Having a pet is rewarding for many people. Some choose bunnies and some choose dogs. You may be thinking, are there any differences between the lives of these pet owners? They both have a furry companion, but do they experience the same struggles and behavioral complaints of caring for their pets?
We'll find out!
Choosing a Breed: Rabbit Owner vs. Dog Owner
A bunny mom with a more relaxed lifestyle would choose a breed that is easy and good for beginners, like the Flemish giant, Polish rabbit, or the Himalayan. If she wants a small bunny, she could have a Netherland Dwarf, Dwarf Hotot, or a Holland Lop.
A dog mom also chooses the right breed of pet for her. She'll consider adopting a Golden Retriever or an Australian Shepherd if she wants a playful dog.
Choosing the right breed of pet for each mom is essential because they should align it to the lifestyle they have and the area where they live.
Let's talk about these moms' daily routines with their lovely pets.
Potty-training
A bunny owner has to buy litter boxes for her indoor bunnies and then litter-train them. She begins potty-training her bunny at 3-4 months. When her bunny already knows how to use a litter box, she cleans the litter box daily so her bunny is safe and clean too.
A dog owner trains her dog to potty by guiding it outside to poop or pee. A puppy can start its potty training at 3 months also. When her dog learns how to poop out, she will include it in her daily routine to go outside whenever the dog goes to the door.
Playtime/Physical Activities
Both pets need exercise and playtime, but there is a difference between their routines in this aspect.
A bunny owner sets a day for her bunny to free roam in the backyard or outside the house. It can be a Free-roam Friday if she wants to. This is the day where the bun can play, do the zoomies in a wider space, or dig a hole. Some bunny moms provide tunnels for their rabbits so they can be safe even if they're outside. (Because we never know whether the neighbor's cat is watching, right?)
A dog owner needs to walk her pet more often. Dogs love walking outside on a leash. Of course, a dog mom must take a plastic bag because her dog loves to poop outside. While calm dogs are safe with collars, you can't do that to bunnies because their spine might break.
Feeding Routine
Rabbits and dogs are different when it comes to their diet.
A bunny owner provides daily fresh hay for her bunny, the cut grass that bunnies eat. The hay has fiber which is good to help the bunny digest its food properly and keep its teeth from growing too long. She also gives her bunny a limited amount of pellets, fresh vegetables, and a small amount of fruits daily.
A dog owner feeds her dog twice a day. There are different meals that she can provide to her dog. There are kibbles, canned food, and freshly cooked dog food. She feeds her dog during breakfast and dinner.
These pets have different diets, but both deserve a treat or snack after an exhausting activity.
Grooming routine
Both moms can groom their pets if trained or learned to do it. If they can't, they go to a pet groomer.
While it is more possible for a bunny mom to groom her bunny, it can be a challenging task for a dog mom–depending on the size and her dog's coat.
Benefits of Having a Pet
Reduces stress
Gives joy
Increases productivity
Encourages exercise
A reason to continue life in general
Provides mental support
Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits, volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, extensive pet product research, and experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Final Thoughts on Rabbit Owner vs. Dog Owner
We hope you had fun learning about the different lives of bunny and dog owners. It can be hard to choose a pet, but once you do, it's worth it!
There are some similarities between taking care of a rabbit and a dog—but there are also some differences.
Whether you choose a bunny or a dog, we're sure that your pet will be happy to have found such an accommodating home!
Visit HoppScotch.bun for more helpful tips in pet rabbit care!