If you live with a rabbit, you already know how much their daily routine revolves around food: hay all day, pellets in measured amounts, fresh greens, and the occasional treat that makes them look like they’ve won the lottery. So when your rabbit suddenly stops eating—or even just eats noticeably less—it can feel scary fast.
Rabbits are built differently than cats and dogs. Their digestive system is designed for near-constant grazing, and a slowdown can become serious much quicker than many people expect. The good news is that there are a few common, fixable reasons a rabbit might refuse food, and there are practical steps you can try at home while you figure out what’s going on.
This guide walks through what “not eating” really means for rabbits, the most common causes, what you can safely try right away, and the signs that mean you should treat it as urgent.
What “not eating” looks like in real life (and why it matters so much)
Sometimes “my rabbit isn’t eating” means they won’t touch pellets but still nibble hay. Other times they’ll take a treat but refuse their usual greens. And sometimes they truly won’t eat anything at all. These details matter because rabbits can be picky, but they can also be quietly unwell.
Rabbits need food moving through their gut to keep everything functioning. When intake drops, gut movement can slow, gas can build up, and discomfort can spiral into even less eating. That’s why rabbit people (and rabbit-savvy vets) take appetite changes seriously.
A helpful way to think about it: a rabbit skipping a meal is not the same as a dog skipping a meal. With rabbits, appetite is a major health signal, not just a mood.
First, do a quick “rabbit wellness check” at home
Before you start guessing at causes, take two minutes to observe and jot down what you see. This isn’t about diagnosing your rabbit yourself—it’s about gathering clues that help you decide what to do next and what information to share with a vet.
Check these basics: Are they producing normal poop? Is it smaller, fewer, misshapen, or absent? Are they drinking? Are they sitting hunched, grinding teeth, or hiding more than usual? Are they drooling or have a wet chin? Did anything change in the home (new pet, construction noise, travel, new food, new litter, new roommate)?
If you can safely do so, gently feel their belly. A tight, drum-like abdomen can suggest gas or bloating. A very cold rabbit, a rabbit that’s limp, or one that seems painful when touched should be treated as urgent.
Common reasons a rabbit stops eating (and what they often look like)
GI stasis (slow gut movement) and painful gas
GI stasis is one of the most talked-about rabbit emergencies, and for good reason. It’s not a single disease so much as a dangerous slowdown of the digestive tract that can be triggered by pain, stress, dehydration, diet issues, or another underlying illness.
Signs often include reduced appetite, fewer or smaller poops, a hunched posture, reluctance to move, and sometimes audible tummy gurgles—or the opposite, a very quiet gut. Some rabbits will still take a tiny treat but won’t eat hay, which is a big red flag because hay is usually their “default” food.
Stasis can become urgent quickly. If your rabbit hasn’t eaten at all for several hours and poop output is dropping, it’s time to move from “watch and wait” to “act.”
Dental pain (overgrown molars, spurs, and sore mouths)
Rabbit teeth grow continuously, and even a small imbalance can lead to sharp points (spurs) that cut the tongue or cheeks. Dental pain is one of the most common reasons rabbits stop eating hay first—because chewing long fibers takes effort.
You might notice your rabbit picking up food and dropping it, chewing slowly, preferring softer foods, drooling, or having a wet chin. Some rabbits get watery eyes due to tooth root issues that affect tear ducts, so “eye gunk” plus reduced appetite can be a clue.
Dental problems usually don’t resolve with home care alone. A vet exam (and often imaging) is the fastest route to relief, and it can prevent a cycle where pain leads to reduced eating, which leads to gut slowdown.
Diet changes, not enough hay, or too many treats
Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems, and abrupt diet changes can cause tummy upset. Swapping brands of pellets, introducing a new green, or offering a big portion of a sugary treat can disrupt the balance in the gut.
Another sneaky issue: rabbits that fill up on pellets or treats may eat less hay. Over time, that can affect both digestion and teeth. If your rabbit is “not eating” but still begs for treats, it’s worth zooming out and looking at the overall menu.
