What To Do If Your Rabbit Stops Eating (Early GI Stasis Signs to Watch For)

What To Do If Your Rabbit Stops Eating

(And How to Recognize When It’s Serious)

Rabbits instinctively hide illness.

By the time symptoms are dramatic, a condition may already be advanced. That’s why one of the most important early warning signs is simple:

A rabbit that stops eating.

But not every skipped meal is the same. The key is knowing what to check — and how quickly to act.

Step 1: Look at Droppings

The most dangerous combination in rabbits is:

Not eating + not pooping

Check the litter box carefully.

Are droppings:
• Smaller than usual?
• Fewer in number?
• Misshapen or dry?

Smaller droppings often signal early GI slowdown before complete stasis develops.

If droppings have stopped entirely, veterinary evaluation should not be delayed.

Step 2: Assess Posture and Behavior

Rabbits in discomfort may:

• Sit more tightly in a loaf position than usual
• Shift positions frequently
• Press their abdomen to the floor
• Sit hunched instead of relaxed

An alert rabbit can still be unwell.

Do not rely on brightness alone.

Step 3: Check Hydration

Dehydration accelerates GI problems.

Gently assess:

• Is your rabbit drinking normally?
• Does the skin over the shoulders return quickly when gently lifted?
• Are gums moist (if you can safely check)?

Reduced hydration can turn mild slowdown into a more serious condition quickly.

Step 4: Watch the Clock

In early, mild GI slowdown (when droppings are still present and the abdomen is soft), subtle improvement should begin within about 2 hours of supportive care.

No measurable change is important information.

If there is no improvement within that window, escalation is appropriate.

Waiting overnight is rarely the safer option.

Step 5: Recognize Emergency Signs

Seek immediate veterinary care if you see:

• No droppings
• Abdominal bloating
• Severe lethargy
• Visible respiratory effort
• Neurologic signs (tilting, rolling, loss of balance)

These are not monitor-at-home situations.

Why Early Recognition Matters

GI stasis rarely begins with drama.

It often starts quietly — smaller droppings, slight appetite reduction, subtle posture changes.

Recognizing progression early improves outcomes.

Having a structured plan reduces hesitation when it matters most.

A Structured Emergency Recognition Guide

Because rabbits decline quickly and symptoms can be subtle, I created a detailed emergency recognition guide for rabbit owners who want a clear, conservative plan.

When Your Rabbit Is Sick: How to Recognize Serious Changes and When to Seek Immediate Care walks step-by-step through:

• GI stasis staging
• The 2-hour escalation rule
• Respiratory distress recognition
• Dehydration and hydration support
• When to stop waiting

The goal is not panic — but clarity.

You can find the guide in the HCB Shoppe.