Can Rabbits Get Hiccups + 3 Easy Prevention Tips

If you watch your bunny keenly you may notice a number of unusual things. But have you ever wondered, can rabbits get hiccups?

Some unusual things, like hiccups, are actually normal. But, if the hiccups prolong they may become problematic for the bunny.

Read on to:

• Know if bunny hiccups are normal
• Know what causes hiccups in rabbits
• And so much more…

Can Rabbits Get Hiccups

Yes, rabbits can get hiccups. They are mostly experienced when extra air pockets are ingested leading to involuntary contractions of your bunny’s diaphragm. Though rabbit hiccups are quieter than human hiccups, when really keen you might be able to hear them.

When a bunny is getting hiccups, it may move its head up and down very quickly. Sometimes you may not even notice. Most people may actually mistake this for a seizure.

If your rabbit moves its head up and down for a few minutes, this is normal. The rabbit could be hiccuping since hiccups in rabbits only last for a few minutes.

If the bunny keeps moving its head up and down for a while, a few hours, or even for a day, you need to take your furry little friend to your local vet.

This could be a sign that it could be having something way more serious than a hiccup. This could an indication that your bun friend could be suffering from some sort of respiratory infection.

Related: Can Rabbits Have A Stroke? + 6 Prevention Tips

Are Bunny Hiccups Normal

Seeing your bunny hiccup for the first time may be quite shocking. You may even think your bunny is having a seizure.

Hiccups in bunnies are very normal. Just like in humans, they are just contractions of the diaphragm.

These hiccups are especially common in babies that are two weeks or younger. Adult bunnies will also experience hiccups from time to time, just not as frequent as baby bunnies will.

What Causes Hiccups in Rabbits

Hiccups occur when the diaphragm contracts involuntary. When the contraction occurs the vocal cords close really fast causing the sound that we recognize as a hiccup.

Rabbits will develop hiccups if they have just eaten. The hiccups will particularly occur if the rabbit ate too fast, and while at it swallowed a lot of air that stays outside their lung

The air will probably not go to the lungs and it will irritate the diaphragm. This will then bring about hiccups.

Bunnies will also get hiccups if they are extremely active outdoors. When they are free outside they may run around too much and they will likely swallow air leading to hiccups.

Check on how the bunny’s body reacts when you introduce new vegetables. If you introduce your bunny to a vegetable for the first time and it gets hiccups, then the vegetable should be avoided.

Also Read: 7 Reasons Why Rabbits Sneeze + 7 Prevention Tips

How Long Do Bunny Hiccups Last

Hiccups will only last for a few minutes and they will stop on their own. They will end faster if your rabbit stays still.

If hiccups last for a few hours, check on your rabbit more keenly. The prolonged hiccups could be a sign of underlying health issues in your rabbit.

If the following issues accompany hiccups, your bunny is likely having digestive issues and you should consult your vet.

• Any sign of physical pain e.g grinding teeth.
• Inability to urinate or defacate.
• Refusal to drink or eat.

What do bunny hiccups sound like

Bunny hiccups are really quiet. One may not hear the sound but will see the bunny move its head up and down.

Sometimes bunnies may hiccup and make the sound similar to the one humans make when they get hiccups. But, you need to listen really keenly to hear the sound.

How To Stop Rabbit Hiccups

While trying to relieve your bunny from hiccups, do not try any of the methods used by humans like holding their nose or making them jump up and down.

Making the rabbit do any of that will frighten and traumatize them and it may lose its trust in you.

The best relieve for hiccups is to wait for them to stop on their own. Give them a few minutes they will go away. If they last for a while or are really persistent you could try to help your bunny.

Gently place two fingers on the abdomen where the diaphragm would be and press it with the least amount of pressure. This may help release any trapped air.

Be sure to do this carefully so as not to injure or traumatize your bunny. If unsure of how to safely do it, take your rabbit to the vet.

You may also like: Wolf Worms in Rabbits (How To Prevent and Treat Them)

Preventing Hiccups in Rabbits

Prevention is better than cure. There are a number of ways of preventing hiccups in rabbits, especially if it’s associated with them eating too fast or overeating.

Below are ways of preventing hiccups in rabbits:

• Raising their feeding area: Feeding them on a slightly raised place will prevent them from getting hiccups especially when feeding them grains and vegatables. It will reduce the pace at which they eat preventing hiccups.
• Use of automatic water and food dispensers: This will help reduce the pace at which they eat and drink preventing any extra air from getting into their diaphragm preventing spasm in the diaphragm (involuntary muscular contraction) – preventing hiccups.
• Changing their diet: Monitoring how they react to certain vegatable compared to others will help in identifying the ones they enjoy from those that lead them to have lots of frequent hiccups.

Are Hiccups Dangerous to Bunnies

Hiccups lasting for a few minutes are harmless to bunnies. They become dangerous when they last for more than a few minutes and are persistent.

If hiccups occur immediately after your rabbit has eaten or is from playing outside, then it is likely that they are normal hiccups and will go away on their own after a few minutes.

To know whether the hiccups are dangerous you will need to check on the behavior of the rabbit, is it shaking or showing any signs of physical pain.

If the hiccups are accompanied by any of the above signs your bunny is likely suffering from a respiratory infection, digestive issues, or even a seizure.

Take your rabbit to the vet to ensure that they are not in any danger.

Conclusion

Rabbits just like humans can have hiccups. Although their hiccups will be quieter, you man notice your bunny moving its head up and down.

Hiccups that last for only a few minutes especially if the rabbit has just eaten have been extremely active outside, and are not accompanied by other signs are normal.

Hiccups that last for a while and are really persistent are dangerous and could be a sign of an underlying health issue.

If hiccups don’t go away on their own after a few minutes and are accompanied by any of the signs discussed above rush your bunny to the vet.

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