Is It Normal for Rabbits to Have Eye Boogers or Discharge?

Written by Rabbit Breeders in Rabbit Articles

Something isn’t right if you keep seeing gross gunk building up in your rabbit’s eyes. Excessive eye boogers, crusty discharge, or weeping goop could signal serious issues brewing for your bunny. Don’t dismiss it as normal sleepiness! Discolored film coating their eyes, foul stench, and impaired vision are red alerts. If your rabbit’s eyes look like a mucus-filled mess, it’s time to hop into action. We’ll cover all the potential causes, warning signs, and vet treatment needed for abnormal rabbit eye discharge. You’ll learn when it’s normal versus problematic gunk, how to soothe irritation, and how to keep your rabbit’s vision clear and healthy. Let’s dig into reasons for watery rabbit eyes and how to nip infections in the bud.

How frequently should you see eye boogers on your rabbit?

It's normal for rabbits to have some eye discharge or "eye boogers" from time to time. However, you shouldn't see significant buildup or excessive amounts of discharge on a regular basis. Here's what to expect when it comes to eye boogers in healthy rabbits:

  • Minor clear or white discharge in the corners of the eyes upon waking up is normal. This may look like wetness or crustiness from sleep. It should clear up quickly once the rabbit is awake and grooming itself.

  • Occasional minor buildup of dry discharge or eye boogers in the corners of the eyes may occur during the day. But this should not be excessive.

  • With regular grooming, eye boogers tend to work themselves out. Your rabbit's tongue helps keep its eyes clean as it grooms.

  • You may see a small amount of wetness from tears around the eyes. But constant watery eyes or buildup of discharge is not normal.

  • Healthy rabbits should not have green, yellow, or other colored discharge. This could indicate infection.

  • Discharge should never be thick, goopy, or profuse. Minor clear or white discharge that naturally occurs is watery and thin.

In general, you shouldn't have to routinely clean eye boogers from your rabbit's eyes. Frequent buildup of discharge or crusty boogers can indicate an eye problem. It's normal to see minor amounts upon waking or occasionally throughout the day. But excess goop, colored discharge, or watery eyes require veterinary attention.

Are boogers floating on a rabbit's eye normal?

No, it is not normal for rabbits to have eye boogers or discharge floating on the surface of their eye. Here's what to look out for:

  • Healthy rabbits may have minor goop or crustiness in the inner or outer corners of their eyes when they wake up. But discharge should not be floating on the eye itself.

  • Any boogers located on the white of the eye rather than just the corners is abnormal. This could mean infection, injury, or another eye problem.

  • Floating strands, globs, or clumps of mucus, pus, or other discharge across the eye is always a bad sign.

  • Watery discharge with mucus bubbles on the eye's surface often indicates conjunctivitis or infection.

  • Thick discharge gathering in the corners and coating the eye is problematic.

While minor sleep crust in the eye corners is normal, boogers on the eyeball almost always mean something is wrong. Signs include white, yellow or green buildup on the eye itself, watery film covering the eyes, or globs of goop gathering on the surface. Floating eye discharge correlates with:

  • Conjunctivitis or eye infection

  • Injury to the eye

  • Blocked tear ducts

  • Irritation from dust or foreign objects

  • Dental issues

Any floating eye boogers, mucus in the eyes, or excessive buildup warrants an immediate trip to the rabbit savvy vet to diagnose and treat the underlying issue. Leaving floating eye discharge untreated can lead to complications.

What to expect if your rabbit has a partner?

It's common for rabbits to have minor scuffles with bonded partners that may result in temporary eye issues. Here's what to expect:

  • Bonded rabbits may playfully nip at each other near the face, which could cause temporary eye discharge or irritation.

  • After a light scuffle, you may see some watery discharge or wetness from irritation. This should resolve within a day.

  • Tufts of fur near the eyes are common if bonded rabbits groom each other roughly. Some minor eye boogers from this are normal.

  • Play fights or mounting could result in eye scratches. Look for squinting, discharge, or redness that lasts over 24 hours.

  • Serious aggressive fights between bonded rabbits can cause more eye damage and discharge. Separate them if this occurs.

