RE: Special Treatment for Senior Bunnies?

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Ditto Sarita for sure. Vet exam and blood work and just being really observant-looking for signs of illness or just signs of not being content.

Though I will share this-we did an alzheimers sensitivity training thing at work a while back. It was a virtual dementia tour where we had our shoes filled with corn (to simulate painful feet from neuropathy which is common in seniors) had vaseline covered goggles to simulate the many ways you lose vision as you age, had ear phones of a curfuffle of noises (To simulate what might be heard in any house without it making sense…) and gloves on to simluate loss of detexerity. Then we were given tasks to do.

The point of it was to show that loss of faculties makes things painful, frustrating, upsetting and scary. And let me tell you-that was ten mintues and I wanted to CRY. So it made me really sensitive to thinking about what the needs of senior animals might be.

Touching them more for instance-it’s comforting (if they like touch) and if they are losing vision that can help them feel better.
Talking to them and saying their name-again comforting-and can also let you know you are there.
Maybe more cushioning in the bed for comfort.
Watching for signs of dementia…I’ve not heard of rabbits getting this, but other animals do for sure, so its’ likely not unheard of. My parents dog is starting to display some signs.
Also senior animals are less likely to feel hunger/thirst so ensuring they are enticed to eat and watching their intake.
watching for signs of depression-depression is part of the aging process and again that does occur in animals too.

I’m just thinking a lot about the needs of senior animals lately so I love that you asked this. I’m sure there are more things we can think of too.