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

Rabbits are one of the most adorable creatures on the planet. Their fluffy bodies and small cuddly stature makes them a great option for pets as well. If you are thinking about getting a pet bunny, you may have found yourself wondering how they would fare in a swimming pool.

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).

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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.

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.

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.

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