My Rabbit Died – Home & Roost

My Rabbit Died

My Rabbit Died

Jess Faraday |


No one likes to think about their rabbit dying. Unfortunately, sudden rabbit death is common. Knowing some of the reasons can help to bring a sense of closure. And if you’re struggling with your pet’s death, there are resources that can help.











There’s nothing like the excitement of bringing home a new bunny. At the same time, every hello means an eventual goodbye. Even with the best care, most rabbits only live between eight and twelve years. At some point, your friend will cross the rainbow bridge.





Sometimes it can take us by surprise.





Why do Rabbits Die Suddenly?





It happens more often than you might think. There are several reasons why.





Fright





Yes, rabbits can die of fright.





What could frighten a bunny to death? You might be surprised.





  • Loud noises 
  • Seeing, hearing, or smelling a predator
  • Interaction with other animals, especially if it involves chasing
  • Rough or careless handling




Some bunnies are more sensitive than others, but all can die of fright.





Undiagnosed Disease





There are several diseases that can become deadly in a matter of hours. You might never notice symptoms at all.





GI Stasis





“Stasis” means lack of movement. GI Stasis means that the gastrointestinal tract stops moving food through. This can cause bacteria to build up. The bacteria then create gas. Unfortunately, rabbits can’t expel gas like we can. This can lead to a fast and painful death.





To reduce the chances of GI stasis, give your rabbit a high-fibre diet rich in hay, and low in both carbohydrates and protein. Keep an eye out for bloating, loss of appetite, and hard, small poops. If you suspect your bunny has GI stasis, seek a vet’s help immediately.





Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (RHDV, RHDV2)





Viral Hemorrhagic Disease is a fairly new rabbit disease. One of the most common results unexpected death. However, fever, siezures, breathing difficulties, and bleeding from the mouth or rectum can precede it.





Ingestion of Foreign Objects





Rabbits love to chew. Many will chew on anything that they can reach. Unfortunately, some of those things can break off into sharp pieces that can cause a puncture in the GI tract or even cause a blockage.





Some things that a rabbit may eat that can hurt them include:





  • Plastic
  • Carpet fibres
  • Bedding
  • Nails, needles, etc.




Always check your rabbit’s free-ranging areas for foreign objects before letting them loose.





Poisoning





Some things that are poisonous for a bunny are poisonous for us, as well. Other things, though, might surprise you.





In addition to keeping your garden clear of plants that are poisonous to rabbits, keep these things out of their reach:





  • Bread, crackers, cereal, and pasta
  • Walnuts
  • Chocolate
  • Potatoes and sweet potatoes
  • Garlic
  • Mushrooms and fungi
  • The seeds of any fruit or vegetable




Flystrike





Flystrike happens when flies lay their eggs in a rabbit’s fur. The eggs hatch, and the maggots begin to eat the rabbit’s flesh. Death can occur before you know it.





If you notice maggots on or around your rabbit, take your rabbit to the vet immediately.





Heatstroke





The perfect temperature for a rabbit is 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26.6 degrees Celsius) can cause heatstroke. And that can kill very quickly.





Unseen Injury





Rabbits are prey animals. This means that they will always try to hide injury or illness. As a result, your bunny may have a serious injury or illness that it’s hard to detect just by looking.





Rabbit bones are very delicate, for example. It’s possible for a rabbit to break a bone jumping off of a high surface. Small children can also damage a bunny without trying. And rabbits can become injured playing with other non-rabbit pets, as well.





Not only are rabbits unable to tell us about a broken bone, but they wouldn’t tell us, even if they could. 





As a result, a rabbit may die of shock from suffering a broken bone or other injury, and we might never know it.





Be on the Lookout





Many causes of unexpected rabbit death have similar symptoms. If you notice these symptoms in your bunny, it’s time to see a vet as soon as possible.





  • Lethargy or inactivity
  • Loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea or, conversely, small or few poops
  • Laboured breathing




Rabbit Dying of Old Age: the Signs





Like all of us, rabbits can die of old age. How can you tell it’s happening? Often, you can’t. However, if your otherwise healthy elder rabbit begins to exhibit these signs, it’s possible that his or her time is coming to an end.





  • They stop eating and drinking
  • They stop moving
  • The pulse slows
  • Breathing becomes agitated
  • A sudden release of bowels and bladder
  • Some owners report their rabbit screaming as death approaches




If you think your otherwise healthy elder rabbit is dying, stay calm. Don’t move them, and don’t do anything to make this time more stressful. Help them to relax and let them know that you love them.











