Here's why:
* Rabbits have a strong sense of smell: While they might detect the dog's scent, it's unlikely to be a primary concern for a mother rabbit focused on caring for her young.
* Maternal instinct is strong: A mother rabbit's primary instinct is to protect and care for her babies.
* Rabbits are not as sensitive to scents as some other animals: Unlike dogs, rabbits don't rely heavily on scent for communication or recognition.
However, there are some things to keep in mind:
* Stress can influence behavior: If the mother rabbit is stressed or feels threatened by the dog's presence, she might abandon the nest, but this is more likely to be due to fear than the specific scent.
* Dogs can be a threat: Dogs, especially if they are not well-trained, could pose a real danger to baby rabbits. It's important to keep dogs away from rabbit nests and to make sure they are not allowed to disturb the mother rabbit while she's caring for her young.
The bottom line: While a mother rabbit might be aware of the dog's presence, it's unlikely to be a major factor in her decision to care for her babies. The biggest risk is if the dog actually harms the babies or makes the mother feel threatened.