As prey animals, rabbits instinctively hide discomfort and pain. After all, in the wild, any sign of weakness would put a target on their back. As a rabbit owner, it’s important to be able to recognize when your bunny is unwell, or experiencing pain and/or discomfort. This is not only important so illnesses can be treated in a timely manner, but also because discomfort and pain will affect the overall well-being of your bunny. While research indicates most people can identify when extreme discomfort and pain are experienced by their pet rabbit, many miss the signs when they are subtler and the pain is less severe. So, let’s have a closer look at the several signals rabbits may show when they are in discomfort or pain.
Appetite
A very important indicator of your rabbit’s health is their appetite. Rabbits are grazers, which means they naturally eat frequent, small amounts. They need a high fibre diet to keep their digestive system and teeth healthy. A rabbit that isn’t eating, or has lost its appetite, needs to be seen by a vet as soon as possible. Loss of appetite can be an indicator of pain, dental problems, gastrointestinal stasis, or any other health issue. A rabbit with less appetite will often also have a change in the amount and frequency of urinating and/or defecating.
Posture and Movement
When a bunny is experiencing pain, they will often sit in a hunched position. Their back may seem arched, and the head may be tucked in. They may also start moving in an abnormal way. They may stare, have a strained look, and/or have unfocused eyes
Reduced Activity & Lethargy
Rabbits like to play, jump, and run around, and any changes in and activity levels could be an indicator your bunny is in discomfort or pain. Pain may also cause your rabbit to become more lethargic and seemingly tired, and they may spend more time sleeping. When your rabbit is becoming less active and/or lethargic, this needs to be investigated by a veterinarian.
Restlessness
While reduced activity levels are a cause for concern, on the other hand, a rabbit that suddenly becomes restless can also indicate they may be sick or in pain. They may be unable to settle down, and pace back and forth, and/or appear agitated. Restlessness can also be a sign of stress and/or anxiety.
Teeth Grinding
When a rabbit is in pain or discomfort, they may grind their teeth. An overall health check should be done by a veterinarian if your rabbit is grinding their teeth, and special attention should be paid to dental health and/or eye problems.
Behaviour
Sudden changes in behaviour may indicate your rabbit isn’t feeling well. When a rabbit suddenly starts acting differently, for example more aggressive than normal, this should be investigated. They may also suddenly not want to be touched, or distance themselves.
Breathing
When a bunny is experiencing pain or discomfort, their breathing might change. Rapid and shallow breathing is often seen when they are in pain.
Grooming
A happy and healthy bunny will groom themselves. Any changes in grooming behaviour, such as a decrease in grooming, or over grooming with or without the pulling of hair, might indicate your rabbit is unwell.
Causes
Pain and discomfort can be caused by any injury, disease, or infection, and some health issues may be more obvious than others. Common health problems that are seen in rabbits which cause pain are dental problems and GI stasis.
Dental problems are common in rabbits as their teeth grow throughout their lives. When all goes right, eating will wear them down and keep them in good condition. Sometimes, this process goes wrong, and the teeth grow too long, and/or start poking into the gums or cheek of the rabbit, which can be incredibly painful. Feeding your rabbit the right diet, which should mostly consist of hay (about 85%), helps prevent dental problems.
Another common problem seen is gastrointestinal stasis, in which the movement of material through the digestive tract slows, or stops. Bacteria will continue to digest materials and as they do, they produce gas, which can cause painful bloating.
Conclusion
Rabbit are fragile animals, and it’s important as a rabbit owner to monitor your bunny’s daily behaviour. Detecting illness, discomfort, and/or pain in a timely manner is important to keep your rabbit happy and healthy. Early intervention helps prevent further complications and contributes to a speedy recovery. When your rabbit is showing any subtle signals something may be wrong, don’t wait with visiting a vet as they can decline fast.
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