A Word About Fireworks

The 4th of July is a fun holiday with so many great elements - family and friends, good food, and a thank you to those who have served our country and fought for our freedom.   My memories are filled with cookouts, long walks to neighborhood parks lugging blankets and bug spray and the magic of a night sky and colored lights.  We certainly hope you have a great holiday!

Before you get rolling, let me run a quick thought by you.  Fireworks can be jarring and terrifying to small prey animals.  Not only is the noise deafening, but some even seem to shake the ground.  Obviously the closer you are to the display, the more difficult it can be for your bunny.  If you live miles away from the closest celebration, your bunny may not even notice it.  If you happen to live right next door, it's possible that your bunny could be scared to death.

Accommodating your bunny's needs for the evening is easy with a bit of preparation.  

If your bunny lives in a hutch outside, consider bringing it inside for the evening.  A carrier lined with bedding or hay, with an attached water bottle is fine.  Don't worry about the temporary, tighter quarters.  If your bunny is close enough to hear the fireworks go off, it will be happy to be in a small, secure place.

If your bunny lives inside a garage, shed or house, consider providing a box so it can hide. This is especially appropriate if your bunny lives in a cage with exposed sides instead of an enclosed hutch.  Consider playing calming music, as it will reduce the contrast between silence and explosions, and create a stable atmosphere to offset the erratic celebration outside.

If you happen to be staying home, hanging out with your bunny can help keep it calm.  Let your bunny sit on your lap, by your feet, or next to you on the couch.  Your bunny will take cues from you.  If you appear unconcerned about the loud sounds, it will eventually relax too.

If you are going out for the evening, be sure to check on your bunny when you get home.  If it seems nervous, take it out for a bit and hold it on your lap and pet it.  Help your bunny realize that everything is still right with it's world.

And with that, have a great 4th of July!