Staying hydrated is one of the keys to health. At Hobby Farm Heaven, our rabbits and other animals get the same high quality well water that we drink and we make sure tokeep the water bottles and troughs clean and topped off!
Have you wondered, “How Long Can rabbits Go Without Water?“
Quick answer: rabbits shouldn’t go without water even for a day! In fact, if your bunny stops eating or drinking or a day, then it is in immediate danger. Going for 24 hours without any water will be fatal for most rabbits as not drinking water can lead to full organ failure.
If your rabbit is not drinking water, then you need to take action.
In this article, we’ll cover all that you need to know.
Interstingly, rabbits really don’t sweat or pant. But strangely, they have small sweat glands in their mouths.
Given these characteristics, to keep your bunny cool during summer you can:
- Provide plenty of fresh, cool water
- Setup a box fan blowing on the rabbit cage or hutch
- Brush or groom your rabbit regularly to remove extra hair
And here are several reasons why your rabbit may not be drinking water.
- GI Stasis – If the rabbit is not eating, then it probably will not drink.
- Dental Issues – The rabbit may have a tooth problem or an infection in its mouth
- “New Water” – If you are traveling or at a friends house, then your rabbit is not used to the new water. the smell or taste of the “new” water may not agree wth the rabbit.
Whatever the reason, proactively seek a resolution! Below, we will discuss water and bunnies in great detail, so dive right into it!
How Many Days Can Rabbits Go Without Water?
Rabbits can survive without food and/or water for roughly 3-4 days. However, in reality, they shouldn’t go without any water for a day.
A rabbit survives for more than a day without food or water, but it’s digestive system will likely stop or shut down and may not start up again when it does eat some food or drink some water. This deadly condition is known as GI Stasis.
If your bunny stops eating and drinking even for 12 hours, it can enter GI stasis, and you would need to need to seek immediate help from your veterinarian.
Rabbits need plenty of water, especially during summer! Otherwise, they won’t last long.
Why Do Rabbits Need Water?
Both wild and domesticated rabbits must drink water because like all living things, water makes up a large percentage of their body.
Furthermore, drinking enough water is very important for various organic functions like keeping the blood flowing at the right rate and thickness, moving the digestive system, flushing excessive calcium, etc.
Not drinking water will cause intestinal blockages because your bunny will have a hard time urinating as well as defecating. And this rapidly becomes fatal.
What Happens If Rabbits Don’t Drink Water?
If rabbits don’t drink water they dehydrate and become lethargic and potentially disoriented. Eventually, they will die.
Here’s a great video about Getting Your Bunny To Drink More Water
How Long Can Rabbits Go Without Water In The Cold?
When it’s cold outside, rabbits generally drink less water.
However, they still need to drink some water during the day even when it’s freezing cold outside, thus they shouldn’t go without water even for a day. But in the winter, water bottles can freeze up in minutes and even bowls can ice over in just a few minutes!
So you might consider a thermal cover for the water bottle or a heater for the water bowl. Yes, there are water heaters designed and sold specifically for use with rabbits…you can also rotate out frozen water bottles or bowls with thawed ones that are kept indoors.
Additionally, some rabbit owners add additives like glycerin (2-3 drops will suffice) to the water to slow the freezing process.
On our homestead we choose not to add glycerin, instead, we’re just more diligent about checking water during freezing temperatures!
How Often Do Rabbits Need Water?
The frequency in which rabbits need water depends on factors such as the temperature they are living in, as well as the size, age and activity level of your rabbit. For instance, bigger breeds need more water.
Nevertheless, each rabbit needs a supply of water every single day.
If you have a younger and developing rabbit, it will likely need more water than an older rabbit. The same goes for more active rabbits. If you have a rabbit that is running around and exercising, it will need more water than a rabbit who is not active.
Also, think about it hay and pellets are very dry. The rabbit’s digestive system needs some water to process the dry food. Note that if your rabbits are eating leafy green vegetables then they are also getting some dietary hydration from the water in the leafy greens.
