Although some rabbits do eat dog poop, this is a habit needs to stop immediately. Dogs carry diseases that can be transmitted to rabbits through their feces. The poop may also contain harmful bacteria that can make rabbits sick.
You’re a rabbit owner, and you’re wondering if it’s okay if your rabbit eats dog poop. After all, rabbits are known for being able to eat just about anything, so surely they can handle eating something as gross as dog poop, right?
Wrong. It turns out that dog poop is actually quite dangerous for rabbits and can make them sick. This is because dog poop often contains harmful bacteria that can easily make its way into your rabbit’s system. So if you see your rabbit chowing down on some dog poop, stop them immediately and keep an eye on them for the next few hours.
In this article, we will explore why some rabbits eat dog poop and what you can do if your rabbit is making a habit out of it.
What You'll Learn
Why Some Rabbits Eat Dog Poop
There are a few different reasons why some rabbits might eat dog poop. Some rabbits do it out of curiosity, while others do it because they are bored or lack essential vitamins. Below, we will go over the most common reason rabbits eat dog poop.
Curiosity
Rabbits are naturally curious creatures and put anything they can find into their mouths. This includes dog poop.
Boredom
Another common reason rabbits eat dog poop is because they are bored. If a rabbit isn’t given enough toys or activities to keep them occupied, they may start to nibble on things they shouldn’t, like dog poop.
Lack of Vitamins
A lack of essential vitamins and minerals can also lead a rabbit to start eating dog poop. This is because rabbits need a very specific diet to stay healthy, and if they aren’t getting the nutrients they need from their food, they may start to look for other sources.
They Think It’s Food
Occasionally, rabbits may eat dog poop because they think it is food. This is more common in wild rabbits who aren’t used to eating regular rabbit food. If a wild rabbit comes across a pile of dog poop, it may mistake it for a good food source and start to eat it.
It Can Be a Learned Behavior
In some cases, rabbits learn that eating dog poop is acceptable behavior from other rabbits. If a rabbit sees another rabbit eating dog poop, they may think it is something they are supposed to do. This is why it’s important to keep an eye on your rabbit and ensure they aren’t around other rabbits who engage in this behavior.
Now that we’ve gone over some reasons rabbits eat dog poop, let’s discuss what you can do to prevent it.
How to Prevent Your Rabbit From Eating Dog Poop
If you’re worried that your rabbit will start eating dog poop, you can do a few things to prevent it. Below, we will go over some of the best ways to keep your rabbit from chowing down on dog poop.
Fence Your Yard
If you have a rabbit that spends time outside, one of the best things you can do is fence your yard. This will prevent other animals, like dogs, from coming into your yard and leaving behind their poop. If there is no dog poop for your rabbit to eat, they won’t be able to start this bad habit.
Feed Your Rabbit a Healthy Diet
Another great way to prevent your rabbit from eating dog poop is to make sure they are getting a healthy diet. As we mentioned before, rabbits need a specific diet to stay healthy. If your rabbit isn’t getting the nutrients they need from their food, they may start to look for other sources. This is why it’s important to ensure your rabbit is eating a healthy, balanced diet.
Give Your Rabbit Plenty of Toys and Activities
If your rabbit is bored, they may start to nibble on things they shouldn’t, like dog poop. This is why giving your rabbit plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied is important. There are various toys you can buy for your rabbit, or you can even make some yourself. If your rabbit has something to keep them entertained, they should be less likely to start eating dog poop.
Don’t Let Your Rabbit Go Anywhere Near Where Your Dog Goes to The Bathroom
If you have a dog, it’s important to make sure your rabbit doesn’t go anywhere near where your dog goes to the bathroom. This is because rabbits are inquisitive creatures and may be tempted to try a new food source if they see it. If you can keep your rabbit away from your dog’s potty area, they should be less likely to eat dog poop.
Is It Safe For Rabbit To Eat Dog Poop?
Although your rabbit may not get sick from eating dog poop once or twice, it’s best to prevent this from becoming a habit. Dog poop is dangerous to rabbits for the following reasons:
Rabbit Poop Can Cause Salmonella Poisoning
Although dog poop may not seem dangerous, it can contain many harmful bacteria. One of the most dangerous bacteria found in dog poop is salmonella. This bacteria can cause severe food poisoning in rabbits and can even be fatal.
Dog Poop May Contain Parasites
Another danger of dog poop is that it may contain parasites. These parasites can infect your rabbit and make them very ill. In some cases, these parasites can even be fatal to rabbits.
Can Cause Other Gastrointestinal Issues
In addition to the dangers above, dog poop can also cause other gastrointestinal issues in rabbits. If your rabbit eats dog poop, it could experience diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal distress. These symptoms can sometimes be severe enough to require veterinary care.
What Should I Do If My Rabbit Ate Dog Poop?
Talk To The Vet
If you think your rabbit may have eaten dog poop, it’s important to take them to the vet immediately. The vet will be able to determine if they are at risk for any of the dangers listed above. If your rabbit is displaying any symptoms of illness, the vet will also be able to provide treatment.
Pick Up All The Dog Poop In Your Yard
If you find your rabbit eating dog poop, it’s important to pick up all the poop they didn’t eat. This will prevent them from returning to that spot later to finish it.
Watch For Any Signs of Illness
Even if your rabbit didn’t eat a lot of dog poop, it might still be at risk for the abovementioned dangers. For this reason, it’s important to watch for any signs of illness in your rabbit. If you notice that your rabbit is lethargic, not eating, or has diarrhea or vomiting, take them to the vet immediately.
A Gross Habit That Can Be Dangerous
Do rabbits eat dog poop? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. While this may not seem like a big deal, there are many dangers associated with rabbits eating dog poop. If you think your rabbit has eaten dog poop, it’s essential to take them to the vet immediately. You should also pick up all the dog poop in your yard and watch for any signs of illness in your rabbit. Taking these precautions can help keep your rabbit safe and healthy.
