Farting – it’s an amusing yet awkward part of life. But what about when your sweet, silent rabbit lets out a toot? Rabbit farts are an enigma! Do bunnies really pass gas? Are their farts smelly or silent? Why do rabbits get gassy? Should you worry if your fluffy friend is a bit….flatulent? Get the inside scoop on rabbit farts and digestive health! Learn what causes rabbit flatulence, which foods create tummy trouble, and how to handle a gassy rabbit. We’ll sniff out the truth about rabbits’ rump ruptures and equip you with the knowledge to keep your bun’s bum comfortable and healthy! Buckle up – this is going to be a bit of a wild ride! Let’s hop right in and get to the bottom of rabbits’ farts.
Why rabbits fart
Rabbits, like all mammals, pass gas and fart from time to time. Rabbits produce gas due to normal digestion and fermentation of food in their gastrointestinal tract. Gas is simply a byproduct of the breakdown of food and digestion.
Some gas and minimal farting is completely normal in rabbits. However, excessive or smelly gas can sometimes indicate an underlying health issue that needs veterinary attention. Understanding what causes rabbits to fart and when it may indicate a problem is important for any rabbit owner.
Rabbits are herbivores, meaning they eat vegetables, hay, grasses, and plants. Their digestive systems are designed to process the cellulose and fiber found in this plant-based diet. Rabbits have a very large cecum, which is a pouch connected to the large intestine. The cecum contains bacteria and fungi that help rabbits break down and digest the cellulose.
This fermentation process that occurs in the cecum results in the production of some normal gas. However, too much gas can cause discomfort, bloating, or GI stasis. The amount of gas produced depends on the individual rabbit's gut microbiome makeup and the digestibility of its diet.
Some rabbits may naturally produce more gas than others. The composition of the cecal bacteria, sensitivity to certain foods, stool production, and gut motility can all play a role in gas production and farting frequency.
Will you hear or smell a rabbit fart?
Rabbits tend to be very discreet when passing gas. You will rarely hear an audible fart from a rabbit. Any gas passed usually makes very little to no sound at all.
Due to their light weight and small size, rabbits don't generate a lot of force when farting. The gas bubbles are released gently and quietly. Rabbits also usually hold very still while relieving themselves. They continue chewing nonchalantly and you would never know a subtle fart just occurred.
In addition, rabbits generally have little odor to their farts, unlike the stronger smell that comes from dogs or humans. A rabbit's fart smells like fermented grass or hay. The odor is mild and hardly noticeable.
You typically will not hear or smell a rabbit fart at all. The only signs may be a slightly puffed up abdomen that deflates, or feeling some gas bubbles if you happen to be holding your rabbit at the time. Seeing your rabbit lift its tail momentarily may also indicate passing gas.
Gas build up in rabbits
While passing some gas is normal, excessive gas buildup can cause discomfort or health issues for rabbits. Some common causes of excessive gas include:
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Diet – High fiber, cruciferous veggies or sugary foods can cause more fermentation and gas.
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Gut dysbiosis – An imbalance of cecal bacteria causes excess gas production.
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Infections – Bacterial or parasitic infections can disrupt normal gut function.
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Medications – Antibiotics kill off healthy gut flora resulting in excess gas.
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Dental issues – Rabbits with misaligned teeth or sharp points have trouble chewing properly, leading to digestion issues.
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Lack of movement – Not moving enough causes slowed intestinal motility leading to gas buildup.
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Dehydration – Inadequate water intake results in drier, less pliable stool that's harder to pass.
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Obesity – Excess weight presses on the abdomen forcing GI slow down.
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Cancer – Intestinal tumors or polyps can obstruct normal GI function.
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Neurological issues – Damage to the vagus nerve impairs normal gut mobility and function.
So while some gas is normal, ongoing flatulence or bloating can signify an underlying problem that needs veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
What foods cause rabbits to have more gas?
Some foods are more prone to causing gas in rabbits than others. Foods that should be limited or avoided due to increased gas production include:
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Cruciferous vegetables – kale, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts contain sulforaphane which causes more gas-producing bacteria growth.
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Beans, peas, and legumes – high in oligosaccharides, complex sugars that rabbits digest poorly.
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Starchy vegetables – potatoes, sweet potatoes, parsnips are high in starch.
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Fruits – high in sugars like fructose and sorbitol that ferment in the intestines.
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Dried fruits – raisins, banana chips, etc are high in fructose and fiber.
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Grains – wheat, oats, barley contain gluten proteins that some rabbits have difficulty digesting.
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Dairy products – rabbits lack the enzymes needed to digest lactose sugars found in milk products.
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Whole nuts and seeds – high in fats that rabbits have trouble digesting efficiently.
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Cold vegetables – can shock the gut and slow digestion. Serve at room temperature.
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Abrupt diet change – gradually transition between diets over 4-7 days to avoid digestion upset.
Following a proper rabbit diet low in sugary, starchy, fatty, or gas-causing ingredients can help minimize tummy troubles and excessive gas. Each rabbit has individual tolerance levels as well. Monitor your own rabbit's reaction to different foods.
