The color of a rabbit's urine can change slightly in color based on its diet, but as long as the animal is healthy, the color tends to be yellowish or orangish. It can be a concern if you notice a marked change in the color of the urine, especially if it becomes noticeably dark. Brown urine or reddish urine can often be indicative of a health issue that can range from moderate to severe. It's advantageous to regularly look in the bin in which your rabbit urinates, as this can give you an early warning if the pet may require a veterinary checkup. Here are three potential reasons for a change in the rabbit's urine color.

Dehydration

When your rabbit's urine becomes darker, it can often mean that the animal is dehydrated. Try to assess the situation with the pet's drinking water. For example, if you've tasked your child to fill the animal's water each day and they admit to forgetting, there's a good chance that the dehydration could simply be a result of not having enough drinking water. If you make a point of ensuring that the rabbit has an abundant supply of water, you might see an improvement in the urine color. However, if the rabbit has seemingly been consuming a normal amount of water, you'll want to take it to the vet.

Calcium

High calcium levels in your rabbit can also impact the color of its urine. A rabbit can develop high calcium for a wide range of reasons, including issues in the urinary tract and weight problems. In addition to looking darker, the rabbit's urine may have more of a cloudy appearance than a clear appearance when the pet has a high level of calcium. Your veterinarian can test the rabbit to determine if its calcium is indeed high, and then treat the issue accordingly.

Tumors

The presence of one or more tumors in the rabbit's body can also cause its urine to darken. A tumor in the urinary system, for example, can have this effect. Sometimes, you might notice slight red marks in the urine, which can indicate the presence of blood. It can be distressing to think that your pet rabbit might have a tumor, but it's important to have a veterinarian assess the animal as soon as possible. If a tumor is indeed present, the veterinarian will discuss your treatment options based on the location and size of the tumor.

Contact a veterinarian near you to learn more.