This page is your rabbit health command center. It covers what to watch for, when to panic, how to prevent common problems, and what to do when your rabbit is not acting like themselves.
Quick Health Check: Sort by Urgency
Not sure if it can wait? This table sorts common symptoms by how serious they are. When in doubt, always contact your vet.
| Symptom | What It Might Mean | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| No droppings for 12+ hours | GI stasis or blockage — life-threatening | 🚨 Emergency |
| Not eating for 12+ hours | GI stasis, pain, or systemic illness | 🚨 Emergency |
| Hunched posture, bloated belly | GI stasis, gas, or torsion | 🚨 Emergency |
| Head tilt or loss of balance | Ear infection or neurological event | 🚨 Emergency |
| Open-mouth breathing | Heat stroke, respiratory distress, pain | 🚨 Emergency |
| Significant bleeding | Injury — needs immediate vet care | 🚨 Emergency |
| Drooling or wet chin | Dental disease or oral ulcer | ⚠️ Vet Soon |
| Weight loss despite eating | Dental problems, parasites, or illness | ⚠️ Vet Soon |
| Sneezing or nasal discharge | Snuffles (Pasteurella) or allergy | ⚠️ Vet Soon |
| Scratching ears or shaking head | Ear infection or ear mites | ⚠️ Vet Soon |
| Hair loss or bald patches | Mites, fungus, or hormonal issue | ⚠️ Vet Soon |
| Stool that is stuck to the hind end | Digestive slowdown, arthritis, or obesity | ⚠️ Vet Soon |
| Slightly softer stool than normal | Dietary change or mild stress | 👀 Monitor |
| Mild reduction in activity | Fatigue, heat, or minor discomfort | 👀 Monitor |
| Occasional sneezing without discharge | Dust or minor irritation | 👀 Monitor |
| Slightly reduced appetite for one meal | Normal variation — watch closely | 👀 Monitor |
If symptoms overlap categories — for example, drooling plus not eating — treat it as more urgent.
📋 Download the Health ChecklistWhen It Is an Emergency — Act Immediately
These situations require a phone call to a rabbit-savvy vet right now. Do not wait for an appointment slot. Do not try to wait it out.
- Your rabbit has not eaten or produced droppings in 12 hours. This is the classic sign of GI stasis. Time is critical.
- Your rabbit is sitting hunched with a distended belly. This posture means pain and possible digestive shutdown.
- Your rabbit is having trouble breathing or is breathing with mouth open. This is always an emergency. Transport carefully and minimize stress.
- Your rabbit has had a significant fall. Internal injuries are not always visible. A vet check is needed even if your rabbit seems fine.
- You see blood from any orifice, significant bleeding, or a limb that looks broken. Stabilize your rabbit and get to the vet immediately.
Tip: Save your rabbit-savvy vet's number in your phone before an emergency happens. Add an after-hours emergency line if available. The House Rabbit Society vet finder is a good starting point if you do not already have one.
🖨️ Print the Emergency Symptoms PosterCommon Questions
How do I know if my rabbit needs an emergency vet visit?
If your rabbit stops eating, has not produced droppings in 12 hours, is sitting hunched in a ball, or shows any signs of distress — call a vet immediately. Rabbit emergencies escalate fast. When in doubt, reach out.
What is GI stasis and why is it so dangerous?
GI stasis is when a rabbit's digestive system slows or stops. It can be fatal within 24 hours. Watch for loss of appetite, small or no droppings, and a hunched posture. This is always an emergency.
How often should I take my rabbit to the vet?
At minimum once a year for a wellness check with a rabbit-savvy vet. Rabbits should be spayed or neutered unless there is a specific medical reason not to. Senior rabbits or those with health conditions may need more frequent visits.
What are the signs my rabbit might be in pain?
Rabbits hide pain instinctively. Look for a hunched posture, grinding teeth, reluctance to move, decreased appetite, or aggressive behavior when handled. Any sudden behavioral change warrants attention.
Can rabbits catch colds from humans?
Yes. Human cold and flu viruses can pass to rabbits. Wash your hands before handling your rabbit if you are sick. Avoid direct contact until you are symptom-free for at least 48 hours.
What should I include in a rabbit emergency kit?
A rabbit emergency kit should include: a digital kitchen scale, infant gas drops (simethicone), critical care or Sherwood pet recovery formula, a feeding syringe, vet wrap, and your vet's contact information. See our full emergency kit guide for details.
How do I find a vet who treats rabbits?
Not all veterinarians treat rabbits. Search the House Rabbit Society vet finder, ask for recommendations from local rabbit rescues, or call clinics and ask if they see rabbits specifically before booking an appointment.
Is my rabbit's drooling an emergency?
Drooling is often a sign of dental problems — malocclusion, spurs, or overgrown teeth. It can also indicate pain or oral ulcers. Schedule a vet visit within a day or two. If your rabbit is also refusing food, consider it urgent.
My rabbit's ear is tilted. Is that serious?
A head tilt (vestibular disease) can indicate an ear infection or more serious neurological issue. It often comes with loss of balance, circling, or rolling. This needs prompt veterinary attention.
What causes respiratory problems in rabbits?
Rabbits are sensitive to dust, bedding fumes, and poor ventilation. Snuffles (Pasteurella) is a common bacterial infection. Any wheezing, gasping, or nasal discharge should be evaluated by a vet.
Common Mistakes Rabbit Owners Make
Most rabbit health problems stem from a handful of avoidable errors. Review these — odds are at least one will surprise you.
Assuming Hay Is Optional
Hay should make up 70–80% of your rabbit's diet. Skimping on hay leads to dental problems, digestive issues, and GI stasis. If your rabbit is not eating hay, something is wrong — investigate.
Feeding the Wrong Greens
Not all greens are safe. Iceberg lettuce, rhubarb, and potato tops can harm your rabbit. Introduce new foods one at a time and in small amounts. When in doubt, leave it out.
Waiting Too Long to Call the Vet
Rabbits hide illness until it is advanced. By the time symptoms are obvious, the problem may be serious. If something seems off for more than 24 hours, call a rabbit-savvy vet.
Bathing a Sick Rabbit
Never submerge a rabbit in water. Even cleaning a soiled hind end with water can cause hypothermia or stress. For sanitation issues, use a damp cloth and consult your vet for underlying problems.
Offering Bread or Human Snacks
Bread, crackers, cereal, seeds, and nuts have no place in a rabbit's diet. These foods can cause digestive upset, obesity, and serious dental issues. Stick to hay, greens, and a small amount of pellets.
Preventive Care: The Basics
Much of rabbit health comes down to three things: what goes in, what comes out, and how they behave day to day.
- Hay, hay, and more hay. Unlimited timothy hay or orchard grass. This is the single most important thing you can give your rabbit. It wears down teeth and keeps digestion moving.
- Fresh water always available. Bowls are often better than bottles — rabbits drink more from bowls. Change it daily.
- Leafy greens daily. A variety of 3–5 different greens per day. Introduce new ones slowly and watch for loose stool.
- Pellets in moderation. A tablespoon per pound of body weight per day is a good guideline for adults. Skip the pet store mixes with seeds and dried fruit.
- Weigh your rabbit weekly. Use a kitchen scale. Sudden weight loss is often the first sign of a problem — before you see any behavioral change.
- Annual vet visits. Find a rabbit-savvy vet and go once a year minimum. Spay or neuter unless medically contraindicated.
Free Printable: Rabbit Health Checklist
Print this and keep it on your fridge. It covers the daily checks, the emergency warning signs, and what to have in your rabbit first-aid kit.
Download the Free Health Checklist →