Monitor closely to ensure any eye issues from scuffles don't get worse or turn into infection. See the vet if you notice:

  • Increased redness, swelling, or oozing around the eyes

  • Bad smell, yellow/green discharge, pus

  • No improvement within 24 hours

  • Eye scratches, ulcerations, or blindness

  • Loss of appetite, lethargy, or other signs of illness

With minor spats, a small amount of eye irritation is expected. But excess discharge, swelling, or other warning signs warrant medical attention to treat eye injuries or infection.

Is it okay to pick the eye boogers off your rabbit?

No, you should not attempt to pick eye boogers or discharge off your rabbit. Here's why:

  • Picking at eye discharge could push debris, bacteria and moisture further into the eye, increasing infection risk.

  • Attempting to scrape or wipe boogers off the eye can scratch or ulcerate the delicate cornea.

  • Using cotton swabs or other objects to clean eye goop puts pressure on the eye, which is unsafe.

  • Restraining the rabbit to pick its eyes may frighten the animal or cause stress.

  • Rabbits often rub their eyes against objects or groom themselves to remove boogers naturally.

Instead of picking your rabbit's eyes, consult a vet if you notice excess buildup of discharge in the eyes. They can properly flush and treat the eyes without injury. Also monitor for worsening eye problems and never use medicated eye drops without your vet's guidance.

With minor sleep crust in the corners, it's fine to let your rabbit groom itself. The tongue does a good job cleaning eye boogers naturally. Resist the urge to pick at your rabbit's eyes and let a veterinary expert handle any necessary eye discharge removal.

What is abnormal eye discharge in rabbits?

Here are the types of eye discharge that are abnormal and require veterinary attention:

  • Watery eyes or profuse tearing in one or both eyes.

  • Yellow, green, or other discolored discharge rather than clear or white.

  • Thick, globby mucus or pus-like consistency.

  • Foul odor coming from one or both eyes.

  • Constant redness, swelling, or irritation in the eyes or eyelids.

  • Discharge accumulating on the eyeball itself rather than just the corners.

  • Crusty buildup that continues worsening despite the rabbit's grooming.

  • One eye that has significantly more discharge than the other.

  • Any eye irritation combined with lethargy or loss of appetite.

  • Discharge that worsens when exposed to light.

  • Changes in the eyes like cloudiness, bluish haze, or spots.

  • Squinting, difficulty opening the eyes, or impaired vision.

Any of these abnormal signs indicate a potentially serious eye problem. Bring rabbits with abnormal eye discharge to the veterinarian immediately to get proper treatment. Leaving eye infections or other issues too long can lead to blindness, loss of the eye, and other complications.

What causes common eye problems in rabbits?

Some common causes of eye discharge and infection in rabbits include:

Conjunctivitis – Inflammation of the conjunctiva causing red, swollen, watery eyes.

Corneal ulcer – Painful open sore on the cornea.

Foreign debris – Dust, hay, bedding material, pollen, etc irritating the eye.

Injury – Scratches, punctures, or trauma to the eye.

Poor dental alignment – Misaligned or overgrown teeth causing tear duct issues.

Blocked tear ducts – Tear production not draining properly.

Bacterial, viral, or fungal infection – Contagious pathogens causing eye issues.

Allergies – Reaction to substances like pollen, food, or litter materials.

Dry eye – Insufficient tear production.

Glaucoma – Excessive pressure in the eye.

Cancer – Tumors or cancer in structures around the eye.

Any of these conditions can lead to excessive discharge, redness, swelling, squinting, impaired vision, and even blindness if left untreated. Make an appointment with your rabbit veterinarian if you notice any abnormal eye symptoms. Proper diagnosis is needed to determine the specific cause and best treatment options.

Should you wash your rabbit's eyes at home?

No, you should avoid bathing your rabbit's eyes or using eye wash solutions at home. Here's why:

  • Improper eye flushing at home could push debris and fluid further into the eye, increasing infection risk.

  • Using the wrong eye wash solution could irritate the eyes and make problems worse.

