Rabbits have fragile organs and bodies. They require specific food every day to maintain a healthy life. Compared to dogs and cats, rabbits are challenging pets to raise. With dogs and cats, you can give them store-bought packet food, and they will be happy and healthy.
However, rabbits only eat fresh hay, green fruits, flowers, and a tiny portion of store-bought pellets. Other animals have tough stomachs that can digest plenty of complex foods and hard water. It is not the case with rabbits. So, can rabbits drink tap water?
Yes, rabbits can drink tap water only if it is soft. Hard water contains minerals that are difficult for a bunny to digest and utilize. Anything that can accumulate in a rabbit’s body can affect it badly.
Rabbits have sensitive digestive systems that can break down a certain amount of every vitamin and mineral. Tap water is risky to give to your rabbit if you cannot be sure of its nature.
Before giving it to your bunny, it is best if your contact your supplier and check if the water is soft or hard. To be on the safer side, give your bunny bottled water. It is a bit expensive but will help you avoid frequent vet visits. Keep reading to learn more about your rabbit’s water needs!
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Is Tap Water Safe for Rabbits?
Tap water is safe for your rabbit as long as it is soft. The water suppliers treat water to remove impurities and heavy minerals. Soft water only carries minute amounts of sodium that will not be difficult for your rabbit to digest. For instance, rainwater is safe for your bunny as it is soft. It has no hard minerals as it has not touched the ground yet.
Water gets tricky when it comes from the land. It soaks all the minerals, vitamins, and impurities it can touch till it reaches our taps. There are many areas where people use hard water for bathing, cooking, and drinking.
Hard water is fine for humans as our stomachs can digest reasonable amounts of calcium and magnesium. However, bunnies have trouble with these minerals. Too much calcium and magnesium can cause health issues for your precious bunny.
Hard water can contain chlorine that has a strong smell. Rabbits are snobbish animals that do not prefer strong-smelling foods. If you give your bunny water that has a stench, your furry friend will disapprove and stay thirsty.
Furthermore, hard water might contain impurities and dirt that can upset your bunny’s stomach and cause diarrhea or GI stasis. It is best to provide your precious furry friend with bottled water to avoid adverse circumstances. Rabbits need a constant source of fresh water to stay hydrated for healthy bodily functions and defecation.
How Much Water Should Your Rabbit Drink?
Rabbits are herbivores and love to eat and drink fresh things. People drink water according to their atmospheres and needs. Some drink six glasses, eight glasses, and as little as four glasses daily.
Similarly, your bunny will need water as much as its body requires. Every bunny will have different needs. A rabbit is highly sensitive to its surroundings, influencing its bodily functions.
The following are things that determine your precious furry friend’s water needs:
The Size Of Your Bunny
Your rabbit’s weight determines your pet’s portion of food and water. If your bunny is chubby and tall, it will require more food and water to fulfill its body’s requirements. A more petite bunny will need less food and water according to its tiny body’s functions.
Temperature
The temperature of the surroundings affects your rabbit due to its thick fur coat. A rabbit living in a warmer place will demand more water than a bunny living in a colder atmosphere. /water helps your rabbit regulate its body temperature in the hot weather and lets it breathe through the humidity.
Fresh Food Intake
As grazing animals, rabbits love to eat greens and hay. Fresh food contains water that can fulfill your bunny’s water requirement. As it gets hydrated through eating fresh food, your rabbit might drink less water than you think.
Your Rabbit’s Age
As your bunny gets older, its food and water intake will reduce. It is a result of lowered physical activity in your bunny. Older rabbits tend to hop and zoom lesser than young bunnies.
Activity Level
An active rabbit will drink more water than an idle bunny. The more your precious furry friend zooms around the place, the more thirsty it will feel.
Water Container
Rabbits can be lazy as people. Humans prefer the easiest way possible in everything they do. Your bunny might like to drink directly from a water bowl than a bottle, as it is more convenient for your precious pet.
However, a water bottle is a great way to keep your rabbit active and excited, as it will have to make an effort to get the water.
No matter how much water your rabbit demands, you should always provide it with optimal water. Make sure your precious furry friend has a constant source of water in its hutch, play area, and where it hangs out the most.
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How Long Can Your Rabbit Stay Without Water?
Hydration is essential for a rabbit to live a happy and long life. People cannot stay without water for a long time as it can be fatal. Rabbits are sensitive creatures. The slightest inconvenience can cause your rabbit severe health issues and emotional stress.
Rabbits should drink plenty of water daily. A bunny can survive only 24 hours without water.
As a pet owner and a decent human, you should ensure that your rabbit has water. Bunnies are voiceless innocent creatures and cannot speak their demands. You must notice their behavior and provide everything they require to stay healthy.
Signs of A Dehydrated Bunny Rabbit
Rabbits require plenty of water and fiber to have optimal digestive functions. Bunnies hop and zoom constantly, which requires energy and hydration. If you have given your rabbit strongly smelling water or no water, it will suffer terribly.
A dehydrated bunny can mean a sick pet and frequent vet visits. However, you can prevent things from becoming worse. There are many signs your rabbit will exhibit if it is dehydrated and needs more water. Here is what to look for:
- If the weather is hot, humid, and dry, ensure your rabbit has enough water to enjoy.
- In icy weather, your rabbit’s water can freeze. It can cause dehydration in your bunny because it will not have a freshwater source.
- A dehydrated rabbit will be cool to the touch. You can check your rabbit’s temperature by touching its ears or the beans on its feet. If your precious furry friend has cold ears, it is on the verge of becoming severely dehydrated. Give your rabbit water instantly and make it a constant source.
- When dehydrated, your furry pet will have a dry nose with little to no mucus.
- You might notice your rabbit’s breathing becoming raspy or rugged. Chances are your rabbit requires more water than it is currently getting.
- You can slightly pinch your rabbit’s skin above the neck to see the elasticity level. If your pet is dehydrated, your rabbit’s skin will lose its flexibility and ability to return to its original place.
- Due to dehydration, there will be plenty of wrinkles on your precious pet’s skin.
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What To Do If Your Rabbit Is Dehydrated?
If you notice the above signs, improve your rabbit’s water source. Ensure that your bunny has a constant supply of water. Provide nothing but fresh and clean drinking water for your precious furry friend. If your rabbit is looking too low, contact your vet immediately.
Try to keep your rabbit calm as you wait for your appointment time. Bunnies get anxious and stressed when they become physically ill.
Stroke your rabbit’s fur and caress the back to let your rabbit know it is not alone. You should also remain calm and trust your vet to make the right decisions for your precious furry friend.
Final Word
As a pet owner, you must provide your rabbit with everything it needs to maintain and live a healthy life. Rabbits are innocent and helpless creatures that depend on their humans to care for them.
Do not let your poor pet down by giving it low living standards. Be prepared for this great responsibility of raising a sensitive rabbit. Give it a ton of love, attention, care, food, and water. You will watch your cute bunny rabbit thrive and hop all over the place for a long time if you take good care of it.