What Happens When a Rabbit Dies?





From the beginning of time, people have wondered what happens when we die. Many also wonder what happens to animals.









The truth is, no one knows for sure. Many find comfort in the idea of the Rainbow Bridge, which is where pets and their families will eventually be reunited.





How Do You Dispose of a Dead Rabbit?





There are a lot of answers to that question. However, the solution will be different for different owners. The only certain thing is that you must not simply put animal remains in the bin. This can attract scavengers and also spread disease.





Garden Burial





Many people like to bury their pets in the back garden. This keeps your rabbit physically close as well as close to your heart. Your family can design a unique ceremony and erect a memorial that you can visit every day.





Before you do that, however, it’s important to take a few things into consideration.





First, is garden burial legal in your area? In many areas it isn’t.





Also, do you own your home? A landlord or rental agency might not appreciate a tenant’s garden burial.





Finally, are there free-roaming predators or scavengers in your area? Foxes, raccoons, coyotes, and other animals often dig up buried animal remains. This can be both upsetting and a health hazard.





If you decide on a garden burial, you need to bury your bunny’s remains deep -- at least three feet (one metre) deep. But make sure to bury them above the water table.





You also need to wrap them in a plastic bag or sheet to reduce any smells that might attract scavengers. Also consider laying a stone or concrete slab over the grave as an additional deterrent.





Pet Cemetery





Did you know that there are cemeteries for pets? There are. In fact, the Hartsdale Pet Cemetery in New York, the world’s oldest animal cemetery, has over 70,000 interments and 7,000 memorials.





This is probably the most expensive option, but if you want a safe, dignified burial for your rabbit, pet cemeteries can provide everything, from a funeral service to interment and a monument.





The International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories can help you to find a facility near you.





Cremation





If you’ve had to euthanize your bunny, your vet may offer cremation. But many areas also have local animal cremation businesses that can take care of the matter privately.









Cremation is sanitary and cost-effective. You can then choose to bury the remains or display them in an urn.





Municipal Disposal





Some areas offer municipal disposal for animal remains. Check with your council or local government to see if this is an option in your area.





Grieving for your Rabbit: How to Move On





It’s not “just a rabbit.”





Losing a companion animal isn’t “like” losing a family member; it is losing a family member. Grief over losing an animal friend, no matter how small, is natural and right. And we all need to work through it.





Everyone grieves differently, and the process can take longer for some people than others. 





Grief typically goes through five stages, which can occur in different orders:





  • Denial
  • Anger
  • Bargaining 
  • Depression
  • Acceptance




The important thing is to allow yourself, and your family, to work through their emotions in their own way and at their own pace. There are a few things that can help, however.





Hold a Funeral





We all need to say goodbye. A funeral gives us that opportunity. It may be something as simple as sharing a few memories, or something more complex, involving ritual or prayer. Some people also like to:





  • Erect a memorial, such as a sign or painted stones
  • Plant a flower in a pet’s favorite place
  • Put up a framed photo of your rabbit
  • Write letters to your bunny and read them out loud
  • Bury objects with your rabbit, such as a favorite toy or food item




Funerals can also teach children about the cycle of life, and help to ease fears of death.





Bereavement Counselling and Services





The pain of losing a pet is real. Simply talking to someone about your pain can make it less of a burden. 









Blue Cross for Pets offers free telephone and email support for pet owners grieving the loss of their pet. Simply call 0800 096 6606 or email pbssmail@bluecross.org.uk.





The Animal Samaritans organization also offers supportive listening at 0203 745 9859.





You can also find a wealth of resources, advice, and support for grieving pet owners at:









Also be sure to check with your vet, local council or nearby religious organizations regarding support in your time of grief.





Should You Bring Home Another Rabbit?





Different people may feel differently about this. Some people may want to rush out and bring home a new rabbit immediately. Others may want to mourn for a spell. Still others may decide that they don’t want a new rabbit at all.





It’s all fine.





However, if the bunny that passed was part of a bonded pair, it’s important to allow your remaining rabbit to grieve, as well. 





The bond between rabbits is deep and strong. A rabbit will miss his or her partner. He or she will feel sad. And, just like you or me, your rabbit may not feel like bonding to a new partner right away.





How do Rabbits Grieve? 





Some people report that when a rabbit is dying, its healthy partner may do a little dance. The reason for this is unknown, but many people believe the healthy rabbit is giving its partner a send-off.





If your rabbit dies at home, allow the living partner to spend an hour or so with the body. This will help the living rabbit to understand and process what has happened. It will allow them to say goodbye.