  • Restraining the rabbit to rinse its eyes can frighten the animal or cause stress.

  • Overcleaning strips away natural tears and protective enzymes.

  • Rabbits often find eye cleaning uncomfortable and may become aggressive.

  • There is risk of causing eye scratches, injury, or even blindness if done incorrectly.

Instead, have your veterinarian show you proper technique for medicated eye flushes if needed for treatment. Follow their prescribed solution and cleaning routine carefully. Otherwise, spot clean crusty discharge near (but not on) the eyes with a soft damp cloth. Avoid rinsing the eyes at home to prevent complications. Monitor for worsening symptoms and seek vet attention for abnormal eye discharge. With treatment guided by your exotic animal eye doctor, your rabbit’s eyes should recover safely.

Can you use eye drops on rabbits?

Yes, eye drops can be used on rabbits to treat certain conditions when prescribed by a veterinarian. Here are some key points:

  • Only use eye drops formulated for animal use. Human eye drops often contain harmful ingredients.

  • Follow prescription label dosing carefully. Do not use over-the-counter eye drops without a vet’s approval.

  • Always pick eye drop bottles with a narrow tip to make application easier.

  • Have someone assist you in holding and calming the rabbit during eye drop administration.

  • Pull down the lower eyelid gently and apply drops to the inside surface with light pressure.

  • Reward your rabbit with treats for cooperating and avoid squeezing the eye.

  • Stop immediately if your rabbit seems distressed and contact the vet for guidance.

  • Complete the full course of treatment as directed for resolution of eye problems.

With proper vet guidance, most rabbits tolerate medicated eye drops well for conditions like conjunctivitis, dry eye, corneal ulcers and more. Follow up with your exotic animal ophthalmologist routinely during treatment. Report any worsening eye problems or concerns about the rabbit’s response to the medication right away. With an accurate diagnosis and compliant eye drop treatment, your bunny’s eyes should be back to normal in no time.

How frequently should you see eye boogers on your rabbit?

It's normal for rabbits to have some eye discharge or "eye boogers" from time to time. However, you shouldn't see significant buildup or excessive amounts of discharge on a regular basis. Here's what to expect when it comes to eye boogers in healthy rabbits:

  • Minor clear or white discharge in the corners of the eyes upon waking up is normal. This may look like wetness or crustiness from sleep. It should clear up quickly once the rabbit is awake and grooming itself.

  • Occasional minor buildup of dry discharge or eye boogers in the corners of the eyes may occur during the day. But this should not be excessive.

  • With regular grooming, eye boogers tend to work themselves out. Your rabbit's tongue helps keep its eyes clean as it grooms.

  • You may see a small amount of wetness from tears around the eyes. But constant watery eyes or buildup of discharge is not normal.

  • Healthy rabbits should not have green, yellow, or other colored discharge. This could indicate infection.

  • Discharge should never be thick, goopy, or profuse. Minor clear or white discharge that naturally occurs is watery and thin.

In general, you shouldn't have to routinely clean eye boogers from your rabbit's eyes. Frequent buildup of discharge or crusty boogers can indicate an eye problem. It's normal to see minor amounts upon waking or occasionally throughout the day. But excess goop, colored discharge, or watery eyes require veterinary attention.

Are boogers floating on a rabbit's eye normal?

No, it is not normal for rabbits to have eye boogers or discharge floating on the surface of their eye. Here's what to look out for:

  • Healthy rabbits may have minor goop or crustiness in the inner or outer corners of their eyes when they wake up. But discharge should not be floating on the eye itself.

  • Any boogers located on the white of the eye rather than just the corners is abnormal. This could mean infection, injury, or another eye problem.

  • Floating strands, globs, or clumps of mucus, pus, or other discharge across the eye is always a bad sign.

  • Watery discharge with mucus bubbles on the eye's surface often indicates conjunctivitis or infection.

  • Thick discharge gathering in the corners and coating the eye is problematic.

