Why Is My Rabbit Not Eating? What to Do Now

📅 ✍️ by Admin Bunny🏷️ Health & Care

Why Is My Rabbit Not Eating?

🚨 A rabbit not eating is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY. If your rabbit hasn’t eaten for 12+ hours, GO TO THE VET IMMEDIATELY. Rabbits can develop fatal GI stasis within 24 hours of not eating. Common causes: pain, dental issues, GI blockage, stress, or illness. Do NOT wait—this is life-threatening!

🚨 This is an EMERGENCY – Act Now!

Why Not Eating is Life-Threatening:

  • 💀 Rabbit digestive systems must move constantly
  • 💀 12-24 hours without food = GI stasis risk
  • 💀 GI stasis can be fatal within 24-48 hours
  • 💀 Rabbits can’t vomit—blockages are serious
  • 💀 Gut bacteria die when system stops moving

⏰ TIMEFRAME:

If not eating for 12+ hours: Emergency vet visit NOW
If not eating for 6-12 hours: Call vet, monitor closely
If eating less than usual: Watch closely, call vet if worsens

Common Causes of Appetite Loss

1. GI Stasis / Blockage (Most Common)

  • Digestive system slowing or stopped
  • Often caused by insufficient hay
  • Symptoms: No eating, few/no poops, lethargy, hunched posture
  • Treatment: IMMEDIATE vet visit required

2. Dental Problems

  • Overgrown teeth causing pain
  • Signs: Drooling, dropping food, wet chin
  • Common in rabbits without enough hay
  • Treatment: Vet must trim teeth

3. Pain or Illness

  • Infection, injury, or internal issue
  • Rabbits hide pain—not eating is major sign
  • May include lethargy, grinding teeth, hunched position
  • Treatment: Vet exam to find cause

4. Stress

  • Environmental changes
  • New pet/person in home
  • Loud noises or disruptions
  • Usually temporary if managed

5. Hairballs

  • Ingested fur forming blockage
  • Common during molting season
  • Can lead to GI stasis
  • Prevention: Regular brushing, unlimited hay

What to Do RIGHT NOW

Immediate Actions (While Getting to Vet):

  1. Call emergency vet – Explain situation, get advice
  2. Keep warm – Use heating pad or warm towel
  3. Offer favorite foods – Try tempting with banana, apple, fresh herbs
  4. Provide unlimited hay – Fresh, high-quality
  5. Fresh water – Ensure it’s available
  6. Gentle belly massage – Circular motions if no pain response
  7. Encourage movement – Gentle exercise can help
  8. Monitor poop output – Count and check size

❌ DO NOT:

  • ❌ Wait more than 12 hours to see vet
  • ❌ Assume “they’ll eat when hungry”
  • ❌ Force feed without vet guidance
  • ❌ Give human medications

What the Vet Will Do

Typical Emergency Treatment:

  • 🏥 Physical examination
  • 🏥 X-rays to check for blockages
  • 🏥 Subcutaneous or IV fluids
  • 🏥 Pain medication
  • 🏥 Gut motility drugs (cisapride, metoclopramide)
  • 🏥 Syringe feeding instructions
  • 🏥 Critical Care formula

Preventing Appetite Loss

The Best Prevention:

  • ✅ Unlimited hay 24/7 – Single most important factor
  • ✅ Proper diet – Learn from our Nutrition Guide
  • ✅ Daily exercise – Keeps digestive system moving
  • ✅ Regular grooming – Prevents hairballs
  • ✅ Stress reduction – Stable, quiet environment
  • ✅ Annual vet checkups – Catch dental issues early
  • ✅ Monitor daily – Know your rabbit’s normal eating patterns

Bottom Line

CRITICAL: Not eating for 12+ hours is an emergency. Don’t wait. Go to vet NOW. Prevention is key—maintain proper diet with unlimited hay. Learn more at Nutrition Guide, Daily Diet, Health Issues Guide, and Food Calculator.