Should I get a UVB light for my indoor rabbit to get enough vitamin D?

Question

I was wondering if there are any alternatives for my pet rabbit to get sunlight or UV light without bringing her outside. I want to make sure she gets an sufficient amount of vitamin D even if it is artificial UV light. I'm just concerned of the chance my rabbit is vitamin D deficient and was interested if I should invest in a UVB light bulb for her to compensate for her lack of sunlight. Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 3 days old | 0 lbs

Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for reaching out about Tofu. Yes, you can provide UV light for your rabbit through the use of a reptile UVB light. This is a common way for rabbits to get UVB light. Sunlight is the most effective way to provide UVB light, but if you are unable to get Tofu outside, artificial light is a good alternative. UVB bulbs must be changed every 4-6 months, whether the bulb burns out or not. When choosing a UVB bulb, you want to have some information available. First will be how you are going to suspend it over her - you will need to ensure that she is unable to contact the bulb directly as she could get burned, and that the bulb is at least 8-10 inches away from her so she doesn't get burned as well. Once you know how you will suspend the light, then you will measure the distance from the light to her level - ideally this would be no more than 18-24 inches away. Most UVB bulbs can't penetrate a distance that is further away than this. Once you have the distance measured, then you can go to a pet store and ask them for UVB bulbs that will be appropriate for the distance that you have. Ideally Tofu would have 15-20 minutes of exposure to UVB light per day - if you provide her with longer exposure, that is okay as well. I hope this helps to answer your question, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Should I get a UVB light for my indoor rabbit to get enough vitamin D?

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