While minor sleep crust in the eye corners is normal, boogers on the eyeball almost always mean something is wrong. Signs include white, yellow or green buildup on the eye itself, watery film covering the eyes, or globs of goop gathering on the surface. Floating eye discharge correlates with:

  • Conjunctivitis or eye infection

  • Injury to the eye

  • Blocked tear ducts

  • Irritation from dust or foreign objects

  • Dental issues

Any floating eye boogers, mucus in the eyes, or excessive buildup warrants an immediate trip to the rabbit savvy vet to diagnose and treat the underlying issue. Leaving floating eye discharge untreated can lead to complications.

What to expect if your rabbit has a partner?

It's common for rabbits to have minor scuffles with bonded partners that may result in temporary eye issues. Here's what to expect:

  • Bonded rabbits may playfully nip at each other near the face, which could cause temporary eye discharge or irritation.

  • After a light scuffle, you may see some watery discharge or wetness from irritation. This should resolve within a day.

  • Tufts of fur near the eyes are common if bonded rabbits groom each other roughly. Some minor eye boogers from this are normal.

  • Play fights or mounting could result in eye scratches. Look for squinting, discharge, or redness that lasts over 24 hours.

  • Serious aggressive fights between bonded rabbits can cause more eye damage and discharge. Separate them if this occurs.

Monitor closely to ensure any eye issues from scuffles don't get worse or turn into infection. See the vet if you notice:

  • Increased redness, swelling, or oozing around the eyes

  • Bad smell, yellow/green discharge, pus

  • No improvement within 24 hours

  • Eye scratches, ulcerations, or blindness

  • Loss of appetite, lethargy, or other signs of illness

With minor spats, a small amount of eye irritation is expected. But excess discharge, swelling, or other warning signs warrant medical attention to treat eye injuries or infection.

Is it okay to pick the eye boogers off your rabbit?

No, you should not attempt to pick eye boogers or discharge off your rabbit. Here's why:

  • Picking at eye discharge could push debris, bacteria and moisture further into the eye, increasing infection risk.

  • Attempting to scrape or wipe boogers off the eye can scratch or ulcerate the delicate cornea.

  • Using cotton swabs or other objects to clean eye goop puts pressure on the eye, which is unsafe.

  • Restraining the rabbit to pick its eyes may frighten the animal or cause stress.

  • Rabbits often rub their eyes against objects or groom themselves to remove boogers naturally.

Instead of picking your rabbit's eyes, consult a vet if you notice excess buildup of discharge in the eyes. They can properly flush and treat the eyes without injury. Also monitor for worsening eye problems and never use medicated eye drops without your vet's guidance.

With minor sleep crust in the corners, it's fine to let your rabbit groom itself. The tongue does a good job cleaning eye boogers naturally. Resist the urge to pick at your rabbit's eyes and let a veterinary expert handle any necessary eye discharge removal.

What is abnormal eye discharge in rabbits?

Here are the types of eye discharge that are abnormal and require veterinary attention:

  • Watery eyes or profuse tearing in one or both eyes.

  • Yellow, green, or other discolored discharge rather than clear or white.

  • Thick, globby mucus or pus-like consistency.

  • Foul odor coming from one or both eyes.

  • Constant redness, swelling, or irritation in the eyes or eyelids.

  • Discharge accumulating on the eyeball itself rather than just the corners.

  • Crusty buildup that continues worsening despite the rabbit's grooming.

  • One eye that has significantly more discharge than the other.

  • Any eye irritation combined with lethargy or loss of appetite.

  • Discharge that worsens when exposed to light.

  • Changes in the eyes like cloudiness, bluish haze, or spots.

  • Squinting, difficulty opening the eyes, or impaired vision.

Any of these abnormal signs indicate a potentially serious eye problem. Bring rabbits with abnormal eye discharge to the veterinarian immediately to get proper treatment. Leaving eye infections or other issues too long can lead to blindness, loss of the eye, and other complications.

What causes common eye problems in rabbits?

Some common causes of eye discharge and infection in rabbits include:

Rabbit Breeders

Rabbit Breeders is the leading website for rabbit information & research. For over 10 years rabbitbreeders.us has been serving the rabbit community. We provide the world's largest rabbit breeders directory.

Recent Posts