When one of two bonded rabbits dies, you should allow the survivor to see and spend time with the body for a day or so to understand the loss, then focus on the survivor's grief by keeping their environment safe with hiding spots, maintaining routine, offering enrichment (toys, stuffed animals), and watching for signs of depression (not eating/drinking). Crucially, you should then find a new, compatible companion quickly, as a lone rabbit can become deeply depressed or even fatal.
If a rabbit has never seen death, they have no way of knowing what it is, except to see it in another rabbit. To understand that a partner has died, they have to spend time with the body.
The 3-3-3 rule for rabbits (and other pets) is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 Days for the rabbit to feel overwhelmed and hide, 3 Weeks to start settling in and showing personality, and 3 Months to feel truly at home and build a strong bond. It helps adopters manage expectations, understand that fear and skittishness are normal, and encourages patience as the bunny decompresses in its new environment, emphasizing providing a safe space and routine.
You should take the body to the hospital as soon as possible, however if your bunny dies while the hospital is closed, place the body in the refrigerator until you can get to the veterinary hospital. It is important that you don't freeze the body as this will damage the tissues.
Monitor all the other rabbits and call your vet for advice on how to keep them safe. For the body itself, you can bury it or get it cremated. Please do not throw it in the trash, as it is a biohazard. If you do not have other rabbits, you can either keep the stuff or wash it and donate it to a humane society.
Some rabbits can become depressed if they're left alone when a friend passes away. Your remaining pet may also stop eating and drinking. If this happens, or you think your pet seems lethargic or just not their usual self, take them to a rabbit-friendly vet as soon as possible.
The carcass should be placed in a plastic body bag and sealed as soon as possible. If a zoonotic disease is suspected (i.e., rabies, tularemia), it is recommended to double bag the carcass. Avoid direct contact with the dead animal's body fluids (i.e., blood, urine, feces).
Rabbit is limp, floppy or cold
These rabbits are very, very sick and may be close to death. The common end point of dehydration, shock or sepsis is a weak floppy rabbit, often with cold ears. They tend to sit hunched in a corner and 'feel funny' when you pick them up. Wrap them up warmly and get to the vet ASAP.
Each compression and breath works to bring your rabbit back to life. CPR can be a lifesaver, but it's only one part of the resuscitation process. After initiating CPR, the next step is to use heat to revive a cold rabbit and normalize its body temperature.
Left: The body of a dead rabbit after several weeks of decomposition. Most of the flesh has been eaten by beetles, beetle larvae, fly maggots, carnivorous slugs and bacteria. The outline of the skeleton is starting to appear.
Rabbits are naturally social animals and companionship is important to them. In the wild, rabbits live in family groups which can reach up to 30 in one warren! Mammal Society. If they are kept alone, they may begin to show some abnormal behaviour, especially if left without company for long periods of time.
In answer to the question what animal eats rabbits, the most common that springs to mind is the fox. But there are numerous others including pet dogs and cats, birds of prey, stoats, weasels, ferrets, badgers and snakes.
Rabbits need unlimited access to grass and hay, so they shouldn't ever be left without food. However, if it's an emergency and there's no other choice, then they can go up to 12 hours without eating.
During their final days, dogs may sense changes in their bodies through their acute senses. However, certain behavior patterns can serve as their reaction to their situation. Therefore, as pet owners, it's important to know how you can provide comfort and support in their final moments.
If you notice these symptoms in your bunny, it's time to see a vet as soon as possible.
Steps to Helping Your Rabbit with Their Grief
SYMPTOMS OF GI STASIS
A very sick stasis rabbit will be crouched/curled in a pile and will show no interest in food, treats, or you. They will not move. Treatment should begin immediately. Any rabbit who is not acting normally and seems lethargic should also begin treatment immediately.
Three out of the 5 rabbits that experienced long- or medium-term survival after ROSC experienced an anesthesia-related arrest. The prognosis associated with CPR in rabbits is similar to that reported in other species. Tight-fitting facemasks can provide effective respiratory support in rabbits during CPR.
The 3-3-3 rule for rabbits (and other pets) is a guideline for adjusting to a new home: 3 Days for the rabbit to feel overwhelmed and hide, 3 Weeks to start settling in and showing personality, and 3 Months to feel truly at home and build a strong bond. It helps adopters manage expectations, understand that fear and skittishness are normal, and encourages patience as the bunny decompresses in its new environment, emphasizing providing a safe space and routine.
A previous study based on primary veterinary care showed that the most common causes of death in pet rabbits were myiasis, myxomatosis, and bite injuries, which could be prevented by improved housing and suitable care [5].
Tonic immobility is a rabbit playing dead
If a rabbit is captured by a predator, they become still and apparently lifeless - in effect, they're playing dead. By remaining motionless, a predator may believe the rabbit is dead, so it relaxes their grip and offers the possibility of escape.
Put on gloves and bring two plastic trash bags. Avoid getting any fluids from the rabbit on your body or into your nose or mouth. Gently take the rabbit from the dog or cat and put it into a plastic bag, then double bag it and throw it in the trash.
Caring for Your Pet's Body
Wrap your pet in a towel or blanket in the position you would like them to remain, as stiffness develops within a few hours. Keep your pet in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat. If aftercare is delayed more than 24 hours, refrigeration or freezer storage is best if possible.
As dead animals decompose, bacteria that may normally be contained within the animal's body can be released, exposing people to potential disease-causing pathogens. Scavengers and rodents may be attracted to the carcasses, so it is important to remove the carcass as soon as possible.