Can Rabbits Get Wet? 5 Things to Consider

It is common to hear pet experts urging pet owners not to get their rabbits wet. So if you are thinking of rearing rabbits, someone might advise you never to get your rodents wet. Hence you may be doubting whether rabbits can get wet or whether there are long-term consequences of getting your bunnies wet.

Ideally, rabbits shouldn’t get wet due to some reasons we shall uncover in this guide. There are exceptions, though, when a rabbit can get. Your rabbit may, for instance, soil itself, thus prompting you to get it wet while giving it a safe bath. Nonetheless, rabbits should never get wet.

Can Rabbits Get Wet in the Rain?

It isn’t safe to let your rabbit get wet in the rain. Domesticated rabbits can’t stand cold and rain, unlike their wild counterparts, which remain outdoors in their entire lifetime, notwithstanding winter months.

Wild rabbits can withstand heavy rains, cold temperatures, and snow because their coat is sturdy enough to withstand harsh environments.

But domesticated rabbits can’t resist such conditions since their skin is soft and delicate. Thus you should never let your bunny get wet in the rain, whether you are keeping it indoors or outdoors.

Do Rabbits Get Sick if They Get Wet?

Yes, rabbits can get sick if they get wet. Rabbits experience intense distress when they get completely soaked. These rodents thus try to avoid getting wet at all costs. Wet conditions can make rabbits susceptible to hypothermia.

Given the soft and delicate nature of a rabbit’s skin, its skin becomes completely smooth when the rabbit gets wet. This makes your rabbit vulnerable to tears that can ultimately become severe wounds in the long run.

Apart from becoming sick due to getting wet, rabbits can get injuries while struggling to flee from rain or water. Thus, they will be at risk of breaking their limbs or spine while running from the rain.

They will panic and go into shock when they become wet. Hence, a rabbit can get sick if it gets wet. Moreover, getting wet can expose your rabbit to several other life-threatening risks.

Do Rabbits Die If They Get Wet?

Although no directly, your rabbit can sadly die if it gets wet. Rabbits can die due to either shock or hypothermia as a result of getting wet.

To avoid such a tragic ending, keep your rabbit dry throughout. Thus, don’t let your bunny get wet in the rain. Besides, don’t let it come into contact with water and other moist surfaces.

What to Do If Your Rabbit Gets Wet?

The first thing you should do when your rabbit gets wet is to dry it immediately. Here are two steps you can follow to dry your wet rabbit effectively.

– Dry the wet rabbit properly

Take a dry towel and gently dry the moist coat of your rabbit. Some rabbit owners also prefer to use soft paper towels or soft hand clothes since these two are extra-gentle on a rabbit’s delicate and smooth skin.

Blow-dry your bunny thoroughly after drying its coat. Consider turning on the blow-dryer before bringing it closer to the rabbit. It will help the bunny become used to the noise coming from the blow-dryer.

However, make sure the blow-dryer is operating at low heat and a low fan. It will prevent you from burning the rabbit’s sensitive eyes and skin.

– Warm up Your rabbit

Warming up your rabbit is especially useful after bathing your rabbit or if it gets wet accidentally. To warm up your bunny, place it on a soft blanket and then cuddle them to give them a friendly and warm environment. Dry and warm up your bunny as soon as it gets wet, and don’t let it suffer any longer, no matter how it got wet.

How to Protect Your Rabbits from Rain?

Rain can be traumatic to your rabbits. Rain can make them completely wet, leaving them staring at risk of getting sick and ultimately dying. Therefore it is advisable to protect your bunnies from rain. Below are some practical tips to help you keep your bunnies from the rain.

  • Keep them indoors– this is the surest way to protect your rabbits from rain. Rabbits are mainly indoor pets. Hence, keep them indoors, especially during winter, to keep them safe from the rains.
  • Seal their shelter– your rabbit may take advantage of holes or spaces in their cage to flee outdoors. Thus, check their cage for such loopholes that your bunnies can use to get outdoors where they are vulnerable to rain. Seal such places using strong material that rabbits can’t easily break.
  • Make their home comfortable– rabbits have no reason to free outdoors if they live in a comfortable environment. Thus make your rabbits’ home comfortable by providing them with resting beds and anything that would help make their home comfortable.
  • Change the roofing– sometimes rainwater may leak through holes on the roof of your bunnies’ shelter. It is essential to check the roofing for such spots if you suspect the roof is already leaking. Alternatively, you can change the entire roofing if it is damaged beyond repair.

How to Protect Your Rabbits if You  Keep them Outside?

Some people opt to keep their rabbits outdoors rather than indoors. However, this can put them at a very high risk of getting wet from the rains. Luckily, you can still keep your bunnies safe if you keep rabbits outdoors. Here are some tips to protect your bunnies if you keep them outside.

  • Give your rabbits adequate bedding and housing if you keep them outdoors where they can shelter from rains.
  • Dedicate a specific outdoor area and then place a large tent over it to keep your bunnies protected from rain during winter
  • Design a resting area for rabbits, possibly in an unused garage or a shed in your yard. Make sure the resting place is a few meters off the ground. It will keep the floor dry during winter, and hence your rabbits won’t get wet.

Wrap up

You can keep your rabbits either outdoors or indoors. The choice is ultimately yours. However, never allow them to get wet no matter what. A wet rabbit has a high chance of developing illnesses and eventually dying. Even if your rabbits accidentally get wet, consider drying and warming them up.

avatar Jane
Jane is an experienced animal care specialist with a focus on rodents and small mammals, with over 10 years of experience in the pet industry. Her articles provide practical guidance on choosing the right pet and managing common health issues. Jane is an advocate for animal welfare and supports organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife. read more...

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