Here's why:
* Scent: Dogs have a very strong scent, and even a brief interaction can leave their odor on the kits. Rabbits have a highly sensitive sense of smell and will be able to detect this foreign scent.
* Instinct: Rabbit mothers are very protective of their young. They are also very sensitive to any changes in their environment. The presence of a dog's scent is a huge red flag, indicating danger and triggering their instinct to abandon the nest.
* Stress: The dog's presence would have stressed the mother rabbit, making her more likely to abandon the nest.
What to do if you find a rabbit nest with kits:
* Leave it alone: The best thing you can do is leave the nest undisturbed. The mother rabbit will only visit her kits at dawn and dusk to feed them, so she's unlikely to be around when you find the nest.
* Keep your distance: Keep children and pets away from the nest.
* Observe from a distance: If you're concerned about the kits' well-being, observe the nest from a distance. If you see the mother rabbit returning, you can rest assured that they are being cared for.
* Contact a wildlife rehabilitator: If the nest appears abandoned, or the kits are in danger (e.g., from predators or weather), contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Important Note: It is illegal in many areas to relocate wild animals, including rabbits. Leave the kits where they are, and if you see them in danger, contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance.