When it comes to cages for rabbits, the usual thumb for cages applies here as well – the bigger cage the better it is. You have to remember that the larger area you provide your pet with, the better they will be able to live and play. Of course, real life situations stop us from being extra generous with space for pets, but there is still a minimum that you should follow. It is generally agreed upon that the cage for a single rabbit should be about four times its size. So if you are planning to have multiple rabbits, buy accordingly.

The cages that are commonly found at local pet stores are usually way too cramped for the rabbits to comfortably live in. Also, most of them tend to have a wire mesh flooring. The reason being that a wire mesh flooring will allow all dirt and droppings to fall through them, keeping the place cleaner more efficiently. But wire mesh floorings can often be too harsh on the paws of some breeds of rabbits. As an alternative, you have use a hard plywood base with a vinyl on top of it. The plywood gives it a solid base while the vinyl is relatively easier to clean and also cheap buy and replace.

However, if you want to go with the wire mesh flooring, you can at least cover it with straws to make it more comfortable. Also, do not confuse between the feed and the bedding. Straw is for bedding and the hay is for feeding, do not mix them up.

When looking at the walls of the cage, you will notice that most of them have a wire meshes. Choosing the size of the wire-mesh is very important here especially if you are expecting to have baby rabbits inside the cage. Make sure that wire mesh is properly installed and that there are no sharp ends sticking out of places. This can really harm your rabbit and it might even kill them. So be very careful about this specific aspect.

The door is also very important when choosing a cage. Look if the door opens on the side to the outside so that the rabbit can come out on its own when it is playtime. If the door opens at the top, then you will have to carry the rabbit out each and every time. Usually, the door opening on the side towards the outside is considered to be better for rabbits and the best is considered to be a cage with provisions for both types of doors.

So when you are choosing a cage for your rabbit, keep in mind to go over all the important points before settling on one.

Animal massage can benefit all animals from companion pets such as cats and dogs to horses and livestock and even zoo animals. The benefits of massage for animals mirror those for people, including decreased stress and improved circulation. For many, pet massage sounds like a luxury for pampered pets only. However, many canines receive massage to help recover from surgery or injury and athletes such as racehorses or agility dogs receive sport massage to improve performance.

For those with aging dogs and cats, animal massage therapy provides one more tool in the management of age-related conditions and helps to improve the quality of their pet’s life. Pet health care has moved beyond the age of grocery-store dog food and once-a-year vaccinations. Today, pet health supplies include vitamins, specialty food and treats, hydrotherapy, acupuncture and chiropractic and, yes, pet massage therapy.

The focus of animal massage for many years was horses, particularly racing and show horses. The benefit of massage for horses is well recognized among horse owners. Massage certification has been offered in equine massage therapy for years, but only recently has the focused turned toward pet massage certification. One of the benefits of massage for animals mentioned was improved circulation. Better circulation can contribute to improved digestion and better metabolism, a tremendous benefit for the large number of pets suffering from obesity and gastrointestinal disorders.

The benefits of massage for animals in a zoological park fall under three categories: training, enrichment and health. Veterinarian staff can use massage to minimize the time that an exotic species spends in the hospital following surgery or illness, a critical element in the success of the animal’s return to the wild or onto exhibit. Specific massage techniques can be used to improve the production and movement of lymphatic fluid and assist in metabolism of anesthesia and related medications.

Animal trainers can use certain massage techniques as reinforcement for performed behaviors when food rewards are not safe or effective. Massage can improve nerve function and brain function as well, making training easier. Enrichment involves providing activities to captive animals that stimulate them physically and psychologically and improve their quality of life. Studies indicate that enrichment programs in zoological parks may contribute to the longevity of individual animals and may reduce safety concerns with animals that may become aggressive due to stress or boredom.

In closing, the benefits of massage for animals are as numerous and varied as those for people. In the last decade more and more people have added massage to their own health care regimen and seen tremendous benefit. Many of these same people have seen the power of massage add quality and time to the lives of their adored pets. Considering all that animals contribute to our lives through companionship, sport and service; a massage now and then serves as a powerful sign of gratitude.