Have you ever seen your rabbit twitch and wondered what’s happening? Know that you’re not alone!
Read this guide to learn the various causes of their twitching and shaking!
So, Why Is My Rabbit Twitching?
Twitching is rabbit’s way of showing how they feel. Sometimes, it’s no big deal, but other times, it might be a sign that something is wrong.
Keep scrolling to find the reasons why a rabbit is experiencing shaking.
Catching Their Breath Quickly
The most frequent reason you’ll notice your rabbit shaking is because it is out of breath and is breathing fast.
Rabbits have much faster respiration rates than larger pets. Activities such as running, exploring, or playing may lead to shaking.
Due to their small size, this tends to make their whole body shake. In such instances, there is typically no cause for concern.
Overheating
Exposure to a hot environment might be a reason your rabbit is shaking. This can be a response to discomfort from high temperatures, as rabbits do not sweat like humans.
Rabbits will also tremble when experiencing heat stroke due to dehydration. Immediate veterinary care is crucial in such situations.
Strong Emotions
When bunnies get frightened, they might thump their back legs and flatten to the ground.
They could be reacting to a loud noise, a sudden movement, or even the presence of a stranger. Their body language often accompanies these fears.
REM Sleep Cycle
While dreaming, your bunny might shake due to rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
During this phase, their brains are active, and the trembling may reflect their processing of experiences, similar to how humans might move during dreams.
Ear Problem
When rabbits suffer ear mites or ear infections, they may start to shake due to pain. Ear issues can irritate the nerves, leading to involuntary muscle contractions.
It’s their response to stress or an attempt to shake off discomfort in the affected area. This serious medical issue requires you to see a vet.
Food Poison
Rabbits can experience tremors or shaking when they eat something they are not supposed to.
This can be a sign of an involuntary response to toxins affecting the rabbit’s nervous system. If a rabbit shows signs of food poisoning, it is important to seek appropriate treatment.
Brain Damage
Some rabbits may twitch or shake their heads due to neurological conditions. This type of twitching is caused by an internal parasite called E. cuniculi.
Shaking can be a response to pain, stress, or neurological dysfunction. It requires prompt veterinary attention.
Seizure
Rabbits can tremble during a seizure. This occurs due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain, leading to involuntary movements.
Since rabbits are small, this tends to shake their whole body, especially if it’s a dwarf or mini breed. If your rabbit has a seizure, you should take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Hiccups
Hiccups might be why rabbits shake their heads, moving their ears from side to side.
Hiccups in rabbits are generally harmless and may occur when they eat too quickly or are excited. There is no need to do anything if your rabbit has the hiccups.
Tasty Food
Rabbits often involuntarily shake with joy when they’re feeling super happy.
You might notice some rabbits will twitch their butt muscles when they are excited about what they are eating. It’s a sign that they feel their food is extremely yummy.
How To Comfort Your Rabbit
Here is how to comfort your rabbit while it starts shaking:
Ensure your rabbit has a quiet, safe space free from loud noises and disturbances. Also providing them a cozy hiding spot can help them feel secure.
To help your rabbit feel at ease, gently pet or hold them. Be sure to remove anything causing the stress.
If shaking persists, consult a veterinarian immediately to check for any underlying health issues.
Wrapping It Up!
Shaking, trembling, and even twitching are quite normal for rabbits and there is generally no need to worry unless the behavior continues for a long time or happens repeatedly.
Take measures to make your pet rabbit feel safe and stay happy and healthy.