Sitting with your living rabbit while it says goodbye will let it know that you’re grieving, too.





Be patient with your remaining bunny, and keep an eye on behavioural changes. You might notice increased aggression, for example. Other rabbits may want to be with you all the time. Some may withdraw or hide.





These are all possible bunny grieving behaviours and should pass with time. But if you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet.





Eventually, most rabbits will feel the need for a new partner. Some may not, however. When you decide the time is right to attempt an introduction, approach it with patience, kindness, and tact.





The Circle of Life





It’s always hard to say goodbye. But death is a part of life. Be gentle with yourself as you work through your bereavement. And, if your rabbit has left a partner behind, be kind and patient with them, as well.









Do you have any advice for readers who may be grieving the loss of their bunny? Please let us know in the comments.








20 comments

If your bunny stops, eating or drinking, bring it to an emergency vet, they can pump them with fluids !!!!!

Tamera Smith,

My bunny died and I don’t know what caused it. I just found her dead. Hopefully just old age? I had her eight years. She was really cute and I will miss having her around.

mimi,

Esme, I appreciated your post. I lost my beloved rabbit Georgie, aka Sweet Georgia Brown, a few days ago. I’ve been bawling ever since. She was the cuddlier one of my two rabbits, who lived in the same large pen with a divider down the middle so they wouldn’t attack each other (2 expensive surgeries). 7.5 years. And her passing came on the heels of my dad (also named George, no relation) dying 4 months ago. Buried her in the garden under her favorite kale bed. Buried Dad in a cemetery in our home town. The hole in my heart is huge.

Jenny,

Today my sons rabbit died she was about 5 or 6 months. We don’t know what happened at all. She wasn’t sick at all we don’t know what happened. I did give her CPR I know it sounds dumb but I did for 30 mins or longer. I don’t know what could’ve happened. My had her potty trained in 2 days. She was so spoiled rotten. If anyone has any suggestions.

Stephanie Jones,

Well bonded Lynne, you and your Lovely bonny,
I have Tears in my eyes too,
They are so peaceful charming animals,
Good Bless I wish you Luck ?

Lynda Anne,

Gina I feel your pain, these Babies are precious,
My ❤️ and Thoughts are with you too xx

Lynda Anne,

My first boy bunny only had him just three months, he got lose I felt his loneliness and fell in Love with him last looking high and Liw and last night I went out at gone 1am I came back and sat on my bed crying just after 2am I heard a high pitch on going screaming then all went quiet, I pray to St Antoney to bring him home, and hope that he not been had, Today still no sign weather bad yet again high winds very cold rain , Please come home, I miss and Love you terribly my heart broken so..
No sign no one cares, only me myself and I ii have a good heart and can’t let this boy go..
God please send and bring him home,
I feel he’s gone, but still in my ❤️ Heart XXX
.
I

Lynda Anne,

You’ll go on and eventually be left with the good memories you had; this is true for all pets, relatives, family—all living things. I just lost my rabbit this morning but he was old and died peacefully while I petted him the last few hours… He was 9, had a good life with hours and hours of daily love and pets. He was a rescue rabbit; he had no indication of pain and simply died of old age. Please remember the good parts of loving your pets, having their affection for you, and earning their trust. 100 years ago we had no antbiotics, few cures and people died of illness or old age all the time—much different than today. Your rabbits after age 6 are considered to be at the “Old Age” stage. Just keep them safe as you can and remember the love. That is the miracle of life in our world. "Eat Drink be happy, and find joy in all things or move on… because that is you lot, our lot, every living thing on earth lives due and dies giving us he most precious gift—true love.

Jeffrey,

Hi, I’m Ginnie, I rescued my lil baby bunny Aslan from an Easter brunch that our club house was holding! Lil kids, Baby Bunnies and Baby Chics were everywhere. This place was not prepared for all these little babies! My Grandson (9 yr old) came running up to me with this fluffy white bunny wrapped up in a towel his heart was beating so fast he had diahrea. So I found a box made holes in it added shredded paper some water from a cut off cup, put him in! My grandson wanted to save more but it was crazy with all these people! I went up to the lady in charged told her I was taking him home! He was sick! She said no it wasn’t aloud! I told her watch me! I went to our car and found some money and when t back to her and threw the money at her and said here…now get the rest of these poor baby animals back to their home before they die of shock! I went to the feed store bought everything I needed including an outdoor hutch. Which he loved!! Turns out I found out that he was a Double mained Lionhead Rabbit! He loved being papered! That rescue was over 8 years ago! My Little rescue bunny “Aslan” has been the sweetest fur baby I ever had. I have dogs horses but this lil guy was the best! The reason I’m writing this now is because he suddenly died in my arms today while I was brushing him, Don’t know why it happened? He was just running up and down his ramps going in and out his tunnel. Having a normal fun day! He was sitting stretched out in my lap waiting to be brushed and as I started he made a gasping sound and fell to the side and then peed and passed away! I’m in shock! I can’t except that he is gone! I loved him so most and I’m going to miss him So So Much!, He was in perfect health! Has this happened to anyone else? He was so beautiful! I’m in such sorrow losing my Lil fur baby! Thank you for listening!

