There may be occasions when you need to attach your rabbit to a harness for his or her own safety. However, since rabbits would instinctively resist this kind of activity, it can be difficult to put them in a collar or harness without harming them physically or psychologically. But if the situation calls for it, can rabbits wear collars or harnesses safely?
A harness is a safer option for walking a rabbit under supervision as it distributes pressure evenly around the front of the rabbit’s body. Putting a collar on a rabbit and attaching a lead is more dangerous as there is a risk the rabbit may slip the collar and escape, or get injured by the collar if startled.
With all of this in mind, it is important to remember that you shouldn’t use a harness on your bunny unless there is a real need. Furthermore, rabbits should never be forced into wearing a harness and the training process should be done over a lengthy period of time.
Are Harnesses Safe For Bunnies?
Rabbits are incredibly active animals that require a lot of exercise and this means that your pet should be allowed out of its enclosure for at least a couple of hours each day, if not more. But many owners find that they do not have the space for their rabbits to exercise safely and this can initiate thoughts of walking the rabbit using a harness.
If you try to attach a harness to a rabbit without first allowing the animal some time to adjust, you will likely have a very unproductive experience. Your rabbit will feel under threat when first using a harness and so before you start, you must be aware that this is going to be a gradual process without guaranteed results.
Rabbits might not want to walk on a harness and you may find that your pet does nothing more than sit in the grass and you won’t get very far. If you have an idea in your mind that walking your rabbit will be the same as walking your dog, you will be disappointed. Remember that the key here is providing your pet with exercise.
If you must use a harness or a collar, we would recommend going with the former as these are typically much safer for bunnies. A collar will put a lot of weight and pressure on the rabbit’s delicate neck and if he or she makes any sudden movements, the results could be catastrophic. Conversely, a harness will spread this weight and pressure more evenly so in the event that quick movements are made, there is a significantly lower chance of injury.
Can Rabbits Wear Flea Collars?
While it may be OK to use collars and harnesses for exercise, using a flea collar is not recommended for bunnies. Of course, there is the risk of the rabbit injuring itself by getting the collar stuck on something. What’s more, if the collar is too tight, there is a risk of it restricting the rabbit’s ability to breathe.
But more importantly. Flea collars contain chemicals that are used to kill off potential parasites and rabbits are inherent nibblers. It is very likely that your rabbit will chew its collar and ingest some of these chemicals which could pose a health risk.
What Type Of Harness Is Best For A Rabbit?
As we have discussed, a harness is always a better choice than a collar and if you can get away with using neither, that is highly preferable. However, if you must use a harness, you should ensure that the fit is correct.
One that evenly distributes weight will be the safest and most beneficial. You should be able to comfortably fit two fingers under the harness; this tells you that it isn’t too tight or loose. If the harness is too loose, there is a very real risk of the rabbit getting out and running away. If you are out in public, this risks injury or your pet going missing.
How Do You Put A Harness On A Rabbit?
If you have decided that a harness is an appropriate exercise aid for your rabbit then it is essential that you use it correctly. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that your rabbit likely won’t instantly take to wearing the harness and it will take some time to train him.
Before getting started, there are some things that you should remember if you want to have the most success.
- Don’t ever force your rabbit to wear a harness; if your pet looks or acts as though they are uncomfortable, leave it for another time.
- When you are walking your rabbit using a harness or collar, never pull suddenly on the lead as this could cause injuries such as broken bones.
- Always be vigilant that your pet does not get its harness or collar stuck on anything; this could serve as a choking hazard.
- While out and about, always supervise your rabbit. You must never tie them to a post or tree and leave them unattended.
- When using a lead, always opt for an extendable one that gives your rabbit the freedom to move naturally without resulting in an injury.
If you think back to when you first brought your rabbit home, you will remember how long it took for your rabbit to trust you. The same applies to inanimate objects such as a harness. For this reason, your rabbit will need time to familiarize itself with the harness. The best way to do this is to leave the harness with the rabbit who may investigate it and even become used to it.
At this point, you can gradually begin to introduce your pet to wearing the harness. The first attempt might not yield many results and your rabbit will probably resist. But it is important to take the process slowly and teach your rabbit that no harm will come to it.
If your rabbit accepts wearing the harness, you can reward him with treats but try not to leave it on for too long at this point. Twenty minutes should be enough for the first few days but do not attempt to attach a lead yet. Give your rabbit a few sessions wearing the harness and gradually introduce the lead in the same way.
You shouldn’t take your rabbit outdoors for the first few walks; it is better to walk your rabbit around the house. This will give you the reassurance that, should your rabbit become distressed, you can easily remove the harness and return him to his enclosure, where he will feel safe. While you shouldn’t tug on the leash, it is important to provide a little bit of tightness from time to time to help you rabbit get used to the nature of leash walking.
When you feel that your rabbit is confident enough, you can begin walking him outdoors. However, it pays to remain vigilant since there are many potential hazards such as other animals, toxic plants, and potential diseases; your pet’s safety should always be your main concern.
For further information on this subject, you may like to read our post which describes the process of leash training a rabbit here.
