Bunny Breathing Fast: What It Means and When to Be Concerned
Rabbits breathe much faster than humans. What seems like rapid breathing might actually be your rabbit’s normal respiratory rate. However, it’s crucial to understand when fast breathing indicates an underlying issue. Learning to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy breathing patterns will help you care for your bunny effectively. Learn more about rabbit behavior to identify signs of stress and understand your bunny’s behavior better.
Understanding Normal Rabbit Breathing
When at rest, rabbits breathe about once every one to two seconds, equating to a rate of 30–60 breaths per minute. In comparison, humans typically breathe 12–16 times per minute. This means that even a rabbit breathing slowly is still taking twice as many breaths as a person.
Many people new to rabbit care find it alarming to see their bunny breathing fast, especially when the movement makes their body appear to shiver or shake. Rest assured, this is typically normal and no cause for concern.
However, there are cases when rapid breathing may indicate a problem, especially if it’s accompanied by unusual symptoms. Let’s dive deeper into how to check your rabbit’s breathing rate and understand the possible reasons for rapid breathing. If your rabbit appears to shake while breathing, read Why do rabbits shake? to determine whether it’s normal or something to worry about.
How to Check Your Bunny’s Breathing Rate
To assess your rabbit’s breathing rate accurately, follow these steps:
- Ensure Your Bunny Is at Rest: Your rabbit should be relaxed and lying down—not during playtime or moments of excitement.
- Use a Timer: Set a stopwatch or timer for 60 seconds.
- Count the Breaths: Watch the rise and fall of your rabbit’s sides. A single breath includes both an inhale and an exhale. Count each full breath during the minute.
- Feel for Breaths If Needed: If visual observation is difficult, gently place your hand on your rabbit’s side to feel the rise and fall. This can make counting easier.
Normal breathing for a relaxed rabbit should fall between 30 and 60 breaths per minute.
For detailed rabbit care tips, visit House Rabbit Society or my website’s Care page.
Reasons for a Bunny Breathing Fast
While it is typical for a rabbit to breathe every one to two seconds when they are at rest, there are occasions when you will see your rabbit’s respiratory rate increase. This can be alarming because rabbits are capable of breathing very fast, to the point where it looks like they are vibrating. However, this is not always a problem. A rabbit’s breathing rate can increase temporarily for many reasons, some of which are entirely normal and others that can clue you into your rabbit’s condition.
1. During and After Exercise
Like with people, exercise will quickly increase the breathing rate of any rabbit. It’s common to see a rabbit breathing very quickly when they lay down after zooming around the room. It can take them a number of minutes before they are able to catch their breath and slow down their breathing. Some rabbits, especially young rabbits, will get excited and get up again before they’ve completely calmed down, making it look like they always have rapid breathing when really they are maintaining a higher level of activity. Learn more about exercise for rabbit to keep your bunny active without stress.
2. When They Are Afraid
Fear, anxiety, and stress are also factors that cause a rabbit’s breathing rate to increase. It’s possible for them to become so terrified that they appear to be hyperventilating. Short bouts of fear or stress are nearly impossible to prevent, so you are likely to see rapid breathing that is due to fear at some point in your rabbit’s life. As long as your rabbit is able to recover quickly and calm down, this is nothing to worry about. However, prolonged periods of stress should be taken seriously since they can cause illness in rabbits.
This rapid breathing will often appear alongside other signs of fear in rabbits, including:
- White eyes that show some of the white edges
- Flattening against the ground or huddling as if trying to hide by making themselves smaller
- Alert body posture, which is rigid, with ears forward
- Lightness on their feet, ready to run away at a moment’s notice
- Sometimes stomping their hind legs against the ground as a sign of fear or anger
- Small poop, as rabbits who are scared will often produce fecal pellets that are smaller than their normal size
If your rabbit is frequently stressed or scared for long periods of time, then you might want to consider making some changes to their environment to help them overcome their anxiety. Read more about Sign of rabbit depression or for more general tips on pet stress, visit the ASPCA’s guide on reducing pet stress.
3. When They Are Not Feeling Well
Rabbits may also breathe fast as a result of pain. If they are injured or feeling discomfort from another illness, such as GI stasis, you might see them breathing rapidly even though they are at rest. If your rabbit is inexplicably breathing much faster than they should for long periods of time, then it’s a good idea to get them checked out with your vet. Respiratory illnesses can also alter a rabbit’s breathing. It may cause them to breathe faster than usual, but more likely, you will notice labored breathing instead. You might hear a wheezing sound as your rabbit breathes or notice your rabbit’s mouth is open when they are breathing. These are signs that your rabbit is struggling to get enough air, and an emergency appointment should be made with your vet as soon as possible. Read more about sick symptoms of rabbit as if you can understand when to take action.
