singapore rabbits

protecting rabbits during SG haze season

updated 13 May 2026

SG haze season is one of the few times of year when an indoor HDB rabbit faces a genuine environmental threat. fine particulates from regional fires irritate rabbit airways faster than they irritate humans because:

  • rabbits have higher respiratory rates (30-60 breaths per minute vs 12-20 for adults)
  • their nasal passages are narrower and trap particulates more
  • they’re obligate nose-breathers; they cannot switch to mouth-breathing to bypass irritation

a 24-hour PSI of 100-150 that you feel as “mildly hazy outside” is more significant for a rabbit than for you. this matters because the SG haze season tends to drag on for weeks.

the PSI thresholds

NEA’s PSI bands and what they mean for a healthy adult rabbit indoors:

  • 0-50 (good): no precautions needed. windows can be open as normal
  • 51-100 (moderate): windows closed during peak hours, fan circulation indoors. rabbit is fine
  • 101-150 (unhealthy): windows closed all day, AC on if possible. monitor for any respiratory signs. exercise on tile floors which trap less dust
  • 151-200 (very unhealthy): AC on continuously, air purifier in the rabbit’s room if available. no opening windows even briefly
  • 201+ (hazardous): full indoor protocol, vet on standby. cancel any non-essential outings. consider relocating temporarily if you have ground-level windows and dust ingress is heavy

for rabbits with pre-existing respiratory issues (history of snuffles, dental abscess affecting nasal passages, older age), drop each threshold by 50 PSI.

indoor air management

three layers help.

layer 1: stop dust entering

  • windows closed all day during PSI 100+
  • check for gaps under doors with smoke-test (incense stick or candle — if smoke drifts horizontally, air is entering)
  • door draught stoppers help for older HDB flats with worn door seals
  • avoid using ceiling fans on windows-closed days (mixes the existing dust)

layer 2: air purification

a HEPA air purifier in the rabbit’s room is the single biggest improvement. SG models that work well in 12-20 m² rooms:

  • Xiaomi Smart Air Purifier 4 (~$200, good for 30 m²)
  • Philips Series 800 (~$300, good for 20 m²)
  • Levoit Core 200S (~$200, good for 25 m²)

run continuously on auto mode during haze days. position 1-1.5 m from the rabbit’s enclosure but not blowing directly on the rabbit.

if budget doesn’t allow a dedicated purifier:

  • a window-mounted exhaust fan with HEPA filter is a cheaper alternative
  • closing rabbit into one small room with the existing AC running on circulation mode helps somewhat

layer 3: reduce indoor dust sources

  • vacuum the rabbit’s room daily during haze season instead of weekly
  • hay storage in airtight containers rather than open bags (hay shedding adds to dust load)
  • avoid wood-pellet litter during haze season; switch temporarily to paper-pellet which generates less airborne dust

warning signs

rabbits showing haze-related respiratory irritation:

  • audible snuffling or sneezing
  • discharge from one or both nostrils (clear initially, can become thick if infection develops)
  • reduced appetite, especially refusing hay (hay is dusty and irritates already-irritated airways)
  • increased drinking
  • eyes watering or red

at any of these signs, increase your indoor air management and consider a vet visit. a respiratory infection that establishes during haze season can persist for weeks of antibiotics.

if signs are severe (audible wheeze, refusing all food, lethargy), treat as emergency. respiratory issues in rabbits escalate faster than in cats or dogs.

exercise during haze

free-roam time still matters during haze season. options:

  • indoor free-roam in a rabbit-proofed room with the door closed (preferred)
  • avoid outdoor balcony time during PSI 100+
  • if the rabbit normally uses a corridor for running zoomies, move it indoors during haze

active rabbits do better through haze than confined ones — exercise supports respiratory clearance. don’t lock the rabbit in a small cage for the duration; that makes things worse.

what to keep stocked

before haze season (typically August):

  • HEPA air purifier with at least one spare filter
  • AC working and serviced
  • vet on file aware of any respiratory history
  • bookmarked emergency contact card for after-hours respiratory emergencies

our first-aid kit guide covers the home kit.

what owners often get wrong

  • assuming “my AC has a filter, I’m covered.” standard split-unit AC filters are dust-only. they don’t filter fine particulates the way HEPA does. you need a dedicated HEPA purifier, not just AC
  • opening windows at night when “haze clears.” PSI often clears overnight then returns by morning. once dust is inside, your AC alone won’t clear it. keep windows closed for the duration of the bad days
  • waiting for the rabbit to show signs. the early stage of respiratory irritation looks like nothing. by the time you see discharge or hear snuffles, the irritation has been going for hours. preventive action at PSI 100+ is much cheaper than reactive vet visits

community-sourced information here is not veterinary advice. for any health concern see a licensed SG exotic vet.

community-sourced information, not veterinary advice. for medical issues, see a licensed SG exotic vet — start with our vet directory.

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