Warning signs that something isn't right Eating less and/or refusing certain foods. A change in thirst levels. Producing less stool or producing stool that looks different to normal. Discharge from the eyes or saliva around the mouth/chin.
The signs of an unhappy rabbit
Bunny owners get very used to the 'thump' that can indicate a grumpy creature, but if rabbits are acting lethargic, reluctant to move and hiding away all day, then it can be cause for concern.
Lethargy & Body Posture: Though some rabbits are simply low-energy individuals, any rabbit that seems lethargic, especially when coupled with loss of appetite, merits filling out a vet check form and notifying a supervisor. Often a rabbit in pain will sit hunched up, unwilling to move.
Signs of pain may be subtle, such as an increase in respiration, reluctance to move, sudden aggression, persistently squinting the eyes, a loss of interest in the surroundings or an inability to rest or sleep normally. If there is abdominal pain, a rabbit may sit in a hunched posture.
social stress (for example too many individuals in a small space, loss of a companion, living alone) inability to behave normally (for example a lack of companionship or mental stimulation, insufficient exercise or being unable to run away from something that is causing stress) pain, discomfort or illness.
Rabbit ears that are flat back with a relaxed body just mean the rabbit is resting. Rabbit ears that are straight up mean that the rabbit is curious or alert and rabbit ears that are not straight up, not tense and back usually indicate that the rabbit is relaxed or content.
Signs of abdominal pain may include bruxism (teeth grinding), pressing their abdomen on the ground or a hunched posture.
Coughing, wheezing, sneezing, and/or difficulty breathing are definitely warning signs for bunnies. You may also notice discharge coming from Floppy's cute little nose.
In general, when a rabbit is laying on their side it means that they feel extremely comfortable and safe. Unless your rabbit is completely unresponsive if you try to wake them up, then you do not need to worry about your rabbit's health at all.
However, this won't be a leisurely or comfortable “roll” onto its side. A sick rabbit will literally 'flop' or drop in a haphazard and sometimes dramatic fashion.
An ill rabbit may not drink enough water on its own to do well. Your rabbit may be dehydrated if you see any of these problems: thick sticky saliva, crusty eyes, poor appetite, small amounts of dark colored urine, or hard dry fecal pellets.
Symptoms include shivering (although this will suddenly stop when their temperature reaches dangerously low levels), pale lips and gums, low energy and a loss of coordination. Hypothermia is an emergency, so if you spot any of these symptoms, bring them into the warm and contact your vet immediately.
Flattening: If your rabbit is flat with its belly on the floor, ears back, and bulging eyes, they are scared. If your rabbit is flat on the floor with its head extended forward and chin resting on the floor, they are asking to be pet.
You should avoid leaving a rabbit alone for more than 24 hours. This is because rabbits can get sick suddenly and require immediate medical attention. Conditions such as GI Stasis are very common, so you should always have someone checking in on your rabbit daily even if you are only away for the weekend.
- Signs a rabbit may be suffering from stress/fear can include hiding/chewing cage bars/over-grooming/altered feeding or toileting habits/over-drinking/playing with the water bottle/sitting hunched/reluctance to move/repeatedly circling the enclosure.
This is a very serious and often fatal condition, so you need to ensure that your rabbit keeps eating and drinking. Offer them tempting foods, such as fresh herbs, greens, freshly picked grass or whatever their favourite food is. If this doesn't tempt them to eat then the only option will be to syringe feed them.
Feed your rabbit soft food.
Until you can reach a veterinarian, try to force-feed your rabbit canned pumpkin, baby-food, or veggies. You can purchase a feeding syringe from a pet store. These can be used to insert fluid directly into the rabbit's mouth.
Some rabbits can become depressed if they're left alone when a friend passes away. Your remaining pet may also stop eating and drinking. If this happens, or you think your pet seems lethargic or just not their usual self, take them to a rabbit-friendly vet as soon as possible.
When a rabbit goes into shock, their body will become still or limp. The heart rate will be slow and difficult to detect and the rabbit will have pale white gums as a result of circulatory problems. Rabbits in shock will also have very cold ears because their body temperature is plummeting.