How to tell if a rabbit has a gas buildup
Signs that a rabbit may have too much gas buildup or an intestinal issue include:
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Bloating or distended stomach
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Straining or unusually frequent toilet habits
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Small, painful poops strung together by hair
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Infrequent pooping or not eating/pooping
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Hunching in a loaf position more than usual
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Pressing belly against floor
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Tooth grinding or vocalizing in pain
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Sitting stoically and reluctant to move
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Loss of appetite and reduced food intake
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Lethargy, tiredness, weakness
An excessively gassy rabbit may also stop eating its normal food, have trouble breathing or move stiffly. Get to know your individual rabbit's regular potty habits and activity level. Seek veterinary advice if abnormal symptoms arise. A bad gas buildup can quickly progress to the life threatening condition of GI stasis. So always contact your vet if you observe any of these concerning signs.
Related Post
17 Ways To Know If Your Rabbit Is Sick
Rabbits are very good at hiding illness. But there are signs you can watch for to tell if your bunny may be under the weather or suffering silently. Here are 17 signs of a sick rabbit:
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Loss of appetite – Not eating pellets or hay is a classic sign of a sick rabbit.
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Weight loss – Weigh your rabbit weekly to monitor for weight fluctuations that signal illness.
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Smaller droppings – Rabbit poops that are smaller than usual can indicate GI issues.
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Discolored urine – Urine that appears dark or bloody could mean a urinary tract infection.
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Diarrhea – Loose stool or unformed cecotropes indicate digestive upset.
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Mucus in stool – Excess mucus production signifies irritation or inflammation in the colon.
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Straining – Signs of constipation like straining to poop, dribbles of urine, or straining include head bobbing.
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Bloating – A distended or tight looking stomach may be caused by gas buildup.
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Loss of fur – Patches of missing fur can result from parasites, stress, or dental problems.
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Sneezing/runny nose – Respiratory infections cause congestion, sneezing, and nasal discharge.
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Weepy eyes – Watery eyes or crusty eye discharge indicates infection or irritation.
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Lethargy – Being less active or energetic can signal poor health.
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Hiding – A rabbit feeling unwell tends to hide away sleeping more than usual.
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Grating teeth – Tooth grinding can signify dental issues or pain.
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Sensitivity – Reluctance to be touched in certain areas may indicate injury or soreness.
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Head tilt – Neurological conditions like wry neck cause the rabbit to tilt its head to one side.
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Circling – Repetitively circling or rolling over backwards can indicate inner ear or brain problems.
If your rabbit displays any combination of these symptoms, schedule a veterinary wellness check right away. Proper diagnosis and prompt treatment greatly improve recovery and outcomes. Don't delay in seeking medical care if your rabbit seems under the weather.
How to help a gassy rabbit
If your rabbit is exhibiting signs of a gas buildup or bloating, there are some remedies you can try at home to help alleviate discomfort:
Encourage movement
Gently coax the rabbit to move around which helps gas to pass. Let them run and play normally if interested. If not, provide interesting toys to nudge activity. Massage and exercise stimulate healthy gut motility.
Stomach massage
Very gently rub the rabbit's tummy using shallow circular motions. Apply minimal pressure as directed by a vet, focusing below the ribs down through the cecum area. This helps break up trapped gas bubbles so they can pass.
Pediatric Simethicone
An over-the-counter product called Little Remedies Gas Relief Drops contains simethicone which helps break up gas bubbles. Consult your vet on proper pediatric dosing for your rabbit if appropriate.
Stomach bloat
For severe bloating, a vet may pass a stomach tube to relieve pressure by removing built-up gas. This provides prompt relief while other treatments get to the root cause.
GI stasis
If gas buildup leads to decreased fecal output plus loss of appetite, the rabbit likely has ileus or GI stasis requiring intensive therapy. This is a medical emergency needing immediate veterinary treatment.
At home care can provide some comfort for a gassy rabbit. But if signs persist more than 12-24 hours or rapidly decline, urgent veterinary treatment is required. Gastrointestinal issues can quickly become fatal so always contact your rabbit-savvy vet with concerns.
Related questions
Can rabbits have diarrhea?
Diarrhea is more dangerous for rabbits than other pets. Rabbits have a very sensitive digestive system, so diarrhea can lead to dehydration and even death quite quickly if left untreated. Diarrhea is not normal and usually indicates a stressed digestive tract. Potential causes include diet changes, medications, intestinal parasites, infections, cancer, stress, or GI tract injury. If your rabbit has runny stool or mushy cecotropes, withhold food for 1-2 hours then call your vet. Provide ample fluids and monitor very closely until the diarrhea resolves.
Can rabbits vomit?
Rabbits lack the ability to vomit. They do not have a vomiting reflex like cats and dogs. Any oral reflux of stomach contents seen in rabbits should be treated as a life-threatening emergency. Possible causes include severe intestinal blockages, gastrointestinal stasis, or severe bloat. Immediately call your vet if your rabbit appears to vomit as this signifies a health crisis requiring emergency care.
Do rabbits burp?
Rabbits are not anatomically capable of burping or belching. They do not have a gastroesophageal sphincter muscle that allows air to be vented from the stomach. Passing gas out the other end in the form of farts is the only release valve for built up digestive system air. While rabbits cannot burp, they are still capable of regurgitating swallowed food due to blockages. This should be addressed as an emergency by a veterinarian. Monitor for any signs of choking, gagging, or the mouthful of partially digested food being brought back up.