Because rabbits are obligate nasal breathers, any obstruction of the nasal cavity will result in respiratory compromise. Open-mouth breathing in a rabbit is a very poor prognostic sign and is most often seen in the agonal patient. The most common cause of upper respiratory disease (URD) in the rabbit is pasteurellosis.
Rabbits cannot breathe through their mouth if their nose is blocked. Attempted mouth breathing is a sign of respiratory distress and is often accompanied by a blue tinge to the lips and nose. This is a serious and life-threatening condition that needs emergency attention by your vet.
A rabbit will grind its teeth down to keep them at a comfortable length. This gives the illusion that the animal is chewing on food.
Rabbits like to stretch out during hot days to prevent their body from retaining too much heat. Place ceramic or slate tiles in the shade for your rabbit to lie down on, as these will stay cool. If you have space you can also cool them in the fridge for an hour before placing them in the run.
Rabbits regulate body heat through their ears. They do not tolerate extreme heat and can die from becoming overheated. Temperatures above 77° F (25° C) are dangerous for rabbits. In summer, heat exhaustion can be an issue for all rabbits but the fuzzy, overweight, old and young are at special risk.
signs of pain, such as not wanting to be touched on parts of its body. teeth grinding. flinching. difficulty with breathing, especially if your rabbit is breathing through its mouth rather than its nose.
Your rabbit could be in respiratory distress, which would be an emergency and requires immediate vet attention. Your rabbit could also be experiencing mouth discomfort, which could be from overgrown teeth, abcess, or other injury. These are only suggestions. Any worrisome behavior should be addressed by a vet.
Typically this isn't something you should worry about especially since it often doesn't hurt. Many times this is how your pet rabbit will show its love for you. When a rabbit nibbles or bites you softly it is often accompanied with licking, which is a sign of love.
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.
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.
Even though most of the time there is nothing to worry about when a rabbit is flopped over on the ground, it is possible that rabbits will behave this way when they are very sick.
Many rabbits hate being held and will actually freeze with fear. Our advise would be that it is always better to get down to your bunnies level and have a cuddle. You can get just as much enjoyment out of cuddling your bunny by getting down to their level. Lay or sit next to them and interact with them that way.
Petting a rabbit may be a great method to soothe them and help them relax. If your rabbit is defensive, scratch him behind the ears and forehead. Keep an eye on your rabbit's body language to see if he's still on the lookout for danger.
Lack of energy and curiosity (lethargy)
While most rabbits are energetic and curious about their environment, a rabbit who gets depressed is likely to sit around all day. They won't be interested in toys, socializing, or even in treats. Instead they'll spend their day sitting in the same place, doing nothing.
It is important that you understand all the requirements for caring for a rabbit before you buy one. Rabbits generally live for 5 to 8 years depending on their environment and breed, but they can live for as long as 12 years. If you decide to purchase a rabbit, make sure you are prepared to care for them that long.
Rabbit is limp, floppy or cold
These rabbits are very, very sick and may be close to death. The common end point of dehydration, shock or sepsis is a weak floppy rabbit, often with cold ears. They tend to sit hunched in a corner and 'feel funny' when you pick them up. Wrap them up warmly and get to the vet ASAP.
Rabbit spritzer
You can use a plant spray/mist bottle to gently spray water on your rabbit's ears which can help them to cool down.
You can even try putting ice cubes* in the water, but pay attention to make sure your rabbit is still drinking enough. By keeping their supply cold, they'll be lowering their temperature every time they take a drink —which they'll be doing a lot during the summertime.
How cold is too cold? The ideal temperature for rabbits is from about 60-70°F (15-20°C), but rabbits can be comfortable in temperatures ranging from around 40-75°F. For rabbits that are used to the cold, they can still do okay in temperatures down to about 15°F as long as they are kept dry and out of the wind.