4. If They Are Feeling Hot
When rabbits breathe, the air going through their nasal passageway is able to help them regulate their body temperature. They can transfer heat into the tiny water droplets that they expel when they exhale. The faster a rabbit breathes, the more their bodies are able to get rid of excess body heat, keeping them from overheating. If your rabbit is breathing fast because they are hot, it’s a good indication that you should try to find a cooler area for them. The hotter a rabbit gets, the less able they are to regulate their body temperature. They become more susceptible to heatstroke, so it’s worth getting your rabbit out of the sun or into a cooler part of the house if you notice rapid breathing on a hot day.
Find out how to keep your rabbit cool in summer to prevent overheating.
How to Help a Bunny Breathing Fast
When you notice your bunny breathing fast, consider these steps:
- Check Their Environment: Ensure your rabbit is in a calm, cool space without loud noises or excessive heat.
- Observe for Other Symptoms: Look for additional signs of stress, illness, or pain.
- Provide Rest: If your bunny just finished playing, allow them time to recover.
- Stay Calm: Rabbits can pick up on your anxiety, so keep calm while monitoring them.
When to Seek Veterinary Attention
Fast breathing is often harmless, but there are times when medical advice is necessary. Call your vet if:
- Rapid Breathing Persists for Over 10 Minutes: Rabbits typically calm down and return to normal breathing within a few minutes after exercise or stress. Prolonged rapid breathing could indicate a problem.
- Other Symptoms Are Present: Wheezing, lethargy, loss of appetite, or abnormal body posture paired with fast breathing require immediate attention.
- Labored Breathing Occurs: Open-mouth breathing or visible effort to breathe indicates a serious issue.
How to Check Your Rabbit’s Heart Rate and Temperature
If you’re concerned, you can check your bunny’s heart rate and temperature at home:
- Heart Rate: Gently pinch the vein in your rabbit’s ear and count the beats for 60 seconds. A normal heart rate is 120–150 beats per minute.
- Temperature: Use a rectal thermometer to check your rabbit’s body temperature. The normal range is 101–103°F.
Preventing Stress and Illness in Rabbits
Preventing stress and illness can help reduce instances of fast breathing:
- Provide a Safe Environment: Keep your rabbit in a quiet, stress-free area with hiding spots for security.
- Maintain a Healthy Diet: Proper nutrition helps keep your rabbit’s immune system strong. Read more diet of a rabbit.
- Monitor for Changes: Regularly observe your bunny’s behavior and physical condition for signs of illness.
- Schedule Routine Checkups: Regular veterinary visits can help catch potential issues early.
Why Do Rabbits Breathe Fast After Playtime?
It’s common for rabbits to breathe quickly after physical activity. This rapid breathing allows them to recover and regulate their oxygen levels. Young rabbits or particularly energetic bunnies may take longer to calm down, making it seem like they’re always breathing fast.
Bunny Breathing Fast Due to Heat
Rabbits are sensitive to high temperatures and can struggle to regulate their body heat. If your bunny is breathing fast on a hot day, help them cool down by:
- Providing access to a shaded, cool area.
- Offering fresh water.
- Placing a fan nearby (but not directly on them).
Preventing heatstroke is vital, as rabbits are highly susceptible to it.
FAQ: Bunny Breathing Fast
1. Why is my bunny breathing fast while sleeping?
It’s normal for rabbits to breathe faster while they sleep, especially during REM sleep when their bodies process dreams. However, if fast breathing is accompanied by signs of distress, such as open-mouth breathing or wheezing, consult a vet immediately.
2. What should I do if my rabbit is breathing fast?
First, check for environmental factors like heat, stress, or recent exercise. If the rapid breathing persists for more than 10 minutes or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite, seek veterinary care.
3. Can stress make my rabbit breathe faster?
Yes, stress is a common cause of rapid breathing in rabbits. Fearful or anxious rabbits may also exhibit other signs of stress, like stomping their hind legs, flattening against the ground, or producing smaller fecal pellets.
4. How can I tell if my rabbit’s fast breathing is due to illness?
Watch for additional symptoms such as wheezing, nasal discharge, a hunched posture, or lack of appetite. These could indicate respiratory infections or other health issues requiring immediate veterinary attention.
5. How do rabbits regulate their body temperature through breathing?
Rabbits expel heat through water droplets in their exhaled breath. If your rabbit is breathing fast in hot weather, ensure they are in a cool environment to prevent overheating or heatstroke.
6. Is it normal for rabbits to breathe faster after exercise?
Yes, increased respiratory rates after exercise are normal as your bunny recovers. Allow them time to rest and their breathing should return to normal within a few minutes.
Final Thoughts on Bunny Breathing Fast
Understanding your bunny’s respiratory patterns is key to knowing when fast breathing is normal and when it might signal an issue. While rabbits naturally breathe faster than humans, prolonged or labored breathing requires attention.
Always monitor your bunny for other signs of illness or stress, and don’t hesitate to consult a veterinarian if you’re concerned. With proper care and observation, you can ensure your rabbit stays healthy and happy.