How do I make my bun comfortable?

[HollyLoppy]

So I’m going to be moving from NJ to OH, and it’s going to be about a 9 hours drive with a moving truck. I want my rabbit to be comfortable when traveling with us but I don’t know how exactly to do that. Should I keep her in the front with us in her small carrier? Would she be more comfortable knowing she won’t be all wobbly when the truck moves or come across bumps? The vet said to give her half a tablet of benadryl to calm her nerves but I don’t know if that would suffice. Any help is appreciated of you can relate to a similar scenario or have knowledge!

[Wick & Fable]

Take a pit stop break at least once every 3 hours (more often if possible) to offer food, water, and a potty break (maybe have a litter box in the back that you let your rabbit chill in during pit stops. A rabbit will not really eat/drink while in a moving vehicle.

Putting fabrics/blankets that are comforting in the carrier are good, so a typical blanket she likes or a shirt of yours.

Generally try and drive smoothly and keep her to herself. You don’t want to poke around so much to stimulate her in an environment she’s going to be tense in already.

Doing a mini car ride to see how she copes is wise.

The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

[HollyLoppy]

Thanks for your response!

Should I invest in getting a bigger carrier? She won’t have much wiggle room in the one that she has, only enough to turn around but does she need something that she can at least stretch out in or is that something that’s just not going to happen because she won’t want to move at all in the truck? Is there a sign that can indicate how comfortable/uncomfortable she is?

She won’t mind being alone during the ride? I’m still trying to decide whether or not she should be in the front or back with all the rest of our things, I just don’t want her to be alone but is it better that she is since you said she wouldn’t want to be poked around so much?

[Mikey]

Often, a snug carrier is safer than a larger carrier, unless your rabbit likes and is used to longer car rides. Chances are, if shes not used to car rides, shes going to be uncomfortable either way. To ensure comfort and help avoid stress, youll want to stop once every 1 to 3 hours (three being the absolutely latest, one being the best possible). During stops, youll let her run around a safe area, offer food, offer water, and offer pets. After 10 to 15 minutes, you should be able to pack her up again and head out on the road

[Author]

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