Signs That Your Rabbit is Dying

Signs Your Rabbit is Dying: What You Need to Know

Now, today’s article is a little more on the morbid side—sorry! I know I love making positive, uplifting articles, but I also have to shed light on the darker side of bunnyhood, which has a lot to do with their fragility. So, I’m going to be discussing with you the top signs that your rabbit is dying. Bear in mind, all of these signs are relative—they are not guarantees. I am not a vet and cannot diagnose your bunny. I also want to state that, as delicate as rabbits are, they can also live long and full lives.

How Long Do Rabbits Live?

As long as they are given the resources to do so, a rabbit can live up to 14 years of age. I’ve heard they can live up to 16, but that is more on the rare side. Domestic rabbits are living longer nowadays, especially with new advances in rabbit care. I made a different article on how to extend your rabbit’s lifespan, click here to read.

Finding a Rabbit-Savvy Vet: Why It’s Important

I also want to recommend always having an on-call rabbit-savvy vet at your disposal. I know that is hard—not everybody has access to that or lives close to a rabbit-savvy vet. In LA, it is hard to find renowned rabbit vets—there are probably two in the entire city. So, I can only imagine what it’s like for people in smaller towns or rural areas. But you’ve got to do the research, find who’s closest to you, and who has good reviews, etc.

Top 5 Signs Your Rabbit is Dying

Let’s talk about the signs that can inform you, your rabbit is not good and you have to take step as early as possible. Again it’s essential to recognize these signs early to help your pet. If you look any of this sign discussed bellow you should call your vet as early as possible.

1. Loss of Appetite and Refusing Favorite Treats

Normally rabbits are good eater. Everyday they can eat lots of hay or grass. Because they like to eat actually. The first sign your rabbit is dying is that they stop eating and drinking. If your rabbit refuses their favorite treat—like a banana—that’s a bad sign. You have to closely look after their eating and drinking as if you want to a good life to your rabbit. You have to also know what should feed them and what should not. You can check this out just click the link.

2. Spasms or Jerking Motions

The second sign is spasms or jerking motions. Rabbits going into GI stasis often experience spasms before they pass. This can be startling, but providing comfort and space is key.

3. Change in Vital Signs

The third sign is a change in their vital signs—

• temperature,
• heart rate,
• or breathing.

A rabbit’s normal temperature should be between 100 to 104°F, with a heart rate between 180 and 250 beats per minute. If you look abnormal temperature and heart rate, you should call your vet and should take step.

4. Lethargy and Inability to Move

The fourth sign is lethargy, where the rabbit is unable to move or moves very little. You might notice they’ve lost complete motion of their back legs, contrasting with their usual behavior.

5. Respiratory Issues and Weight Loss

Lastly, you’ll notice respiratory problems like-

• wheezing,
• squeaking,
• or coughing,
• as well as weight loss.

If your rabbit suddenly loses weight, this could be due to old age, cancer, or other illnesses.

What to Do When Your Rabbit is Dying

What should you do in these circumstances? Usually, these signs indicate that it’s too late—except for maybe the not-eating part. Don’t overwhelm your rabbit; give them space, love, and comfort. If your rabbit has a partner, let the partner be part of the goodbye process.

Necropsy and Closure

I also recommend getting a necropsy done after your rabbit passes. This is essentially an autopsy for animals, and it can give you closure on what caused your bunny’s death.

Most Common Cause of Death: GI Stasis

The number one most common cause of rabbit death nowadays is GI stasis. This is usually because it was caught too late, or due to something simple, like lack of hydration or fiber.

Conclusion: Give Your Rabbit the Best Life Possible

As far as what to do with your bunny’s body, that’s up to you—whether you want to bury them or cremate them. It’s something we all go through at some point. My biggest advice is to be prepared.

As long as you’re giving your bunnies the lives they deserve—enough exercise, healthy foods, and love—they will live their most fulfilling life possible.

That’s all for today. Hope you now understand the signs your rabbit is dying. Share this article with your bunny parents friends as if they can know and can take step early if they face this kind of situations. If I miss anything or if you want to anything about your pet let me know in the comment or you can also mail me to know further.