Aim for unlimited grass hay as the foundation. Pellets should be measured, and treats should be truly occasional. If you’re changing foods, do it gradually over 1–2 weeks.
Stress and environmental changes
Rabbits are prey animals, and stress can shut down appetite. Common triggers include moving homes, new pets, unfamiliar visitors, loud noises, renovations, fireworks, or even rearranging furniture near their enclosure.
Sometimes the stressor is subtle: a change in routine, a new scent (like a strong cleaner), or a dog that suddenly discovered the rabbit’s space. You may see your rabbit freeze more, hide, or become less social.
Stress-related appetite dips can improve once the environment feels safe again, but you still need to keep a close eye on poop output and hydration. Stress can be the first domino that leads to GI slowdown.
Heat, dehydration, and not drinking enough
Rabbits don’t handle heat well. In warm weather, they may eat less and become sluggish. Dehydration makes the gut contents drier and harder to move, which can contribute to constipation-like symptoms and discomfort.
Check water access (bowl and/or bottle), refresh it often, and consider offering wet leafy greens to increase fluid intake. If your rabbit is panting, drooling, or seems weak in the heat, treat it as urgent and cool them down gradually with a fan and cool (not icy) surfaces.
Even in cooler seasons, dehydration can happen if the water bottle is clogged, the bowl is tipped, or the rabbit simply prefers one type of water setup over another.
Underlying illness (infections, parasites, organ issues)
Loss of appetite can be a general sign that something else is wrong: respiratory infections, urinary tract issues, kidney disease, liver problems, or parasites. Rabbits are masters at hiding illness, so appetite changes may be the first obvious clue you get.
Look for other hints like sneezing, nasal discharge, head tilt, changes in urination, straining, lethargy, or weight loss. None of these automatically tells you the cause, but they do raise the urgency.
If your rabbit has repeated episodes of “not eating,” it’s worth pushing for a thorough workup rather than treating each episode as a one-off mystery.
Blockage (foreign material, carpet fibers, or too much fur)
A true gastrointestinal obstruction is less common than GI stasis, but it’s extremely serious. Rabbits can ingest carpet fibers, foam, plastic, or other materials if they’re chewers. Heavy shedding can also contribute to hair accumulation, especially if hay intake is low.
Signs can overlap with stasis: not eating, very small or no poops, pain, and lethargy. The big difference is that some home-care approaches that are sometimes used for mild stasis (like encouraging food) are not appropriate for a blockage without veterinary guidance.
If you suspect your rabbit ate something they shouldn’t, or if their belly seems very bloated and painful, don’t wait it out.
What you can try right away (safe steps that often help)
Reset the menu: hay first, then water, then gentle greens
Start with the basics: offer fresh hay—new handful, fluffed up, and placed in a clean area. Some rabbits will ignore “old” hay but eat enthusiastically when it’s refreshed. If you have more than one hay type (timothy, orchard grass, oat hay), you can offer a small variety to tempt them.
Next, focus on hydration. Refresh the water bowl and consider offering both a bowl and a bottle if you usually use just one. Some rabbits drink more from bowls. If your rabbit will eat greens, rinse them and offer them wet to add extra fluids.
Keep pellets and treats limited while you’re assessing. If your rabbit is only eating pellets and refusing hay, that’s still a concern—hay refusal often points to dental pain or gut discomfort.
Encourage movement (without stressing them out)
Gentle movement can help stimulate gut motility. If your rabbit is willing, encourage a calm stroll around a safe room or a familiar play area. Think “easy lap around the living room,” not “chase the rabbit.”
Movement is especially helpful if your rabbit seems gassy but otherwise alert. You can pair it with offering hay in different spots, like a little scavenger hunt that keeps things low-pressure.
If your rabbit is clearly painful, weak, or reluctant to move, don’t force exercise. In those cases, movement won’t fix the underlying problem and can increase stress.
