Can Rabbits Swim? What Bunny Parents Need To Know About Swimming

Technically, yes, rabbits can swim. They'll paddle if they end up in water. But just because they can doesn't mean they should. Swimming is extremely stressful for rabbits, and in some cases the shock alone can stop their heart. Rabbits are not built for water the way ducks or even dogs are. Their dense fur gets waterlogged fast, they lose body heat quickly, and the panic of being submerged can cause fatal cardiac arrest. This article covers why water is so dangerous for bunnies, what to do in an emergency, and how to keep your rabbit cool in summer without putting them anywhere near a pool. If you're planning for the long haul, check out our guide to rabbit lifespan by breed and the care tips that make the biggest difference.

Can Rabbits Swim?

The short answer is yes - rabbits can swim, but it's a little more complicated than that.

A rabbit does have the ability to swim. They can do more than just hop around all day but the real question is, do they like to swim? That’s where things get a bit more complex.

Just because an animal can swim doesn’t always mean it’s something they like to do; cats can swim, but most of them avoid the water at all costs (cat parents know all too well).

Check out our cute bunny shirts - a portion of proceeds help bunnies in need!

Swimming: Wild vs Adopted Rabbits

Rabbits that live in the wild tend to swim only when they’re in danger. They swim only for survival, and not for recreation.

For instance, marsh rabbits are found in the south-eastern parts of the US, and often will be seen swimming through water to avoid a potential predator.

Just like marsh rabbits, swamp rabbits have somehow adapted living in wet environments. However, you won’t find them frolicking in the swamps any other day.

Adopted pet rabbits, however, have no reason to swim. The only water they need is the kind you find inside of their rabbit run. To them, water is scary in large quantities. If you're curious about what else pet bunnies can and can't handle, check out whether rabbits can eat oranges and other fruits.

Their small bodies are overwhelmed by being cold, wet, and vulnerable so they avoid it as much as possible. A pet rabbit belongs in a good rabbit run, not in a tub of water.

Is it safe for rabbits to swim?

Swimming can be dangerous to a pet rabbit, specifically if they are put into a swimming pool; their undercoat soaks up water like a sponge. Have you ever tried swimming with wet clothes on (or been pushed in a pool)?

The feeling would be similar to what a bunny feels as the water is absorbed into their wet fur. It weighs them down, making it both difficult and exhausting for them to swim. Rabbit owners (or parents as we prefer) are better off keeping their pet bunny away from the pool.

Domesticated rabbits also don’t easily dry off once they are wet. Remember the feeling of walking into an air-conditioned home after swimming? They have this feeling for a long time after the event is over - another reason for them to avoid swimming pools.

Just think of leaving an infant loose in the pool. It’s very easy to drown, even when there are others in the pool. When a child cannot stay afloat, they grab, claw, and do whatever is possible to find something to latch onto.

The rabbit does the same thing. They will bite, scratch, or claw their way to safety. In this state of panic, it’s easy for them to be overcome by the water and drown, and even if they don't, other consequences materialize from getting water into the ears and lungs.

Another thing to consider is all of the chemicals found in a swimming pool. If you get chlorine in your eyes it is going to sting, especially for a rabbit. Additionally - they can develop sinus and asthma problems when exposed to these chemicals.

The last thing you want for you rabbit is to experience these symptoms, and often times leads to an expensive vet trip. So, can bunnies swim safely? Not in swimming pools.

The Fear Factor

The fear rabbits experience when dunked into water is overwhelming. The intense cold temperature and paralyzing anxiety from their surroundings can shock their system, and sometimes, in extreme cases, even lead to heart attack.

The risk of scaring a rabbit to death is too great. Can our bunny friends swim? The answer is yes, they can, but they probably shouldn't.

Some say that putting a rabbit into a pool of water is animal cruelty, due to their vulnerability when they are cold and wet, as well as their delicate system. Keep your rabbit out of the pool if at all possible.

What to Do If Your Rabbit Falls in Water

If your rabbit falls into a pool, pond, or even a deep bucket, the most important thing is to stay calm and get them out immediately. Scoop them up with both hands supporting their body (rabbits can break their own spines from panicked kicking, so hold them firmly but gently against your chest). Do not chase them through the water. Wade in, reach down, and lift them straight out. Every second in the water increases their stress level and the risk of shock.

Once they're out, wrap your rabbit in a warm, dry towel right away. Pat them dry rather than rubbing, since their skin is delicate. Pay special attention to their ears. Rabbit ears are thin, highly vascular, and lose heat fast when wet. Water trapped inside the ear canal can also lead to infections. Gently blot inside each ear with a dry cloth. If you have a hair dryer, you can use it on the lowest heat setting held at a distance, but many rabbits find the noise terrifying, so a warm towel and a heated room are usually better options.

Watch your rabbit closely for the next several hours. Signs of shock include going limp, becoming unresponsive, rapid or shallow breathing, cold ears, and pale gums. A rabbit in shock needs emergency veterinary care immediately. Even if your rabbit seems fine after drying off, keep an eye on them for a full 24 hours. Respiratory infections from inhaled water can show up later as sneezing, nasal discharge, or labored breathing. When in doubt, call your rabbit-savvy vet. It's never an overreaction when shock is on the table.

How to Keep Your Rabbit Cool Without Water

Rabbits are much more sensitive to heat than cold. Anything above 80°F (27°C) starts to get uncomfortable for them, and temperatures over 85°F can cause heatstroke. The good news is there are plenty of ways to cool your rabbit down that don't involve water at all. Frozen water bottles are one of the easiest tricks. Fill a couple of plastic bottles, freeze them overnight, and wrap them in a thin cloth or old sock. Place them in your rabbit's enclosure so they can lie against them when they want to. Most rabbits figure this out quickly and will stretch right alongside the bottle.

Ceramic tiles and marble slabs work great too. Grab an unglazed ceramic tile or a small marble cutting board from a home store and place it in a shaded corner of the enclosure. These materials stay naturally cool and give your rabbit a cold surface to sprawl on. You can even pop a tile in the fridge for an hour before placing it in the cage for extra cooling power. If you want a summer snack that does double duty, try offering chilled herbs or a few pieces of cold fruit (rabbits love cold cilantro on a hot day, and tangerines in small amounts can be a refreshing treat).

Shade and airflow matter more than anything else. Never leave your rabbit's enclosure in direct sunlight, even indoors near a sunny window. A fan pointed near (not directly at) the enclosure helps circulate air. You can also lightly mist your rabbit's ears with cool water from a spray bottle. The ears are where rabbits regulate most of their body heat, so a light mist on the outer ear surface helps them cool down without the stress of getting their whole body wet. Just the ears, not their body or face. Combined with frozen bottles and a cool tile, this is usually enough to get even the hottest days under control.

FAQs

Do rabbits enjoy swimming?

Some rabbits enjoy swimming and some don't. Rabbits can swim however that doesn't mean that they should always swim as rabbits tend to swim only when they are in danger. If your rabbit enjoys swimming, for their safety, we recommend not to make them swim in anything deeper than a foot of water.

Can a rabbit swim?

Yes, a rabbit can swim, but they probably shouldn't. Rabbits swim as it's a basic survival instinct.

Does swimming provide health benefits for rabbits?

Swimming can provide health benefits for your rabbits if they are not afraid of water. It can be a good form of exercise.

Do rabbits have webbed feet?

Yes, rabbits have webbed feet, this helps them run and hop.

Sometimes all you need are peace, love, and carrots. Check out our huge collection of rabbit merch and apparel, perfect for you and the bunny lover in your life.