How to Tell if Your Rabbit Has a Urinary Tract Infection

Rabbits can be prone to getting urinary tract infections from several different sources. Some may get the infection from food ingested, while others may get it from bacteria entering the urethra and into the bladder due to their bodies being so low to the ground. By being able to tell if your rabbit has a urinary tract infection, you will be able to treat your rabbit sooner and save it from suffering.

Things You'll Need

  • Veterinarian
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Check your rabbit for frequent urination, which is the most common sign of a urinary tract infection and can be noticed within the cage. Check the color of the urine to see if blood is present or if it appears cloudy. The urine may also seem thicker than normal.

    • 2

      Take note to see if your rabbit is drinking more than normal. You may notice this if you usually refill its water bottle every other day, but now have to refill the bottle every day in order to keep it full.

    • 3

      Watch your rabbit when it is urinating. Although rabbits are usually quiet, you may hear it make noises as if it is in pain while urinating due to the burning sensation that is associated with urinary tract infections. Your rabbit may also squat to use the bathroom, but is unsuccessful in getting urine to pass. This is a classic sign of urinary tract infections.

    • 4

      Get your rabbit out to play at the normal time you would during the day. See if it acts out of the ordinary. You may notice that it is less excited than it would normally be, or seems to be lethargic.

    • 5

      Take your rabbit to the veterinarian. The only sure way to know if your rabbit has a urinary tract infection is to get it checked out by a veterinarian.