Rabbit straining to urinate
A rabbit that strains to urinate, dribbles, cries, or cannot pass urine needs prompt veterinary care — and urgently if it is not passing any urine, which can be life-threatening. Causes include bladder stones, thick bladder sludge, infection, or a blockage. Keep your rabbit comfortable and call a rabbit-savvy vet now rather than waiting.
Fast answer for owners
- Go now if: Not passing any urine despite straining; Crying out or grinding teeth when trying to urinate; A hard, painful belly with straining.
- Call today if: Urinating small amounts more often; Urine scald or a wet, stained bottom.
- Do not: Ask the vet before giving medicines, forced feeding, home remedies, or delaying care.
- Tell the vet: Record last eating, drinking, droppings, urination, behaviour change, pain signs, temperature, toxins, trauma, and medications.
Go to a vet now if
- Not passing any urine despite straining
- Crying out or grinding teeth when trying to urinate
- A hard, painful belly with straining
- Lethargy or collapse alongside straining
Call a vet today if
- Urinating small amounts more often
- Urine scald or a wet, stained bottom
- Mild straining, still passing urine
What to tell the vet
- Whether any urine is being passed
- Straining, crying, or pain signs
- Colour and any blood
- Appetite and droppings
- Diet (calcium-rich foods)
- Weight and conditions
What not to do
- Do not press hard on the belly
- Do not give human urinary or pain medication
- Do not withhold water
- Do not wait if no urine is being passed
What your vet may check
Your vet may image the bladder for stones or sludge, test the urine, and assess for a blockage, which may need urgent treatment.
Recovery support after veterinary assessment
After treatment, your vet may advise increased hydration and daily support such as WOOLY Balance Water, plus diet review, to support urinary health.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rabbit not urinating an emergency?
Yes. A rabbit that cannot pass urine can deteriorate quickly. Get to a rabbit-savvy vet immediately.
What is bladder sludge in rabbits?
Rabbits excrete excess calcium in urine, which can thicken into sludge or form stones, causing straining and pain. A vet diagnoses it with imaging and urine tests.
Can diet help prevent urinary problems?
Encouraging water intake and reviewing calcium-rich foods with your vet can help, but any current straining needs veterinary assessment first.
Related emergency guides
Sources & standards
Emergency guidance follows RWAF, House Rabbit Society, and exotic small-mammal medicine standards, source-cited and pending named veterinary review.
Related pages in this emergency hub
Source-cited guidance; pending named veterinary review.