Dog Chased my Bunny

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This topic has 5sd replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 4 years, 5 months ago by Hazel.

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- 09/10/2021 at 6:02 PM
  MoosetheBun
  Participant
  5 posts
  My family dog (a husky) got into my room today and chased my rabbit (Moose) around for about 15 seconds before I got there. Since then he’s been mostly hiding under my bed with the occasional hop out from beneath before running back under. He will eat some treats out of my hand if I reach it under the bed, but he is extremely jumpy and just terrified of everything right now. It’s been about an hour and I am so worried. I know that bunnies can go into shock (would this have happened already?), and I want to do everything I can to help him and have him understand that he is safe. Any suggestions to calm him? I think he as well screamed, which really breaks my heart. There’s a chance that the scream came from the dog though.
  
  I also don’t think the dog had any contact with Moose (the bunny), but there is a chance. How would I know if he’s hurt? I’ve tried petting his whole body (as much as I can reach while he’s under the bed) and he hasn’t reacted to anything. Will he let me know if he’s injured?
- 09/10/2021 at 6:05 PM
  Wick & Fable
  Moderator
  5834 posts
  Do your best to help your rabbit relax and minimize all stressors. You know your rabbit best, so think from his perspective on what would help him feel secure in his space again.
  
  In terms of injury, look at how he moves to see if there is any limping or oddities. You can run your hands back and forth around fur areas to check for any flinch reactions or injuries. It’ll be hard to differentiate general stress and alertness from pain right now potentially, but in a couple hours if there is still odd movements or flinching, I would recommend a vet visit for assessment.
  
  Taking treats is a great sign. Rabbits tend to reject treats when intensely upset/distressed, physically or mentally.
  
  I would add extra safe guards to ensure this does not happen again. Also, be mindful of carrying your dog’s scent for a while, as that may spook your rabbit due to this very negative interaction.
  
  The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
  - 09/10/2021 at 7:41 PM
    MoosetheBun
    Participant
    5 posts
    Thank you! He seems to be doing a lot better already. He’s come out from under the bed a bit and has been eating hay, however he is still incredibly jumpy. My biggest worry right now is that he will be traumatized be this forever. I really hope that I can regain his trust.
    
    As for keeping the dog out, I’ve already installed a lock on the outside of my door to make sure it doesn’t happen again. My door is always closed, but the husky either found a way to open it, or I didn’t close it fully this time. Either way, the lock is added safety.
- 09/10/2021 at 6:22 PM
  LBJ10
  Moderator
  17225 posts
  Check him over thoroughly and do your best to reassure him. I’m sure he had quite the fright. I agree that accepting treats is a good sign.
- 09/11/2021 at 9:43 AM
  DanaNM
  Moderator
  9064 posts
  I’m glad he’s doing better! That’s very scary and lucky that you intervened in time.
  
  . . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.
- 09/11/2021 at 4:24 PM
  Hazel
  Participant
  2587 posts
  How scary, your rabbit was very lucky to have escaped, hopefully uninjured. It’s great that you have put an extra lock on the door for safety. However, mistakes happen as you’ve seen, so I think it’s important to work with your dog and desensitize him to the rabbit and teach him that chasing is never ever an option, whether he gets into the room or not.
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