Check for obvious mouth issues and grooming-related problems
Without prying the mouth open (which can be stressful and unsafe), you can still look for clues: drool, wet fur under the chin, a bad smell, or food stuck around the mouth. Also check the front teeth alignment if your rabbit allows it.
Do a quick grooming check too. If your rabbit is shedding heavily, brushing can reduce fur ingestion. Look for messy fur around the rear end, which can happen if they’re not eating enough or not feeling well enough to groom.
If you notice drool, wet chin, or consistent hay refusal, consider dental pain high on the list and plan for a vet visit soon.
Support feeding only when it’s appropriate (and how to do it gently)
Many rabbit caregivers keep a critical care-style herbivore recovery food on hand. If your rabbit is not eating but is alert and you’re already in touch with a rabbit-savvy vet, syringe-feeding may be recommended to keep the gut moving and provide calories.
That said, syringe-feeding isn’t a universal “do this first” solution. If there’s a possibility of obstruction, or if your rabbit is very weak, force-feeding can be risky. It’s best used with veterinary guidance, especially if this is your first time.
If you are instructed to syringe-feed, go slowly, keep your rabbit upright, offer tiny amounts at a time, and stop if they struggle hard or show signs of distress. The goal is calm, steady support—not a wrestling match.
Skip the risky home remedies
When you’re anxious, the internet can lead you toward “miracle fixes.” Be cautious with oils, sugary juices, or unverified supplements. Rabbits have a delicate gut ecosystem, and adding the wrong thing can make matters worse.
Also avoid giving human pain medications. Many are toxic to rabbits. Pain control is important, but it needs to come from a veterinarian who can prescribe rabbit-safe options at the right dose.
If you’re not sure whether something is safe, treat “uncertain” as “don’t do it” until you can confirm with a professional.
How long is too long for a rabbit to go without eating?
There isn’t a perfect one-size-fits-all clock, but here’s a practical way to think about it: if your rabbit has refused food for several hours and poop output is decreasing, you should be escalating your response, not waiting overnight to see what happens.
Rabbits can deteriorate quickly once the gut slows down. The earlier you intervene—especially with pain relief, fluids, and appropriate motility support (when indicated)—the better the odds of a smoother recovery.
If it’s after hours and your rabbit is not eating at all, has no droppings, or seems painful, contacting an emergency clinic is the right move.
When it’s urgent: signs that mean “get help now”
No poop, severe lethargy, or obvious pain
If your rabbit hasn’t produced droppings, or droppings have nearly stopped, that’s a major sign the gut is not moving properly. Pair that with refusing food, and you’ve got a situation that deserves urgent attention.
Obvious pain signs include tooth grinding (not the gentle purr-like kind), a hunched posture, pressing the belly to the floor, or not wanting to be touched. Some rabbits will sit in a corner and “check out” socially when they’re hurting.
Severe lethargy—especially if your rabbit is floppy, cold, or unresponsive—is an emergency.
Bloating, a tight abdomen, or repeated unsuccessful attempts to poop
A rabbit with a visibly distended belly or a tight, drum-like abdomen needs prompt veterinary evaluation. Bloat can be life-threatening, and it’s not something to manage at home.
Straining without producing droppings can also indicate serious problems, including obstruction or urinary issues. Either way, it’s beyond the “try some fresh hay” stage.
If you’re seeing these signs, prioritize getting to a clinic that’s comfortable treating rabbits.
Breathing changes, blue-tinged gums, or collapse
Any breathing difficulty—open-mouth breathing, rapid breathing at rest, or signs of distress—should be treated as an emergency. Rabbits can crash quickly when oxygenation is compromised.
If your rabbit collapses, can’t stay upright, or seems disoriented, don’t wait for it to “pass.” Transport them safely and seek immediate care.
These situations are rare, but when they happen, speed matters.
