BunnyHow

Rabbits, like all other animals, sometimes get unwell. Illness can be tough for our fluffy friends, as well as upsetting for us and even potentially costly for vet care. So catching the early signs of illness is key. Here is a quick guide to spotting those subtle signs that your bunny might need a little extra care. 🐰💕

🐇 So, when should you start noticing if your bunny might be feeling a little under the weather? Well, here’s the thing about bunnies: they’re absolute pros at pretending everything’s fine even when it’s not! As prey animals, they’ve developed the tricky habit of hiding their discomfort. So, let’s outsmart that adorable little fluffball with some savvy “bunny whisperer” skills.

💡 Trust Your Gut and Your Bunny’s “Normal” Vibe

The best way to tell if anything’s off? Know what’s normal for your bunny. Is your bunny usually a morning zoomies champ? Do they prefer lounging on the sunny spot by the window? Take mental notes of these cute quirks! When you know their usual routine, any changes are much easier to spot.

Some things to keep an eye on:

• Appetite: Bunnies usually love to munch – hay, pellets, and maybe a tiny treat here and there (who doesn’t?). But if your bunny’s not racing to snack on their hay or is ignoring their favorite treats, it’s time to pay close attention. Sometimes, just a lack of appetite can be a first sign that something isn’t right.
• Poop Patrol: Yep, we’re talking bunny droppings! 🕵️‍♀️ It might seem strange, but bunny poops are like little health reports. If they’re smaller than usual, too soft, or they stop showing up altogether, your bunny may need some extra care.

🧠 Head Tilt or Acting Confused?

Imagine if you woke up with your head tilted sideways and felt a little lost. For bunnies, this could be a sign of something more serious, like an ear infection or a condition called “E. cuniculi.” If you notice your bun looking disoriented, wobbling around, or with an unexpected head tilt, reach out to a bunny-savvy vet.

💤 Hiding Away a Bit Too Much?

Bunnies sometimes need a little “me-time” just like we do, but if your fur baby starts hiding more than usual, it’s worth a check-in. If they’re lounging in their hidey hole all day, avoiding you or their favorite toys, or just seem more withdrawn than usual, it might be their way of saying, “Hey, I need some help.”

🌡️ Sneezes & Sniffles? Bunnies shouldn’t sound like they’ve got a cold. If they’re sneezing, have a runny nose, or you spot discharge around their eyes, it could be a sign of a respiratory infection. The same goes for breathing sounds – it should be nearly silent! Breathing noises can mean they’re having some trouble with their lungs or sinuses.

⚡ Surprise Binkies or No Binkies?

Every bunny parent lives for those happy binkies, right? That adorable jump-and-twist move is the ultimate bunny joy signal. So, when a typically bouncy bunny seems less energetic or avoids playtime, that can be a hint to tune in. On the flip side, if they start doing sharp jumps, jerking, or spasming, it might be something they can’t control.

🐰 Grooming Gone MIA or Overdrive?

Bunnies are serious about grooming, so if you notice that their fur’s looking a bit “bedhead chic” (unkempt or matted), they might not feel well enough to keep it pristine. Or, if they’re grooming too much, especially in one spot, it could mean they’re irritated or sore.

💛 Keeping Your Bun Hoppy and Healthy

The truth is, you’re the best guardian your bunny could ask for! Just by keeping an eye on their little habits, and being in tune with what makes them them, you’re already halfway to giving them the best care. If you ever feel unsure, a bunny-savvy vet can help you get to the bottom of things. Sometimes, early attention is the difference between a quick fix and a long, tough recovery.

Your bunny depends on you to catch those small changes that could mean something’s up. So stay curious, and let’s keep our bunny friends happy, binkying, and munching their hay for a long, long time!