Ginnie Cotroneo,

We came back from a weeks holiday to find our boy bunny Gemini skin and bones, he’d lost a third of his body weight and apparently hadn’t eaten much.
We managed to get a vets appointment who gave him fluids and antibiotics (she saw he had green snuffles in his nose) he has been so lethargic today, his loving companion has been full of life and although a bit loving at first at the moment she is not too bothered, he has flopped on to his side so think it’s near the end and I feel devastated, my two girls are out for the night so thank goodness they saw him at the vets and am not sure he’ll have made it when they get back later.
It is just so sad.

Nicola,

Hi Gina,
I lost my beautiful bunny Rhino a week ago. I had her for 6 years and she was my best friend in the whole world. Your post has made me cry as I know how unbearable the grief is as I’m sitting here in her favourite spot in my living room, crying. I see that you posted this 2 months ago, I hope you have found some relief from the pain as I know it will never really go away. Just wanted to share this with you so you know you’re not alone x

Maika,

I just want you to know that you are such a great person and what you did for your bunny and bunnies is precious. I honestly didn’t know if anyone else loved these babies as much as I do but I felt the love you have. I’m sitting with my bunny, Max, he’s only 5 yrs old and he’s in his final hours maybe mins. I’ve been crying for about 36 hours now. When he passes he will be my 11th bunny to have lost in the past ten years and I’ve also lost more than 12 babies. I’ve loved every single one of all of them. It hasn’t gotten any easier to let go. I have become better at comforting these precious creatures but never letting go. I will hold them close in my heart forever. Thank you for sharing your love with these loving animals and your story with us. As for my love, Max, he’s got a rattle sound, I have a few other bunnies with the same issue. They have had this for several years now and we lost a female with babies a couple months ago. I will try and learn from what is going on with Max because he actually seemed to only have a mild issue compared to my others. I am really a wreck right now and I’m feeling very hurt. I love these guys so much and I’m failing them. I have 3 babies, Max fathered. They are 3 months old and still healthy. Also the female I mentioned that I lost recently left me with one baby surviver, I named her Love, she is also healthy and 4 months old. Luke is Love’s father and is Max’s brother. I just know I want to do better for them and I’m promising Max I will do better. So I guess I’m telling you this because I just want someone to know how much I care and love with all my heart, someone who also loves and cares too. Thank you and I apologies for this being so long.

Melanie,

I lost my bunny hoopy today do to a rat that is hidding in the chicken pin

Lizabeth,

I can’t believe marylin is gone I feel soo sad soo guilty because know we did this we forgot to give her water I would changed her bedding give her water food but she probably was with no water for two or three days not sure working n busy oh my now I can’t with the pain I feel thinking what she went through those days after 14 years with us I wish I can turn time around and bring her inside shower her n hug her it hurts soo much. Can’t sleep please help me understand When did. Stop caring for her like I used to do she was soo beautiful I want to have her with us again I saw her body just lying there not moving n J wanted to give her water but it was too late n now I can’t with this pain oh God.

Brisa,

Hi my name is Calie my bunny yung died on 3/14/23 I went downstairs for 5 minutes then come right back in my room where she was at then I saw her I though she was sleep so I touch her when I realized she was dead I lost it I cried my heart out I really love her I didn’t want to see her go so fast but now I know she died cause of starvation I didn’t mean to starve her my mom keeps rushing me out the house and I keep forgetting to feed her I never wanted to sue her go but I know she got to spend her last moments with me?. I love you yung

Calie,

I learned a bit from your website. My baby full grown bunny aost 11. Died yesterday. She was old and sick . I chose to keep her with me at home to see her last days. I kept her comfortable and did everything I could. The grief is unbearable. I am beside my self. I hope that anyone that reads this, has the support system I have.

Gina kooken,

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