Medicating
- Have bunny-free zones in your home. Keep your bunny out of your bedroom and off of your furniture. Keep your bunny off of carpeting where possible, as dander and dust tends to hide in carpeting.
- Keep your rabbit's living area and litterboxes as clean as possible. Consider wearing a face mask when cleaning the bunny area.
- Use a HEPA vaccuum cleaner, and/or place a HEPA air filter near the rabbit area. HEPA filters in your air conditioning units may also be helpful.
- Use a bunny-safe spray-on product like AllerPet, which is said to reduce the effects of dander. Or, you can wipe down the rabbit's coat with a damp cloth to remove dander.
- Always wash your hands immediately after petting your bunny, and change clothes after holding or handling the rabbit.
- Use an over-the-counter allergy medication to alleviate allergy symptoms.
- Consult an allergist. They can isolate the cause of the allergy and offer immuno-therapy, which builds up the body's tolerance to allergens via weekly shots.
Sarah Goodwin-Nguyen - Goodwin-Nguyen is the author of Key West: A Comprehensive Guide to Florida's Southernmost City (Parkscape Press, 2008) as well as an ebook ...
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