Rabbits can become unwell very quickly
This rabbit symptom checker helps you spot urgent warning signs such as not eating, not pooing, bloating, flystrike signs, head tilt, breathing problems and sudden weakness.
Use this as an urgency guide, not a diagnosis
This rabbit symptom checker is designed to help rabbit owners decide how urgently they should seek veterinary help. It does not diagnose illness and it does not replace a rabbit-savvy vet.
Rabbits are prey animals, so they often hide signs of pain or illness until they are already very unwell. Changes in appetite, droppings, posture, breathing, balance, movement or behaviour can be important.
If your rabbit has stopped eating, stopped pooing, seems bloated, is struggling to breathe, has flystrike signs, collapses or suddenly becomes very weak, treat it as urgent and contact a rabbit-savvy vet.
What symptoms are you seeing?
Tick anything that applies. This checker gives general urgency guidance only. If your rabbit seems suddenly very unwell, call a vet.
Select symptoms to get urgency guidance.
The checker will suggest whether you should contact a rabbit-savvy vet urgently, call for same-day advice or monitor closely.
- Reminder: This checker does not diagnose illness.
- Vet advice: Call your vet if you are worried or unsure.
Call a rabbit-savvy vet urgently
These signs should not be watched for days. Rabbits can deteriorate quickly, especially when appetite and droppings change.
- Not eating
- Not pooing
- Bloated belly
- Mouth breathing
- Collapse
- Flystrike signs
- Head tilt
- Severe pain signs
Rabbit symptoms owners should take seriously
These signs do not tell you the exact cause, but they can help you decide when your rabbit needs urgent support.
Not eating
A rabbit that refuses food needs urgent advice because gut slowdown can become serious quickly.
UrgentNo droppings
No poo, tiny poo or fewer droppings can be an important warning sign, especially with low appetite.
UrgentBloated belly
A swollen or hard belly, especially with pain signs, should be treated as urgent.
UrgentFlystrike signs
Maggots, a very dirty bottom or sudden distress can be an emergency.
UrgentHead tilt
Head tilt, rolling or loss of balance needs prompt rabbit-savvy veterinary advice.
UrgentDrooling or chewing trouble
Wet chin, dropping food or difficulty chewing may suggest dental pain or mouth problems.
Same-day adviceWhat to do if your rabbit seems unwell
Keep your rabbit calm and safe while arranging veterinary advice. Avoid home treatment unless your vet tells you what to do.
Call first
Tell the vet exactly what changed: eating, droppings, breathing, posture, movement and when it started.
Prepare a carrier
Use a secure carrier with soft bedding, hay if appropriate and safe temperature control.
Avoid guessing treatment
Do not give medicines, force-feed or try home remedies unless a vet has advised it for this situation.
Rabbit symptom checker questions
Quick answers about urgent rabbit warning signs and when to contact a rabbit-savvy vet.
Is not eating an emergency in rabbits?
Yes. If your rabbit stops eating or stops passing droppings, contact a rabbit-savvy vet urgently. Rabbits can become seriously unwell quickly.
What if my rabbit is still eating but seems quieter than usual?
Monitor closely and check appetite, droppings, posture and behaviour. If the change continues, worsens or your instincts say something is wrong, call your vet.
Can I treat my rabbit at home first?
Do not give medicine, force-feed or try home remedies unless your vet has advised it. Some problems need examination first, especially if there could be a blockage, severe pain or breathing problem.
Does this checker diagnose my rabbit?
No. It is only a general urgency guide. A rabbit-savvy vet is needed to examine your rabbit and diagnose the cause.
Trust your instincts and act early
Rabbits often hide illness until they are very unwell. If your rabbit stops eating, stops pooing, seems bloated, is breathing strangely, has collapsed or shows sudden severe changes, contact a rabbit-savvy vet urgently.
Early advice is safer than waiting and hoping things improve.
Related rabbit care guides
More useful guides for rabbit health, diet, safe foods and housing.
RabbitCare.co.uk provides general rabbit care information for UK owners. This symptom checker is not a diagnosis tool and does not replace advice from a rabbit-savvy vet. If your rabbit stops eating, stops pooing, seems in pain, has breathing problems, collapses or is suddenly unwell, contact a vet urgently.
