Many common pets will suffer from gas, however, if this gas is excessive, it could point to a problem that should be addressed as soon as possible. When it comes to rabbits, you likely won’t hear your bunny passing wind very often, and given a rabbit’s delicate digestive system if you do notice it you would be right to be concerned that this gas may indicate a more serious problem. So why do rabbits suffer from gas?
Excess gas in rabbits is a result of feeding an inapproporiate diet. A rabbits diet needs to be made up of 80% Good quality hays or grasses, limited vegetables and occasional treats.
While gas can be seen as a minor problem which many owners pay little attention to, ignoring it could lead to more serious issues, such as GI Stasis.
Why Has My Rabbit Got Excess Gas?
Any change in your rabbit’s health, small or large, should always be taken seriously. Unless it is normal for your rabbit to pass a lot of gas, which is unlikely, then an increase in flatulence should always be investigated.
There are some rabbits that may experience more problems with gas than others, but regardless, this minor condition could lead to something much worse. GI Stasis is a condition that affects rabbits and if left untreated, could quickly become fatal. It is not unusual for bunnies to die within hours of contracting GI Stasis.
This condition causes the gut to significantly slow down and as a result, food begins to ferment in the gut. You might notice that your rabbit doesn’t defecate, loses his appetite, and becomes lethargic. You should have him seen by a vet immediately. Rabbits can recover from GI Stasis provided that fluid treatment and other medicines are given as quickly as possible.
In the first instance, the cause of excess gas is likely to do with the rabbit’s diet. Rabbits require a diet that is made up of 80% hay as they need a lot of fiber. However, owners will also offer their pets rabbit pellets and a variety of fruits and vegetables as a treat. But if there is something within the diet that causes irritation, this could lead to gas.
However, you might also notice that your rabbit struggles with gas if he is eating too quickly. Stress can also be a contributing factor to excess gas as can dehydration. It can be difficult to work out what the cause is but if you do have a rabbit who gets gas a lot, it is worth being observant to discover the trigger. This can help to avoid it in future.
Is It Normal For Rabbits To Fart?
Rabbits need to fart. But for the most part, you won’t notice this as it is not frequent nor is it smelly. This is because of the high fibre diet that bunnies eat; you’ll probably also have noticed that the rabbit’s dropping have little to no odor as well. Furthermore, the rabbit’s farts are typically quiet so you probably won’t hear them.
But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t happening. As your rabbit eats, the digestive system takes out all the nutrients it needs from the food. As food sits in the cecum, a part of the digestive system, it begins to ferment and gas is produced as a result of this. The gas cannot remain in the body and so it travels down the colon and out of the anus.
If your rabbit was unable to pass wind, a gas build up would be the result and your bunny would likely be in a lot of pain.
How Can I Tell It My Rabbit Has Gas?
While your rabbit’s toots might not be blindingly obvious, there are subtle clues that you can look out for to determine whether excess gas is a problem. One of the easiest ways to check for this is to listen to your pet’s stomach. While the stomach should make some gentle gurgling sounds, loud noise which you can hear without holding your ear to the body is concerning.
Another key signal that your bunny has an upset belly is if he is dragging his stomach across the floor. This is a rabbit’s way of trying to force excess gas out in an effort to feel more comfortable. You might also notice that his stomach feels more solid than usual.
Furthermore, rabbits with gas problems may become constipated or their bowel habits may change. In relation to this, it is likely that the animal will lose its appetite and this is a critical giveaway that something is wrong. In fact, it is often one of the first signs that many owners notice.
If you notice that your rabbit is displaying signs of discomfort such as grinding the teeth or hunching over, you should check him. Taking your rabbit’s temperature can be a good indicator of health. If the temperature is below 100ºf, this could signal that the animal is in shock and requires immediate treatment. This is not uncommon for rabbits with excess gas.
What Do I Do If My Rabbit Has Gas?
If your rabbit has gas, one of the first things you should do is to adjust the diet. Regardless of anything else, reverting back to a diet made up of entirely hay is the best way to combat or reduce any digestive issue. That being said, your rabbit will also need to be seen by the vet so making an appointment as soon as possible is recommended.
If your rabbit has a low temperature, you can help him by sharing your body heat. Hold him close and gently massage the stomach as this may encourage movement in the gut. You can also sit your rabbit on a hot water bottle or provide him with blankets.
What Foods Cause Gas In Rabbits?
Rabbits are surprisingly big eaters. If you own a bunny, you will be familiar with how often he eats; it isn’t uncommon to find your rabbit nibbling on pellets or hay almost every time you see him. But this is important for your pet and grazing on hay throughout the day will help to keep the digestive system in full working order.
While pellets are a great complement to the main diet of hay, rabbits that are susceptible to gas would do well to avoid them. There is nothing wrong with a purely hay diet.
However, many owners like to offer their rabbits the occasional treat, and that is not a problem provided that is it occasional. Fruit and vegetables are a great way to treat your rabbit, but there are some foods that may lead to problems with gas if they are eaten excessively or if your rabbit is particularly sensitive.
- Carrots
- Collard
- Kale
- Sprouts
- Broccoli
- Muesli
- Pumpkin
- Cabbage
