Rabbit First Aid Kit Essentials
Having a relationship with a rabbit vet that actually knows rabbits is vital for rabbit parenthood. However, when vets are closed, far away or just unreachable there are some basics you can have on hand to make sure you can take care of your furry friend whenever the need arises until you can get to your veterinarian.
GI Statis is a condition that can quickly escalate. When a triggering event causes stomach upset or pain, the bun stops moving around. No moving means no hopping. No hopping means no bowel movement. No movement means no pooping. Poop stuck inside them produces gas and because they cannot get rid of gas on their own, it continues to build and eventually becomes so uncomfortable they stop moving around. When they stop moving around, more gas builds up because they stop pooping and this cycle continues.
This cycle happens quickly. So it’s important to have gas drops on hand. Eliminating the gas, getting them moving and getting them eating to help move their bowls is the best way to make sure they are on their way to health.
Recovery Food is a critical care supplement that is used when rabbits are sick and not able to eat the appropriate amount of food. Follow the instructions on the packaging for appropriate feeding guidelines.
Oxbow Critical Care is similar to Sherwood Recovery Food. These foods are used by veterinarians to help revive and sustain during times of stress, illness and more. Follow the instructions on the packaging for appropriate feeding guidelines.
This appetite stimulant helps increase the buns desire to eat even when they are not in the mood due to stress, illness, or other factors.
Nail Clippers
Keeping rabbit nails clipped helps to make sure you don’t have to deal with torn or ripped out nails. If you clip them too short, qwik stop or cornstarch help to clot the blood.
Kwik Stop or Cornstarch
Kwik Stop or Cornstarch help to clot the blood when a nail is clipped too short. Place a clump of powder on the clipped nail and gently pinch. It will feel like forever but usually clots within 30-60 seconds. Knock off the powder and do it again if it doesn’t stop. If the bleeding doesn’t stop within a few minutes it’s best to go to a vet for help.
This comb was given to me by a lady when I purchased her rabbitry as she was closing. This thing has been phenomenal. The little purple strip is like silicone or rubber and grabs the loose hair. It’s not the cheapest comb, but it is worth it–promise.
Generally bunnies do not need bathes. The actually can get very sick from being too cold and not being able to regulate their temperature with wet fur. But if they are sick or hopped into something gross, having something on hand to help clean them is ideal. You can use baby wipes as well. A warm washcloth with a small squirt of horse and mane shampoo or blue dawn dish soap generally does the job. If needed you can bathe them, but they have to be 100% dry when you finish which usually includes a hair dryer on cool.
Dust, hay and hair can get in their eyes and cause irritation. You can use saline to flush them out. But if it gets red or inflamed or goopy usually a round of terramycin or neosporin can help clear it up. This is also good for minor scrapes but beware of how much they ingest.
**PLAIN neosporin with NO PAIN RELIEF. No added anything. Ointment.
Coconut oil is great for scrapes and dry or irritated skin. It has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiinflammatory properties. It is also a wonderful moisturizer.
Tea tree (also known as Melaleuca) is an antifungal, antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antiviral essential oil. From bug bites, to minor scrapes, to pesky ear mites, this is a good one to have on hand.
Purchase from your Vet or Online
Revolution for Kittens (PINK ONLY)
This one is something you probably will have to get from your vet. You can order it online from another country, but it takes time to get here. Your vet can get you the revolution for kitts in the pink package to help treat mites of various kinds that might hitch a ride on hay.
Cooled weak camomile tea can also be used to soothe eye irritations. apply wet once cool a few times a day.
Read More Bunny Care Guides
All About Bunny Berries aka Poo
Male or Female? Does it Matter What Gender Bunny I Get?
