Daily Management Mistakes Leading to Rabbit Diarrhea

1. Overindulgence in Refined Grains

Rabbits, being herbivores, should not consume excessive amounts of protein and corn in their daily diet. If their owners frequently feed them corn, the high starch content can lead to incomplete digestion and absorption, placing a burden on their digestive system, potentially causing diarrhea.

Signs to watch out for include loose stools, frequent bowel movements, and a sour smell. This may occur at a specific time and then resolve, with the rabbit returning to normal bowel movements.

2. Sudden Change in Feed

A significant change in the rabbit's diet can also trigger diarrhea, a common issue during early spring and summer when fresh green forage becomes available. If owners abruptly switch from dry roughage to fresh forage, the sudden change can cause the rabbit's digestive system to become unaccustomed, leading to diarrhea, which usually resolves within a few days.

Look for symptoms such as soft, large, sticky feces that may be black or greenish in color.

3. Poisoning from Feed

This can occur if the feed contains toxins, such as cottonseed meal or sprouting potatoes, or if the forage is contaminated with pesticides. Additionally, if the forage is processed with toxins or becomes moldy during storage and is still fed to the rabbit, it can lead to poisoning.

The signs of poisoning include persistent and increasingly severe watery diarrhea.

4. Sudden Temperature Changes

Quick changes in weather, cold temperatures, sudden fluctuations in the rabbit's environment, or stress from being startled can all lead to diarrhea.

Observe symptoms such as misshapen feces that may contain mucus or a jellylike substance.

5. Antibiotic Overuse

Longterm use of antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to digestive dysfunction and diarrhea. This is not limited to rabbits; cats and dogs can also experience diarrhea from excessive antibiotic use. Therefore, when treating animals with antibiotics, owners should avoid continuous or excessive dosing and maintain a proper interval between treatments.

6. Indigestion

Young rabbits that have just been weaned are particularly susceptible to indigestion or overeating, which can overwhelm their digestive systems, leading to issues like indigestion or food accumulation.

Signs include a decrease in appetite, poor mental state, and irregular feces shape.

Have you, the owner, been able to identify any of these issues in your rabbit's care? I hope that after reading this, you can correct any overlooked mistakes in your feeding habits and strive to become a responsible and caring pet owner, safeguarding the health of your adorable little bunny!