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Why is keeping my rabbit indoors better for its safety and health?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 8 months old

Why should rabbits be kept inside? I have to convince my mom to let me keep them inside (the only reason they are I side right now, is because there is a fire, and i don't want them breathing in smoke) they used to live outside, without any fencing around them. My mom wants to put them on a deck beside my room. I'm scared of dogs and cats getting to them (a lot of people let their pets wander)

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jeffrey Milner

Veterinarian

Published on July 20th, 2017

Hi, it is best to keep rabbits inside at night in very hot or very cold weather. They can go outside in nice weather and back inside at night. Predators love rabbits, since they have no way to fight back if another animal wants to eat them. Also, outside they are prone to get fleas, ticks, and other external parasites on their bodies. They can also get internal parasites from eating brush and dirt. If you live where dogs and cats go, I would only allow your rabbit outside in a very secure cage. Make sure it is large enough for the rabbit to get exercise, has shelter, and food and water available. It also should go underground a half a foot so predators cannot dig under the fencing. So in light of the set up it takes to safely keep a rabbit outside, it is better to keep them indoor where they are safe. Rabbits can be leash walked with a small harness for outdoor activity. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Susan England-Foster

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I would recommend keeping him inside because outside puts him at a higher risk for trauma, infections, parasites and skin issues. Keeping him inside will protect him from the elements. Rabbits can be litter boxes trained too!

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