sick bunny

Because bunnies are quite different from other animals, it can sometime be hard to know whether they are sick or not. Here are some signs to look for that may indicate that your rabbit is not feeling well. Please note that if you think your bunny is sick for any reason you should take it to the veterinarian. Too many rabbits die because people ignore their sickness until it is too late. If you do not think you can afford the occasional vet bill, then you should not get a rabbit, as they need health care like any other pet.

Signs Of Sickness

Bunny Not Eating

Whilst humans and lots of other animals can go for a rather long time without eating, it is not at all safe for rabbits to stop eating. Rabbits have a special type of digestive system which must be kept moving. If a bunny's digestive system stops moving, then the bunny can die very quickly. For this reason, if your bunny stops eating for more than a day, you should take it to the vet as quickly as possible.

No Bunny Droppings / Urine

If the bunny stops urinating and pooing, then you should take it to the veterinarian. Lack of poo can suggest a blockage in the gut, perhaps a fur blockage, or some other material if your bunny eats cardboard or carpet or other indigestible things that can get caught in its guts. Bunnies die very quickly from blockages, so it is VERY important that you take your rabbit to the vet quickly.

Bare Patches

Bare, itchy patches of skin Rabbits can sometimes get mites, which irritate the skin and cause the fur to fall away, revealing red scaly skin. This is different from a moult, in which a rabbit's skin may sometimes be exposed, but in the case of a moult, the rabbit will not be itchy, and the skin will be a healthy tone and smooth texture. If your rabbit has skin irritation, you should consult your vet.

Runny Eyes, Runny Nose

A rabbit with runny eyes or a runny nose should be observed carefully. If it does not clear up, and the bunny loses its energy and starts looking sick and unwell all over, then take your rabbit to the vet, as it may have an infection just as people sometimes do.

Red Urine

Sometimes rabbits have red or orange urine. This can happen if they have had too many carrots. Normally this is nothing to worry about, but if your rabbit seems sick in other ways, or if it does not clear up in a few days, you should think about getting bunny to the animal doctor.