How to Calm Your Rabbit

Rabbits are prey animals, meaning they naturally tend to be more anxious than other pets. Loud noises, sudden movements, and unfamiliar environments can trigger stress. Years of evolution have finely tuned their senses and responses when it comes to being aware of threats and it’s part of our job to make sure they feel safe in our homes. Recognising the signs of anxiety in your rabbit is the first step toward helping them live a stress-free life.  

Identifying signs of anxiety in your bunny is crucial. Common indicators include changes in behaviour, such as withdrawal and they can even become defensive to handling. If your rabbit suddenly becomes less active or hides in their enclosure, they may be feeling stressed. If you hear a lot of thumping coming from their hutch, it’s a good indicator that they’re feeling a little agitated. If they have everything they need then it could be caused by visitors like foxes or something else that is causing them to remain on high alert.  

Watch out for excessive grooming, which can lead to bald patches, as this may signal anxiety rather than just maintenance. Other behaviours to note include decreased appetite or reluctance to interact with you or their surroundings. A frightened rabbit may also exhibit rapid breathing or a stiff posture. Rabbits generally breathe faster than larger pets but a calm bunny should be taking between 30 and 40 breaths a minute which becomes much higher under stress. Understanding these signs allows you to address your fur baby’s fears promptly, creating a more comforting environment. Recognising and responding to your rabbit's anxious behaviours is vital for fostering a good relationship with your furry friend. 

Chronic anxiety can affect your rabbit’s overall health. Stress can lead to digestive issues, weakened immune systems, and even behavioural problems. Addressing their anxiety will help maintain their physical and mental well-being. A rabbit experiencing extreme fear can potentially go into shock or suffer a heart attack. Sudden stress triggers a rapid release of adrenaline, which can overwhelm them if you’re not careful. Rabbits don’t hibernate so if your bunny suddenly becomes withdrawn or lethargic, it could be stress or a health issue that’s making them feel under the weather.  

Several factors can trigger anxiety in rabbits. These include loud noises like fireworks, new people or pets in the home, changes in their environment, and even trips to the vet. Understanding these triggers allows you to anticipate and mitigate potential stressors. Avoid making changes to their routine that you don't have to and if you expect it's going to be a noisy night, take them inside where it's quieter. 

A safe, secure environment is essential for calming a nervous rabbit. Creating a dedicated space where they feel protected can significantly reduce their anxiety levels. Bunnies need a quiet, secluded area where they can retreat when they feel threatened. This could be a designated room, a special hideaway box, or a cosy corner in their hutch. Ensure this space is always accessible to your rabbit. Hutches like the Petsource Wooden Double Hutch have an area that is blocked off from outside view which acts as a secure den they can retreat to. 

You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a haven for your rabbit. Cardboard boxes with cut-out doors, old crates lined with soft blankets, and tunnels made from PVC pipes are excellent DIY options. These hideouts provide a sense of security and comfort. Ensure your beloved pet’s environment is calm and cosy. Use soft bedding materials like hay or fleece, keep the area quiet, and maintain a consistent routine. Avoid placing their living space near loud household appliances or high-traffic areas so that if something stressful does happen, they can recover quickly in the safety of their home.  

Sometimes when rabbits are used to living outdoors, bringing them inside can cause more stress so make sure their hutch is a safe and comforting place to be so they can relax after feeling stressed. 

Loud noises are a common source of stress for naturally prey animals. Managing their sensitivity to noise, especially during events like bonfire night, is crucial to keeping them calm. Fireworks can be overwhelming for your fur baby. During fireworks season, close windows and draw curtains to muffle the noise. Playing soft music or white noise can also help drown out the sound of fireworks. If they live outside, consider bringing their hutch into the garage or getting them used to spending time indoors before it gets noisy.  

Some products can help manage noise sensitivity in rabbits. The Pet Remedy Small Mammal Calm and Bonding Kit is designed to help your small furries relax and can be a useful tool when you predict a stressful event. Covers for hutches don’t just protect them from the elements but can help to dampen sound and keep them feeling more secure in their home.  

In addition to temporary fixes, you can use some more long-term noise management strategies. Regularly exposing your furry friend to low levels of noise can help desensitise them over time, making sudden loud sounds less frightening. 

Rabbits are social creatures who thrive on companionship. Sometimes, the presence of a familiar person or another rabbit can provide comfort and reduce anxiety. Spend lots of quality time with them, handling them gently and speaking in soothing tones. Building a strong bond through positive interactions helps them feel secure and loved. One of the most important things when it comes to calming your bunny is making sure they feel safe and secure in your presence.  

Consider getting a second rabbit to keep your pet company, as they often feel calmer when they have a buddy. Ensure proper introductions to avoid territorial disputes and strengthen their bond over time. If introducing a new pet, do so gradually. Allow them to get used to the new animal’s scent before allowing face-to-face interactions. This slow introduction can help minimise stress and foster positive relationships. 

Several proven techniques and products can help calm a nervous rabbit. Handling your bunny gently and petting them softly can help calm their nerves. Focus on areas they enjoy being touched, such as behind the ears and along the back. Just like we might enjoy a nice massage after a stressful day, so will your fur baby.  

Products like lavender-infused bedding, herbal calming sprays, and soothing chew toys can help reduce anxiety. They’re designed to create a calming environment that promotes relaxation. Certain scents can have a calming effect on your furry friend. Lavender, chamomile, and valerian root are known for their calming properties. You can even use fresh plants although lavender tends to be a required taste. Some bunnies love to nibble on it while it might actually be too sweet for others but the scent alone should be nice and calming.  

Rabbits are creatures of habit and thrive on routine. Establishing a consistent daily schedule can help reduce anxiety and make them feel more secure. They’ll feel most comfortable when they know what to expect. Having a consistent routine for feeding, playtime, and interactions can help create a sense of stability for your pet. 

Sudden changes in their environment or day-to-day activities can cause stress and anxiety. Keeping a consistent feeding, playtime, and cleaning schedule helps your rabbit know what to expect, reducing stress. Regular playtime and exercise are crucial for your fur baby’s physical and mental health. Create a safe play area where they can hop, explore, and interact with toys. This activity helps burn off excess energy and reduces anxiety. 

Regular health checks are essential for your furry friend’s health. Addressing any underlying health issues can prevent anxiety and improve their overall quality of life. You should schedule regular vet visits to ensure your rabbit is healthy and free from any medical conditions that could cause stress. Yearly vaccinations mean a stressful trip to the vets for them but it means you can give them a thorough health check and avoid long-term treatments or prolonged suffering which will be even more stressful.  

Keep an eye on any changes in your rabbit’s behaviour. Sudden shifts in eating habits, grooming, or activity levels can indicate stress or health issues. Early detection allows for better treatment of any issues.  

Calming your rabbit may take patience and effort, but the results are well worth it. By understanding their triggers, creating a safe environment, and using gentle techniques, you can ensure your rabbit feels secure and happy. A calm rabbit is a healthy rabbit. Visit us in store and online to find all of your bunny essentials to promote a stress-free and happy life for your fur baby.