When you see red urine, don't panic.

Red urine is caused by plant pigments and does not affect the animal's health.

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WHAT CAUSES RED URINE

Red urine may occur due to any of the following:

• While on antibiotics

• At the first cold snap in autumn

• After eating fir leaves

• After eating carrots, spinach or other veggies containing beta carotene

• Eating cabbage, broccoli and dandelions, especially if the rabbit isn't used to eating these

 

Normal rabbit urine will vary from a pale yellow or clear colour, through various orange and brown colours, right up to a deep red colour, it may also look cloudy due to the presence of calcium carbonate being extreted within the urine. Red urine is not a medical problem and usually returns to normal within one to three days, although it may take longer.

 

Dark and/or very strong smelling urine can result from heat stress or dehydration, so always ensure that your rabbit has plenty of fluids, especially in the warmer months of the year. If your rabbit frequently has dark or very strong smelling urine then it may be worth discussing this with your vet.

 

AWARENESS

Red urine is not a cause for alarm unless there are additional signs such as sitting and straining to urinate, loss of appetite or temperature. If in doubt, you can have your veterinarian test to see whether there is blood in the urine.

 

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