If you’re preparing to raise rabbits or just curious about rabbits in water, then you may be wondering… Can rabbits swim? Do rabbits like being in water? Do rabbits swim in the wild?
Yes, rabbits can swim. Instinctively, a rabbit that finds itself in a body of water will begin to “bunny paddle”. However, in most cases a wet rabbit is a stressed and scared rabbit, at risk of hypothermia.
Rabbit Hypothermia
Rabbits have several layers of dense fur and even after they shake off most of the water, it takes a long time for the fur to thoroughly dry. In the meantime, that rabbit may have a hard time regulating its body temperature.
The water evaporating from the rabbit’s fur may cool the rabbit’s body temperature and cause hypothermia.
A soaking wet rabbit in a cool environment will struggle to maintain its body temperature of 101 to 103 degrees F (38.3 to 39.4 C) and become hypothermic.
If conditions do not change, if the rabbit is not warmed and dried, then the hypothermic rabbit will die.
Other ailments caused by stress include Bunny Snuffles
Most rabbits do not like to play in water or find themselves needing to swim. In most cases rabbits will avoid having to get wet.
Getting soaked or having to swim is very stressful for most rabbits. Again, they instinctively try to stay dry so that they can control their body temperature.
Can Rabbits Swim
If they need to swim, rabbits can swim. For example, a wild rabbit may swim across a creek or stream to escape a predator. When forced to swim, rabbits seem to be able to swim fairly well.
But again, for most rabbits, swimming is a very stressful experience.
Rabbits in the Rain
It is ok for bunnies to go out in a gentle rain or drizzle on a warm day, but it is generally not good for them to get fully soaked to the skin.
You should gently and patiently towel dry your rabbit after being in the rain. If your rabbit does get soaking wet, then you can use a hair dryer on very low heat, a soft brush, and a towel to patiently and thoroughly dry your bunny.
A hutch rabbit’s need to stay dry in driving rain and snow is why every exposed rabbit hutch should have significant roof overhangs and provide a well sheltered hiding room or cubby room in the hutch so that rabbits can find a no wind and no rain zone.
Do Rabbits Need a Bath or Shower
No, healthy rabbits do not need a bath or shower. Healthy rabbits meticulously groom themselves, keeping their fur soft and clean. A healthy rabbit has excellent hygiene.
Rabbits do not bathe in puddles like birds. Instead they clean themselves and each other through their fastidious grooming with their paws and mouths.
Some rabbits have injuries, are obese, or are older and have arthritis, and can not properly groom themselves.
For these rabbits you may need to spot clean their bottoms to prevent serious issues such as:
What To Do If Your Bunny Is Wet
A wet rabbit must be kept warm and be gently and thoroughly dried. If the rabbit’s fur is not thoroughly dried, then the rabbit may still suffer from hypothermia.
In the wild, a wet rabbit may hop around in the sun, after the rain, allowing the sun and the warm breeze to thoroughly dry its fur. This is not possible in all regions, or all climates.
A wet domestic rabbit should not be placed back in its hutch or cage. A wet domestic bunny should be gently and thoroughly dried with deliberate care.
How To Dry A Wet Rabbit
Taking care of a wet rabbit is a slow process that requires patience!
If you’re in a rush, then you’ll be frustrated or risk hurting the rabbit. A rabbit’s skin tears much easier than our human skin!
Therefore, you must resolve to take your time and be very gentle when handling your rabbit to dry it. Your wet rabbit can be towel dried and then thoroughly dried with a hair dryer and brush, if necessary.
This means wrapping the bunny in a dry towel and letting the towel soak up the dampness from the bunnies fur. You may massage the bunny gently while it is wrapped in the towel.
This will work the towel into the rabbit’s fur and absorb more water.
After being wrapped in the towel for a while, you may unwrap the bunny and gently pat down the rabbit’s fur with the towel. Using a soft patting and wiping motion. This will absorb still more moisture.
We note that you may need to switch out the damp towel for a dry towel and that a thoroughly soaked bunny will need further drying.
Can I Use A Hair Dryer On My Rabbit
For the further deep drying, you may use a hair dryer to dry your rabbit as follows:
- Use the Low heat and Low fan setting
- Keep the nozzle of the hair dryer at least 15 inches from your bunny.
- Move the airflow around on your bunny, never keep the airflow on the same spot for more than a moment.
- Move a soft brush gently through the rabbit’s fur as you dry it with the hair dryer.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To Can Rabbits Swim
Can Rabbits Swim In Pools?
A rabbit can swim in a pool for a while, but we strongly recommend against placing your bunny rabbit in a swimming pool. Unfortunately, the one or two viral videos of rabbits seemingly enjoying themselves swimming around in backyard pools has been the source of stress for too many pet rabbits who find themselves being “launched” on their maiden voyage in their owner’s pool.
Viral Video of Rabbit Swimming in Pool
Can Rabbits Swim Underwater?
No, rabbits are not equipped to swim underwater. Rabbits that have to swim do the “bunny paddle”; it is like the doggy paddle for dogs.
If you dunk a rabbit under water (a cruel thing to do), then it will pop up to the surface and begin to bunny paddle.
Rabbits do not swim underwater like muskrats… even though muskrats are sometimes known as “marsh rabbits”, they are not rabbits.
How Fast Can Rabbits Swim?
How fast can a rabbit swim – the quick answer is pretty darn fast. Take a look at the swamp rabbits swiftly swimming in this video.
PBS Video on Rabbits Swimming
Can Bunnies Go In Water?
Most bunnies should not go in water. Most rabbits need to stay dry in order to properly regulate their body temperature. The average bunny does not go in water, and does not bath in ponds, creeks or puddles or pools.
A soaking wet rabbit is usually a very stressed and scared rabbit.
The “swamp rabbit” referenced above, is found in the Mississippi Valley and is the only rabbit that regularly goes into the water.
Final Thoughts on Rabbits Can Swim
Yes, instinctively a rabbit will “bunny paddle” if it finds itself in a body of water.
However, most rabbits avoid getting soaked and swimming. A wet rabbit is usually a very stressed and scared rabbit. And a stressed rabbit is a rabbit at risk for all kinds of health issues.
Further, a soaked rabbit may have a very hard time keeping its body temperature in the normal range of 101 to 103 degrees F (38.3 to 39.4 C); and may become hypothermic.
The swamp rabbit is the only rabbit that readily takes to the water without getting stressed.