What a rabbit-savvy vet may do (so you know what to expect)
History, exam, and a focus on hydration and pain control
A good rabbit exam often starts with lots of questions: exact timeline of eating changes, poop changes, recent diet, environment changes, and any chewing incidents. Your notes from the “wellness check” can be genuinely helpful here.
Vets commonly assess hydration, listen to gut sounds, palpate the abdomen, and check the mouth as much as the rabbit allows. Because dental issues are so common, they may recommend a more thorough oral exam, sometimes requiring sedation for a complete look at the molars.
Pain relief and fluids are often central to treatment. When a rabbit feels better and is hydrated, they’re more likely to start eating, which helps the gut recover.
Imaging and tests when the picture isn’t clear
If obstruction is a concern, or if the abdomen feels abnormal, your vet may recommend X-rays or ultrasound. Imaging can help differentiate between gas/stasis and something that needs a different approach.
Bloodwork might be suggested if your rabbit has recurring episodes, is older, or shows signs pointing to organ issues or infection. It can also help assess dehydration and overall stability.
While testing can feel overwhelming in the moment, it can prevent guessing—and rabbit care is one area where guessing can backfire.
Medications and supportive care (tailored to the cause)
Treatment varies depending on what’s driving the appetite loss. A stasis plan might include pain medication, fluids, motility drugs (when appropriate), and assisted feeding. Dental problems may require trimming, filing, or addressing abscesses.
If an infection is suspected, antibiotics may be used—carefully chosen because rabbits have special sensitivities. If parasites are involved, antiparasitic medication may be prescribed.
The big takeaway: rabbits do best with targeted treatment based on a clear assessment, not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Finding the right help in Halifax (and why “rabbit-experienced” matters)
If you’re in the area and you’re searching for an animal hospital in Halifax that can evaluate a rabbit who isn’t eating, it’s worth asking directly about their experience with rabbits and exotics. Rabbits aren’t just small cats or tiny dogs; their anesthesia needs, medication choices, and digestive physiology are different.
When you call, describe the urgency clearly: how long since they ate, what their poop output looks like, whether they’re acting painful, and whether you suspect they chewed something. This helps the clinic triage appropriately.
If it’s after-hours or your rabbit is showing emergency signs, you may need a 24 hour vet option so your rabbit can be assessed without waiting until morning. In rabbit situations, time can be the difference between a straightforward recovery and a much harder road.
For ongoing care—especially if dental issues, recurring stasis, or complex conditions are part of the picture—working with an exotic vet in Halifax can be a game-changer. Having a clinic that knows rabbits well can make prevention easier and emergencies less frequent.
Preventing appetite emergencies: habits that stack the odds in your favor
Build the diet around hay (and make it appealing)
Unlimited hay is the single best daily habit for rabbit digestion and dental wear. If your rabbit is a picky hay eater, experiment with hay types and freshness. Many rabbits love orchard grass for its softness, while others go wild for oat hay as a “gateway hay.”
Make hay easy to access and fun: stuff it in paper bags (no tape), cardboard tubes, or hay racks that keep it clean. Refresh it at least once a day, and more often if it gets soiled or ignored.
Pellets are not the villain, but they’re the sidekick. When pellets take over, hay intake often drops, and that’s when dental and gut issues can sneak in.
Track poop like it’s a daily health report
It might sound odd, but poop is one of the best early warning systems you’ve got. Get familiar with what “normal” looks like for your rabbit: size, quantity, and consistency.
Smaller poops, fewer poops, or strings of poops connected with hair can all be signs that something is off—sometimes before your rabbit fully stops eating. Catching changes early gives you more time to intervene.
If your rabbit free-roams, consider a litter setup that makes droppings easy to monitor. It’s not glamorous, but it’s useful.
Reduce stress and make the environment feel safe
Rabbits thrive on predictability. Try to keep feeding times consistent, provide hiding spots, and avoid sudden loud disruptions near their living space when possible.
If you know a stressful event is coming (travel, guests, renovations), plan ahead: keep routines stable, offer extra enrichment, and monitor eating and pooping more closely during that window.
