Bunnies and Dogs (Trigger Warning: Elderly Dog Nearing the End :o( )

[Daisy Rey]

We have three bunnies – Zeus who is 6 months old, Daisy Rey who is 1 1/2 years old, and Twix who is almost 4 years old. We also have a German Shepherd – Ella Mae who is almost 13 years old. She’s reaching the end of her time with us and I think we may have to put her down in the very near future. She’s incontinent, in pain, and she looks sad – as if she knows she’s old and worn out. It’s heartbreaking – she’s an amazing dog and has been wonderful with the bunnies. She literally has never even growled at them – ever – even when Twix tried to mate with her before he was neutered . 

Before we got Daisy Rey, we had Lily who very suddenly and very sadly passed from GI stasis. When we lost Lily, I messaged the breeder who said we had to get Twix a new friend immediately or he could become depressed…So, we got another bunny. But, that bunny was neurotic (quite literally) and sat in the corner shaking for about three weeks…The breeder acknowledged her mother (the bunny’s, not the breeder’s) was the same way and offered to take her back to live with a family that didn’t have other bunnies…that’s when we got Daisy. All of that back-story to ask if bunnies react similarly when other species in the family pass. I’m wondering if they will notice when Ella is no longer with us and if it will be a source of stress for them. 

I should add – Twix and Daisy are bonded. Zeus, who was just neutered on Tuesday, is separated from them until his hormones work their way out of his body! After that, we will try to bond the three. 

I hope that makes sense – basically, when Ella crosses the rainbow bridge, I’m worried the bunnies will be stressed and wanted to see if anyone had experience with that. 

TIA. 

[DanaNM]

Hi there, so sorry no one has responded to this. I actually thought that I responded to this already, but it must not have gone through.

I don’t think the bunnies will react the same way when Ella passes. Even though they get along with her (and mounted her lol), it isn’t the same as the bond between buns (which is very close indeed!).

With bonded pairs, it helps the surviving bun to grieve when they get to spend time with the body (as they understand the other rabbit has passed, rather than continuing to search for them). So, if you are concerned, my guess is that if they were allowed to see Ella’s body it would help. But again, I wouldn’t expect it to be an issue.

Hugs to you and your family. <3

. . . 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.  

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