People who own a pet don't want to discuss this topic because it is scary and sad. Bunny parents always think of the time they are going to spend with their bunnies that they wouldn't realize there's an end to it. We will never be prepared when our rabbits die because of old age or disease.
It is better to know the signs so you know what you should do while your bunny is still alive. There is a possibility to save your bunny's life if you know the signs your rabbit is dying, but only if you are keen to observe and can act quickly.
8 Signs Your Rabbit is Dying
1. Not eating at all
Loss of appetite or not eating is a common sign of something wrong with your bunny. A rabbit needs hay to live and have the energy to do the routine it usually does. If your bunny stops eating, that's an obvious sign it is dying.
2. Not Hydrating Itself
Another sign your rabbit is dying is when it's not helping itself to hydrate. A worse situation is when you are experiencing hot weather, but still, you cannot see your bunny drink water. This sign is accompanied by not eating food. Your bunny will start getting weaker and weaker until it passes.
3. A Rabbit is Not Playing
Rabbits have a different definition of play from other animals. They love to toss their bowls, chew their toys, or stack things inside their playpen. For sure, you, too, have a playful bunny. If your bunny doesn't do these things in a day, there's something wrong inside. It might be a sign that your rabbit is dying.
4. Resting and More Resting
Your bunny loves to eat, play, and then rest. Those are the usual routines of every bunny. Something is wrong if you see your bunny looking so tired without even playing. If it chooses to rest more than usual, even in the dawn when bunnies are most active, that is a sign that your bunny is dying. You know your bunny and all bunnies have time to play even in a short time.
5. Changes in Droppings/feces
If there is a change in your bunny's feces, that indicates something is wrong. There can be changes in color, texture, or smell. Another is when you cannot see any droppings or feces because you might not notice that your bunny is not eating anymore.
6. It Doesn't Respond Quickly to Sound
Rabbits react quickly to sound because they are always alert to their surroundings. If your bunny is trained to come when it's called, it's easier to identify it is unresponsive. If it's looking tired and resting in a dark place and you call your bunny's name but don't even make a little move, there's something wrong.
7. Breathing Abnormally
Another sign that a rabbit is dying is when it's breathing abnormally, like wheezing or gasping. It might be experiencing shortness of breath or breathing through the mouth. Also, check your rabbit's nose if it's stuffy because that might be the cause.
8. Cold/Shivering
If your home is cozy but your rabbit is shivering, that's a sign it is near death. A rabbit shivers because it's overly stressed about the fact that it is dying.
How Do You Comfort a Dying Rabbit?
This is a heartbreaking scene, but stop your actions and give your full attention to your bunny. As it nears death, make it feel that you're there. Comfort your bunny by stroking or petting it gently. Remove all the noise in the background, be in a cozy place with your bun, and talk gently.
Disclaimer: We are not professional veterinarians or medical doctors. We created this blog based on our experiences with pet rabbits, volunteered hours in the rabbit shelter, extensive pet product research, and experienced peers. The purpose of this blog is to provide information about properly taking care of rabbits. Please know that it is still best to visit the vet regularly. For medical emergencies, contact a rabbit-savvy vet. Always observe your rabbits around new products or environmental changes.
Final Thoughts on Signs a Rabbit is Dying
A dying pet bunny is one of the most heartbreaking situations a bunny parent will face. What's more important is knowing you provided for its needs and loved it like your child.
No bunny parent is prepared for this, so cherish every moment with your bunny!
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