When a Pet Rabbit Dies
Dealing with the Loss of a Pet
Leave the dead pet in the same room as the living for no longer than 1 hour
This might seam harsh at first, but leaving the rabbit that has passed away in the same room as the surviving pet can help the survivor "understand" what has happened to their friend. Taking away the body of a companion rabbit too quickly could leave the surviving pet confused and unable to connect the disappearance with the loss of death. Although it may seem harsh, it is a good idea to leave the body of the diseased just long enough for the surviving pet to associate their loss with the death of their friend.
Don't fill your loss with a new pet - just yet
It might feel natural to fill your loss with a new pet, but don't. Not just yet, that is. Making a quick switch between the death of a beloved pet and the love of a new addition to your family can confuse the surviving bunny. It's not only possible that your surviving rabbit may reject or resent the quick companionship of the new rabbit, but it is also possible to differ your own feelings of loss. Giving yourself time to morn the death of a pet is an important part of the grieving process.
Don't leave your surviving pet alone for too long
Rabbits can become easily board when they don't have a friend to play with. When my rabbit PhilBert passed away I noticed that the surviving bunny, Su, became lethargic in a matter of months. His depression was so bad that he didn't show any interest in his former playtime activities such as throwing toilet paper rolls filled with hey around and whittling chunks of wood down to nothing with his super-strong teeth. After 4 months we knew it was time to bring home a friend for the old rabbit. Butters was a welcomed addition to our family and Su quickly became his old, playful self in no time. There is no formula for how long you should wait between the death of a rabbit and the addition of a new one, and the time you wait will depend on your specific situation, but keeping watching for signs of depression or inactivity are clues to look out for.
Published by Cindy Marcelle
Cindy is no stranger to small town life, and growing up in Vermont she has learned to respect harsh winters, hot summers, and beautiful fall foliage. She lives in a cabin in the mountains with her partner a... View profile
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