Rabbits, like most other mammals, produce tears to keep their eyes moist and flush irritants away. Their tears should generally be clear, but because of their high calcium content, could sometimes be a little bit cloudy.
However, too much of anything usually becomes a problem, and if you notice your pet rabbit crying a lot, i.e. producing excessive tears, it could be a sign that they are not feeling well. Unlike cats and dogs that have two sets of tear ducts (upper and lower) in each eye, rabbits only have one set of tear ducts in each eye (the lower one). Therefore, anything causing a partial or full blockage of the tear duct in a rabbit will result in excessive tears coming out of the eye. Respiratory infections and dental problems are examples of issues that can cause tear duct blockage. When combined with the thin and fragile skin that rabbits normally have, this can result in inflammation of the skin around the eyes.
It is therefore important to monitor your pet rabbit’s eyes for any early signs of trouble, and bring them to a veterinarian if there are any doubts about the amount and quality of tears he or she is producing. Remember, happy bunnies don’t cry!