Bonded rabbits can also be a comfort to each other, but if one rabbit stops eating, you’ll want to confirm which rabbit’s droppings you’re seeing and whether both are eating normally.
Stay ahead of dental issues with regular checks
Some rabbits are more prone to dental problems due to genetics, jaw shape, or past diet. Regular veterinary exams can catch early signs before they become a full appetite shutdown.
At home, watch for subtle hints: slower chewing, messy eating, selective appetite (soft foods only), drooling, or recurring “mystery stasis.” These patterns often point back to the mouth.
If your rabbit has had dental work before, ask your vet what follow-up schedule makes sense. Prevention is cheaper, easier, and kinder than repeated emergencies.
Real-world scenarios: what to do based on what you’re seeing
“My rabbit won’t eat pellets but is eating hay”
This can happen if your rabbit is being picky, if pellets have gone stale, or if they’re simply more interested in hay (which is actually great). Still, it’s worth checking whether anything else changed—new pellet brand, different storage, or a new batch with a different smell.
If hay intake is strong and poop looks normal, you can usually monitor closely while offering fresh pellets later. But if your rabbit is also acting off, or if poop changes start, escalate your response.
Keep treats limited in the meantime so you don’t mask a real appetite issue.
“My rabbit will take treats but refuses hay and greens”
This pattern is more concerning. Treats are easy calories and often sugary, so a rabbit may still take them even when their gut is slowing or their teeth hurt. It can create a false sense of security.
In this situation, stop offering treats and focus on hay and water. Monitor poop closely. If hay refusal continues for more than a short window or your rabbit seems uncomfortable, contact a vet.
Think of treats like a distraction: they don’t tell you the digestive system is okay.
“My rabbit ate yesterday, but today there are almost no poops”
Poop changes can sometimes show up before appetite changes, especially if your rabbit is quietly eating less hay. If droppings are decreasing, smaller, or misshapen, take it seriously even if your rabbit seems “mostly normal.”
Offer fresh hay, encourage gentle movement, and ensure water intake. If poop output continues to drop or appetite decreases, seek veterinary guidance the same day.
Early action is your friend here. Waiting for a full shutdown makes everything harder.
“My rabbit is not eating and is hiding”
Hiding is a classic sign of discomfort or fear. Pair it with not eating, and you should assume something is wrong rather than assuming your rabbit is just having a moody day.
Do the quick wellness check: poop, water, posture, belly feel (gently), and temperature of ears/paws (cold can be concerning). If your rabbit seems painful or poop is absent, treat it as urgent.
When in doubt, call a rabbit-experienced clinic and describe the symptoms plainly. You’re not overreacting—rabbits are simply high-stakes when it comes to appetite changes.
Smart prep: a simple “rabbit appetite emergency kit”
You don’t need a pharmacy at home, but a few basics can reduce panic when something feels off. Keep a small supply of your rabbit’s favorite hay, a backup hay type, and a kitchen scale (weight changes can be an early clue).
Many rabbit owners also keep a critical care-style recovery food on hand, plus a few syringes (without needles) for vet-guided feeding. A carrier that’s easy to load quickly is another underrated lifesaver—especially if your rabbit hates being picked up.
Finally, have your vet’s number saved, plus an after-hours option. When your rabbit stops eating at 10 p.m., you don’t want to be searching from scratch.
One last perspective that helps in the moment
When a rabbit isn’t eating, it’s easy to spiral into worst-case scenarios. The calmer (and quicker) approach is to focus on observable facts: food intake, poop output, behavior, and pain signs. Those four things guide your next step better than any guess.
Some cases are mild and resolve with fresh hay, hydration, and a quiet environment. Others need same-day care, pain relief, fluids, dental treatment, or imaging. The key is recognizing which situation you’re in—and not waiting too long to find out.
If your gut says “this isn’t normal for my rabbit,” that intuition matters. Rabbits are routine creatures, and a break in routine—especially around eating—is often their way of asking for help.