Why Does My Bunny Breathe So Fast?

As a rabbit owner, you might have noticed your rabbit breathing quickly at times. It’s natural to wonder, especially for new rabbit owners, “Why does my bunny breathe so fast?”

In this article, I’m going to tell you why your rabbit breathes so fast. Let’s begin.

Understanding Normal Rabbit Breathing

Before we get into fast breathing, let’s talk about what’s normal for our little friends. Generally, rabbits breathe between 30 and 60 times per minute when they are relaxed; this all depends on their size, age, and activity level.

Ever noticed your bunny twitching his nose? Yeah, he even breathes through his nose a bit! Rabbits are nose breathers; they do most of their breathing through their nostrils.

Reasons for Fast Breathing in Rabbits

Exercise and Playtime

Just like us, rabbits breathe faster when they’re engaged in physical activity. If you’ve just ended a play session with your bunny, there’s no need to worry about a little panting.

It’s how they cool themselves off and catch some of that lost oxygen.

Stress or Fear

Remember when I said that my rabbit Mango comes to lie with me? Now, if he gets startled or something, he sometimes breathes faster.

Rabbits are prey animals; they remain on constant watch. Therefore, loud noises or smells they’re not used to will make them stressed, increasing breath frequency.

High Temperatures

Rabbits generally do not put up with heat very well. Provided it is hot outside or the space of your bunny is too warm, they often breathe faster in an attempt to cool themselves down.

Try to make sure that your rabbit always has a cool space available, especially in the summer months.

Pain or Illness

Fast breathing can sometimes be an outcome or a symptom that your bunny is not feeling well.

However, if you see other symptoms like loss of appetite, lethargy, or abnormal droppings accompanied by fast breathing, then it may be time to visit the vet.

Pregnancy

If you have a female rabbit that has not been spayed, then rapid breathing could be a sign of pregnancy. Pregnant does breathe rapidly constantly, mostly later in the course of pregnancy.

When to Worry About Fast Breathing

So, how do you know when fast breathing is a problem? Here are some signs to watch out for:

• A resting breathing rate above 60 breaths per minute
• Open mouth breathing/gasping
• Bluish discoloration of the lips or gums
• Unusual posture, such as stretching out the neck to breathe
• Loss of appetite or energy

If you notice any, it’s always best to ring your vet. Better to be safe than sorry where our fur babies are concerned!

How to Check Your Rabbit’s Breathing Rate

Ever wondered how to count breaths on your bunny? Easy! Here’s one way to do it:

• Wait until your rabbit is calm and relaxed.
• Observe how their sides move in and out while breathing.
• Count breaths for 15 seconds—it’s just one inhale/exhale breath.
• Multiply the count by 4 to get the breaths per minute.

Do this when your rabbit is well to know what is normal for them. Then it is easier to notice any abnormal changes in breathing.

Keeping Your Bunny’s Breathing Healthy

Now we know why rabbits might breathe fast, what can we do to keep their breathing healthy? The following are a few tips :

Stress-free environment: He needs to have a quiet, safe space just to chill like any other bunny.

Keep them cool: Good ventilation and cool tiles or even frozen water bottles on hot days should be there.

Regular exercise: Borgy, just like my bunnies Tango and Rupa, needs time to play to keep himself healthy.

Wholesome diet: A well-balanced diet works for overall good health and respiratory function.

Final Thought

Fast breathing in rabbits can be normal after exercise or during warm weather, but it is always imperative to get a feel for what’s normal for your bunny.

By knowing what is usual for your furry friend, you can quickly tell if something might be wrong. And remember, when in doubt, you should always see your vet.

Your bunny’s health is worth every hop of attention!

FAQs About Rabbit Breathing

Q: Can rabbits get asthma?
A: While not common, rabbits can develop respiratory issues similar to asthma. If you notice persistent wheezing or coughing, consult your vet.

Q: Is it normal for rabbits to sneeze?
A: Occasional sneezing is normal, but frequent sneezing could indicate an allergy or respiratory infection.

Q: Do rabbits breathe faster when they sleep?
A: Rabbits might breathe a bit faster during REM sleep, but it shouldn’t be noticeably rapid.

Q: Can stress cause long-term breathing problems in rabbits?
A: Chronic stress can weaken a rabbit’s immune system, potentially leading to health issues including respiratory problems.