Rabbits are known to have strong legs and speed that help them to perform defensive motions and quick escapes on land. From the way they hop around gardens and fields, we can boldly say that they are terrestrial by nature. However, there are times we cannot help but wonder if they can survive in water. We want to know how water makes them feel. If it is safe for them, and if they enjoy or do not enjoy being in the water. In this article, we will dive into their world and uncover the truth behind the question, “Can rabbits swim?” I can assure you that at the end of this article, all your questions will be answered and your doubts will be cleared. Relax and have fun!
Can Rabbits Swim?
Yes, Rabbits can swim. Although their swimming abilities are limited and cannot be compared to the animals meant for aquatic life because they are essentially terrestrial species, they can nevertheless perform some movement when left in water.
Are Rabbits Good At Swimming?
Rabbits are not good at swimming. Their legs are specialized for hopping and running on land and do not have any special structure designed for them to swim. Therefore, we cannot expect them to be good swimmers.
Do Rabbits Float in Water?
Yes, rabbits float in water. Because their body is made up of very light bones that are denser than water, they cannot sink in water. This, however, is not an indication of their swimming abilities or to say that they are comfortable swimming.
What is the Name of the Movement Rabbits Make When They Swim?
The movement rabbits make when they swim is known as the “Bunny paddle”. When used about a rabbit, the term refers to a series of quick, repeated kicks. These kicks accurately portray the idea of a rabbit trying to stay afloat by moving its legs like paddling. The paddling motions are a technique for rabbits to deal with the strange and potentially dangerous circumstance of being in the water, as they are not naturally acclimated to aquatic surroundings.
Do Rabbits Love to Swim?
No, rabbits do not love to swim. Wild rabbits only swim when they are in danger and need to avoid a potential predator. In this state, they are scared and anxious, with the hope of not being killed. They would not love it when they were inside the water. The only exception to this are some breeds of wild rabbits that will be discussed later. Domestic rabbits, on the other hand, often feel safer than wild rabbits, so they do not have any reason to enter the water. Putting them in water is stressful for them, and it makes them feel scared, making them want to leave as soon as possible.
What Breeds of Rabbits Swim?
Domesticated rabbits do not practice swimming as their way of life. However, some wild rabbits have adapted to swimming due to the type of environment in which they find themselves. Below are some of them:
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Swamp Rabbits
Compared to other rabbit species, swamp rabbits are most recognized for their ability to remain in water. They love to swim. They can be found in swampy and wetland environments in the Southeast region of the United States. One characteristic that enables them to swim is their extremely thick fur, which keeps water off of their skin. Their fur is waterproof.
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Marsh Rabbits
Marsh rabbits, as the name implies, are located in marshy environments and along water bodies. They are located in the southeast part of the United States. The environment they find themselves in requires them to associate with water, as their land is even wet. For this reason, they may be more tolerant of swimming than other rabbits.
How Long Can Rabbits Swim?
Rabbits are naturally not swimmers, and we have established that putting them in water stresses them. There is no specific duration for rabbits to stay in the water. However, how long they stay in water is dependent on the individual rabbit’s strength, endurance, and the level of stress they are experiencing. Exposing your rabbit to long-duration water is dangerous for them and can cause them to have health challenges.
How Fast Can Rabbits Swim in Water?
Rabbits do not have the natural ability to swim quickly. Domestic rabbits do not swim fast in the water. While they perform some paddles in the water, their swimming abilities are still inferior to well-coordinated swimming that can be performed by animals created for swimming. The rabbit breeds adapted to swimming, including swamp and marsh rabbits, may exhibit swimming behaviors more readily than the other breeds. However, their swimming speed is still constrained by their body structure and the absence of specific aquatic characteristics for movement.
What Happens When You Leave Your Rabbits Inside the Water?
Picture the feeling of jumping into a pool or being pushed into one while wearing clothing that is completely soaked through. Your body clings to the damp material, restricting movement and giving you a heaviness-like sensation. Even basic movements may be difficult because of this pain, which is further aggravated by the feeling of having wet clothing. Similar to this, rabbits have a thick undercoat that tends to act like a sponge and absorb water. Their bodies are heavier because of the drenched fur, which makes swimming difficult for them in addition to being tiresome. In addition to this, domestic rabbits lack the natural capacity to quickly dry off after getting wet, which makes them feel so cold after being them out of the water. This is unlike their wild counterparts.
Is it Safe for Your Rabbits To Swim?
It is not recommended for you to make your rabbit swim. If you can avoid it, we strongly advise that you do. This is because it is not safe for rabbits to swim, as the majority of them consider it a very stressful activity to perform. Swimming could make them weak and cause them harm. To groom themselves, they lick and nibble their fur from head to toe, and there is no need to bathe them with water.
What Should You Do If Your Rabbit Mistakenly Enters Water?
When you find out your rabbit mistakenly entered the water, the first thing you have to do is calm down. If you panic, you might make movements or decisions that will further complicate things. When you are calm and you know that you will be able to make rational decisions, you can go ahead and follow the following recovery measures:
- Gently Remove your rabbit from the water body. You must not handle them roughly to avoid them getting injured.
- Place them on a flat surface and check if they are still breathing or if they have suffered an injury.
- If you notice they aren’t breathing or are injured, you should administer first aid to them if you have previously received training. If not, you need to seek immediate medical attention from the Vet.
- If your rabbit is still breathing, take a towel and dry out their fur to prevent cold and discomfort, and ensure you keep them warm by placing them in a warm space.
- Keep checking on them, watch out for any strange signs, and ensure they are calm.
- When you have succeeded in calming your rabbit down, you need to take them to see a veterinarian to ensure that they do not suffer from any underlying conditions.
What Kinds of Diseases Might Your Rabbits Contract If They Swim?
When you leave your rabbits in the water, they are at risk of having the following conditions:
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Hypothermia
Hypothermia is an abnormal decrease in body temperature. When a rabbit is exposed to water, it causes the body temperature to fall below the typical range, hypothermia sets in. A rabbit’s body temperature ranges between 101 and 104 °F (38.5 and 40 °C). Anything below that is not safe for the rabbit. Hypothermia in rabbits causes symptoms like a decrease in heart rate, poor blood circulation, cold extremities, and even weakened immune systems.
2. Heart Attack
When rabbits enter the water, they feel extremely cold, and this can cause them to panic and get stressed out. The feeling of anxiety may further lead to their developing a heart attack.
3. Respiratory Conditions
Other diseases your rabbit can contract when exposed to water are respiratory conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections (sneezing, nasal discharge, and watery eyes), pneumonia, bronchitis, etc.
4. Skin Conditions
Your rabbit could develop fungal infections, skin irritations, or dermatitis when exposed to water, particularly chlorinated water, for a long duration before you eventually bring it out. When your rabbit has a fungal infection, it could lead to other underlying conditions.
5. Drowning
If your rabbit is left in the water for a long time without anyone coming to save it, it could drown, and eventually die.
Conclusion
Although rabbits may move a little bit in the water, it is important to understand that they weren’t created to swim. Rather, they were made to hop and jump. From this article, we have been able to establish that swimming is dangerous for rabbits. Therefore, as a bunny owner, it is best to keep them away from any potential risks associated with getting wet. Ensure that you constantly create a safe environment for your rabbits. Moreover, do not hesitate to take your rabbits to the veterinarian if you find that they have accidentally gotten into the water.