I accidentally hurt my bunny

[Bunnymoki]

I accidentally hurt my bunny and I feel so guilty about it! I just need to vent… I made my room bunnyproof today (covered all cables, closed tiny gaps he could get trapped in) so we were just enjoying a great binkyful time together. My bunny loves cuddles and he came up to me, so I assumed he want to sit on my lap. Wrong assumption!  I accidentally squeezed on his belly as he was hopping away from me, and he made this tiny noise and it just broke my heart. I dont want my bunny to be scared of me or have “hard feelings”. I gave him snacks, gave him pats and kisses, hes more than alright, is just the guilttt. How do you guys deal with the guilt when something like this happens? That poor tiny fluffball. Hes mad at me right now, protesting and laying down in a corner. 

[BrunosMama]

It happens from time to time, and I totally understand the guilt! We have had rabbits hold grudges for several days before we were forgiven, but treats certainly help! He will forgive you soon and things will be normal again.

Don’t be too hard on yourself!

[Ellie from The Netherlands]

Woops, it happens to every bunny owner once in a while. Most rabbits will dislike being picked up or held tightly, and they may fight and kick so hard that they can injure themselves when held wrong. So don’t pick them up unless it’s absolutely necessary, this is one of the best ways to prevent major injuries.

I’d recommend some extra treats and cuddles. Also keep an eye out for any odd behaviour if you fear you might have hurt your bunny. In case of injury most rabbits will pretend that nothing is wrong right up until it’s become an emergency. If your bunny changes habits, watch him very closely.

[Gordo and Janice]

If he is eating the snacks and taking pets and kisses from you and not running from you, he is probably okay. Like Ellie said, keep an eye out for odd behavior, but I bet he is fine. I could tell you some stories of accidents with me and our rabbit. As long as it’s not major they are usually quick to forgive. I understand the guilt too. I have been very angry with myself in the past over probably such a small thing to her but I made it huge to me. Like BrunosMama said, go easy on yourself. And repeating Ellie, extra treats and cuddles works wonders on their forgiveness and continued trust.

[LBJ10]

The noise may have been more out of annoyance than pain. Wooly will grunt at me when I go to pick him up.

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