How do I know if my rabbit is dehydrated?

While rabbits are relatively small in size, they actually need a surprising amount of water to stay healthy. But how can you tell if your bunny is drinking enough?

While most rabbits can manage their hydration needs on their own, changes in their environment, diet or health can sometimes affect their water intake, leading to dehydration.

Read on to discover how to recognise the signs of a dehydrated rabbit, as well as practical tips to keep your bunnies healthy and hydrated, no matter the season.

Adult rabbits usually drink between 50-150ml of water per kilo of bodyweight each day, but their exact needs can vary, depending on their diet and activity levels. For example, a pair of rabbits that primarily eat hay will require more water than those whose diet includes lots of fresh vegetables, which are naturally rich in water.

Breed size also plays a part – larger rabbits like Flemish Giants generally drink more than smaller breeds, such as Netherland Dwarfs. However, since every rabbit is different, there’s no one-size-fits-all, and it’s important to learn what’s typical for your bunnies. By understanding their usual water intake, you’ll be able to spot any changes that might signal they’re feeling parched.

Water is key to keeping rabbits’ digestive system running smoothly, especially when processing the high levels of fibre in their diet. Without enough hydration, rabbits’ digestive system can slow down, leading to gastrointestinal (GI) stasis, a serious condition that occurs when food stops moving through the gastrointestinal tract. This can cause painful gas as bacteria builds up.

Alongside aiding digestion, rabbits also need water to keep their kidneys working properly and to regulate their core body temperature. If they get dehydrated, they can have trouble staying cool, which makes them more at risk of overheating in the warmer months.

On top of this, rabbits are instinctively wired to conceal their discomfort, so dehydration can easily slip by unnoticed until it becomes a more serious problem. This is why it’s so important to monitor your bunny’s water intake and take action quickly if something seems off.

Rabbits can drink from both bowls and bottles, but bowls are generally considered to be the better option. This is because drinking from a bowl mimics a rabbit’s natural behaviour in the wild; it’s even been shown in studies to encourage 40% more water consumption compared to bottles.

Here are some additional tips for setting up your rabbits’ water supply.

• It’s a good idea to provide each rabbit with their own water bowl, as rabbits can be territorial and may not always want to share.
• Opt for heavy ceramic bowls that are sturdy and less likely to be tipped over or chewed.
• Place the bowl at ground level and in a location your rabbit frequently visits, such as near their feeding area.
• Replace water at least once or twice a day to keep it fresh and clean.
• Provide water that is at room temperature, as cold water can often be unappealing to rabbits, and warm water might spoil faster.

As they can’t bark, paw or meow at us, the signs of a dehydrated rabbit are not always easy to spot. Dehydrated rabbit symptoms to look out for include:

• A reduced appetite or being hesitant to eat as usual
• Lethargy or a lack of interest in their usual activities
• Strong-smelling urine that’s dark in colour, or noticeably less urination
• Gums that are dry or sticky
• Thick, sticky saliva
• Sunken eyes or other changes in their facial appearance

If you have rabbit insurance with Petplan, you can video chat with a veterinary professional and discuss your rabbit’s symptoms via our Pet Expert Chat. Simply log in to your My Petplan account and head to the My Support area to be connected to an expert.

If you notice signs of dehydration, there are a few things you can do to help your bunny feel better. Start by offering water-rich vegetables like cucumber, romaine or green leaf lettuce (avoid iceberg) and celery to give their hydration a quick boost. You can also try syringing a small amount of water directly into their mouth to encourage drinking, but you’ll need to be comfortable handling your rabbits safely.

Dehydration is often linked to overheating, so if your rabbits are sitting in direct sunlight or seem too warm, move them to a cool, shaded area and gently wipe their ears with a damp cloth to help regulate their body temperature.

Extreme weakness or fatigue, refusing to drink or eat, or rapid breathing are all serious dehydrated rabbit symptoms, and signs you need to take your rabbit to the vet as soon as possible. In many cases, severe dehydration can be dangerous and might require subcutaneous fluids, a veterinary method of rehydrating pets which only a professional can administer.

Rest assured though, prompt treatment can make a huge difference in your rabbit’s health, so don’t hesitate to act if you think you have a pet emergency on your hands. With quick action and the right care, your rabbit can make a full recovery.