Signs of a Healthy Rabbit

Know what "normal" looks like for YOUR bunny:

  • Eyes: Bright, clear, no discharge
  • Nose: Clean, dry, no discharge
  • Ears: Clean, no excessive wax or odor
  • Teeth: Even bite, not overgrown
  • Coat: Smooth, shiny, no bald patches
  • Weight: Stable, ribs felt but not prominent
  • Poops: Round, dry, uniform pellets
  • Energy: Active at dawn/dusk, curious
  • Appetite: Consistent, enthusiastic about food

EMERGENCY - See Vet Immediately

These symptoms require same-day veterinary care:

Not Eating or Pooping (GI Stasis)

The #1 emergency in rabbits. Signs include:

  • Refusing food for 12+ hours
  • No poops or very small poops
  • Hunched posture, grinding teeth (pain)
  • Bloated or hard belly
  • Lethargy, hiding

GI stasis can be fatal within 24-48 hours. Don't wait.

Breathing Problems

  • Open-mouth breathing
  • Rapid, shallow breaths
  • Blue-tinged lips/gums
  • Nostril flaring

Head Tilt

  • Sudden head tilting to one side
  • Loss of balance, rolling
  • Rapid eye movement (nystagmus)
  • Could be ear infection or E. cuniculi

Paralysis or Weakness

  • Dragging back legs
  • Unable to hop normally
  • Falling over
  • Could be injury or spinal issue

Fly Strike

  • Maggots visible on body (especially rear)
  • Open wounds
  • Foul smell
  • This is a TRUE EMERGENCY - can be fatal in hours

Severe Bleeding

  • Wounds that won't stop bleeding
  • Blood in urine or stool

Urgent - See Vet Within 24-48 Hours

Respiratory Issues

  • Sneezing frequently
  • Nasal discharge (especially if thick or colored)
  • Wheezing or clicking sounds
  • Watery eyes

Digestive Changes

  • Soft, mushy poops for more than a day
  • Cecotropes (soft, cluster poops) not being eaten
  • Straining to poop
  • Diarrhea (watery stool)

Skin & Coat Issues

  • Bald patches
  • Excessive scratching
  • Flaky skin, dandruff
  • Lumps or bumps
  • Wet, matted fur around face or rear

Behavior Changes

  • Sudden aggression
  • Extreme lethargy
  • Hiding more than usual
  • Tooth grinding (sign of pain)

Monitor Closely - May Need Vet

Minor Issues to Watch

  • Occasional sneeze (watch for pattern)
  • Slightly decreased appetite (if eating some)
  • Minor weight changes
  • Occasional soft poop

When to Escalate

If any of these persist for more than 2-3 days, or get worse, call your vet.

Building a Rabbit First Aid Kit

Keep these supplies on hand:

  • Simethicone (infant gas drops) - For mild gas
  • Critical Care by Oxbow - For syringe feeding
  • Saline solution - For flushing wounds/eyes
  • Styptic powder - For nail bleeding
  • Digital thermometer - Normal is 101-103°F
  • Syringes (no needle) - For water/meds
  • Vet contact info - Including emergency/after-hours

The Poop Check

Healthy rabbit poop tells you a lot:

  • Normal: Round, dry, uniform size
  • Linked poops: Could indicate dehydration or too much protein
  • Small poops: Stress, dehydration, or early GI slowdown
  • Soft poops: Too many treats/veggies, or illness
  • Mucus-covered: Vet visit needed
  • No poops: EMERGENCY