Are you wondering what calms rabbits down?
Bunnies are shy animals that spook easily, so rabbit owners need to learn to reassure their rabbits by talking or petting them.
So, I'm here to talk about recognizing the signs of fear and keeping your bunny as calm and happy as possible.
Just keep reading.
Key Takeaways
- Rabbits are nervous creatures and get scared by loud noises, other pets, smells, and fast movements.
- Prolonged exposure to fear triggers leads to stress and other health problems.
- You should identify the fear trigger and remove your bunny from the stressful situation as soon as possible.
What Scares Rabbits the Most?
Before talking about how to calm down your bunny, let's see what triggers fear in your pet rabbit and how you can recognize its signs.
Rabbits are prey animals. They're wired to react to the slightest sign of trouble with fear, which enables them to avoid potential predators and dangerous situations.
It's normal for your bunny to freak out when exposed to loud noises, fast movements, new smells, and unfamiliar animals. Fireworks, for example, can cause extreme fear, especially in baby rabbits.
Moreover, illnesses, sudden changes in the environment, unfamiliar noises, and social stress can make your rabbit feel unsafe and act out.
Sometimes, it's even the owner's fault. Not all rabbits like it when you hold them, so forcing your bunny to stay still in your arms can make your furry friend afraid.
But how can you tell when your bunny is afraid? Let's unveil the most common signs of fear!
Common Signs of Fear In Rabbits
As experts say, "In most cases, where rabbits are afraid, they prefer to run away to a quiet and hidden location." (1)
But pet rabbits have other subtle ways to express fear and stress:
- Pay attention to body language. A rigid body posture with ears pointing forward can mean your bunny is looking for potential danger.
- Thumping. When your furry friend thumps its back legs, it's a warning that they sense danger. Angry rabbits also often thump their feet.
- Over-grooming. Rabbits are clean animals, but licking their fur to the point of losing hair is one of the most common signs of stress, fear, and boredom.
- Aggressive rabbit behavior. When your bunny can't escape danger, they may act tough by growing and swatting at whatever threatens them.
- Not moving. Some bunnies freeze or flatten to the ground when they feel threatened, tricking the predator into thinking they're dead.
But is it bad if your bunny is afraid? After all, it keeps wild rabbits alive. Let's find out.
Why It's Important To Keep Your Rabbit Calm?
Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to fear triggers is bad for your bunny's overall health. It can lead to stress, and too much stress can be fatal for your furry friend, according to experts. (2)
A stressed animal is also more likely to get sick because its weak immune system makes it prone to upper respiratory infections and other health issues.
Also, bunnies that overgroom due to fear and stress will likely suffer from hair loss, digestive problems from swallowing fur, and skin lesions from sitting still.
More importantly, fear can cause shock in rabbits. It's a serious condition in which the body's temperature and heart rate drop to dangerously low levels, which can be fatal.
So, how can you keep your rabbit calm? It's far easier than you'd think!
5 Tips on How to Calm Your Rabbit
Once you've identified the signs in your fearful rabbit, you must take quick steps to calm them down to prevent complications, such as shock. Here is what you should do.
#1 Identify the Fear Trigger
First, try to understand what's scaring your furry friend. If there's no apparent cause, such as sudden noises, investigate the surroundings:
- Is there anything new in your bunny's field of vision? New objects can freak out your pet because it doesn't know whether they're a threat.
- Is something moving, such as a ceiling fan or a heater? Rapid movements are scary because they mimic predators.
- Are there any new scents? Rabbits have an excellent sense of smell, so they'll freak out if they smell a new pet, even if they can't see it.
- Do other pets or children have access to your bunny? It doesn't take much for your bunnies to get scared, especially if children try to pick them up.
Once you determine what's causing the reaction, you should move your bunny or the trigger.
#2 Get Your Bunny to Safety
While rabbits are adventurous, they can get spooked when exploring new spaces. In this case, it's vital to bring your bunny back to its safe hiding spot:
- Get your bunny to its safe hiding spot.
- Remove loud noises and block the access of children and pets to maintain a comfortable environment.
- Stay by your pet's side. Your presence should calm it and reassure your furry friend that there's no danger.
- If your bunny doesn't start to calm down in a few minutes, try wrapping it in a blanket or a towel.
#3 Talk and Pet
Your voice can soothe and calm your rabbit in a stressful situation. Just avoid making sudden movements or shouting.
Gentle petting also helps your bunny realize there's no danger. However, observe your pet's body language to ensure they're comfortable with your petting.
Also, if your pets seem afraid of you, it's best to leave them alone. Don't try to pick them up. Just stay in the room and pretend to ignore them until they seem calm.
#4 Provide Distraction
If petting and talking are not working, you should try distracting your rabbit with a new treat. When there's something yummy, most bunnies will forget about their fears.
I also distract my bunnies in stressful situations with toys, such as a LuftPets'snuffle mat. Since my rabbit has to concentrate to find the food, it quickly calms down.
You can also try soothing music for rabbits to reduce anxiety and stress. Check the video below.
#5 Talk to a Vet
If your rabbit doesn't improve in a few hours, it's best to consult a vet. They can prescribe calming agents or pet-safe drugs to reduce your pet's anxiety and prevent shock.
Also, talk to the vet before getting in the car with your rabbit. The trip to the clinic can be so stressful that it can worsen your bunny's condition.
FAQs
1. What scents calm rabbits?
Try a natural blend of valerian and vetiver to calm your rabbit. Avoid essential oils, as some are toxic to rabbits.
2. What can I give my rabbit for anxiety?
Ask your vet for gabapentin to keep your rabbit's anxiety at bay. Don't give any human medication because they're toxic to rabbits.
3. How to calm a rabbit in shock?
Wrap your rabbit in a towel, place it near a heat source, and quickly contact a vet.
Conclusion
What calms rabbits down? Removing the fear trigger, talking, and gentle petting are the best ways to calm your bunny and make it feel safe again.
However, keep an eye on your bunny's body language and toiletary habits. If your pet doesn't eat or use its litter box, contact your vet as soon as possible.
What do you think about calming rabbits down? How do you soothe your bunnies? Share your experience in the comments.
Resources:
- https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/rabbits-should-show-normal-behaviour-patterns
- https://www.boundbrookvet.com/site/blog/2023/01/15/how-long-rabbits-live