How Much Water Does A Rabbit Drink In A Day
Typically, healthy rabbits should consume about 10% of their body weight in water.
For example, if your bunny weighs 4 pounds, it should consume at least 6 ounces of water per day.
How Do I Know If My Rabbit Is Dehydrated?
If your rabbit is sick, it may not consume enough water on its own to get better. If you notice things like:
- Crusty eyes
- Sticky saliva
- Loss of appetite
- Small amounts of dark-colored urine
- Hard dry fecal pellets
then your rabbit is likely dehydrated. To rehydrate your rabbit, you may have to consult your veterinarian. You can always encourage your rabbit to drink by providing a large bowl of water loaded with small amounts of flavoring.
How To Save A Dehydrated Rabbit?
If you notice any of the warning signs of dehydration, you have to decide weather to take the rabbit to the vet or try to rehydrate the rabbit yourself. In many cases a vet may not be available.
Here are some ways to rehydrate a rabbit; according the the Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital.
- Wet your fingers: Wet your fingers with water and see if the rabbit licks your fingers.
If the rabbit licks the water off your fingers for a few minutes, then it may begin to drink from a bowl.
- Use An Infant Medicine Syringe: This syringe has no needle on it. It is the type used to give medicine to young children who can not yet drink out of a small cup. Here are the steps to take:
- Fill the syringe with cool water.
- Wrap your rabbit in a towel so it can not move around on you.
- Place the syringe at the end of the rabbit’s mouth and slowly squeeze some water into the rabbit’s mouth.
- Patience is key. Be patient, most of the water will not go in the rabbit’s mouth, but some will and that will help your rabbit.
- Subcutaneous Fluids: This rehydration method involves injecting fluids under the rabbit’s skin. Admittedly, this procedure is typically done by a vet.
However, depending on your access to a vet, and the environment you live in, you may decide to proactively gather the materials necessary and have them on hand so that you can conduct this procedure. We understand that it is not for everyone, but here are the steps to take:
- Fill a clean syringe with the proper liquid for subcutaneous hydration.
- Wrap your rabbit in a towel so that it can’t move around on you.
- Lightly pinch the skin near the rabbits shoulder so that fur “opens up” and you can see some bare skin.
- Insert the needle of the syringe sideways under the bulge of the pinched skin.
- Push the plunger on the syringe.
- If SC liquid goes into the rabbit easily, then the needle is positioned correctly.
- If SC liquid does not go in smoothly, then the needle is not positioned correctly… gently pull out the needle and try again.
- When the syringe is empty, gently pull it out and keep the light pinch in place for a minute while the needle whole seals/clots.
- Intravenous Fluids or IV: The final Step – most often done by a vet – is to provide Intravenous (IV) fluids. The vet will gently wrap your rabbit so that it can not move around.
And then the vet will set up an IV drip on the rabbit (directly into it’s circulatory system) just like a doctor or nurse initiates an IV drip on a human. If your rabbit is at the vet and has an IV, then it is likely staying at the Vet’s for at least one night.
The proper liquid for subcutaneous hydration is known by several common names: SC or SQ, lactated ringers, saline solution, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions Related To
How Long Can A Rabbit Go Without Water
Can Rabbits Drink Tap Water?
Yes, in most cases your rabbit will be fine drinking the same tap water that your family drinks. If your family does not drink the tap water, then you should not give it to your rabbit.
Can Rabbits Drink Cold Water?
Yes, rabbit can drink very cold water. Like humans, rabbits are warm blooded mammals and can drink very cold water.
It is true that they appreciate warm or tepid water when it is very cold out. Likewise they appreciate cool water when it is very hot out. In fact, a rabbit will not drink as much water if it’s water bottle heats up in the summer sun.
Final Thoughts on Rabbits Drinking Water
When it comes to rabbits drinking water, remember:
- Rabbits do no sweat or perspire.
- Rabbits are not able to pant like a dog.
- Hydration is a key element for Rabbit health and strength.
- Rabbit dehydration can escalate quickly and be life threatening.
- In hot climates, you should observe your rabbits more closely to ensure that they are hydrated.