First aid kit for rabbits

The following is a list of some home remedies you may try before rushing your rabbit to the vet and are useful to have on hand. Please remember this is not intended to replace professional expert veterinary care. It should not be used to make a "do-it-yourself" diagnosis. Only a qualified, rabbit-knowledgeable veterinarian can determine exactly what your bunny's illness is and recommend treatments.

Wound care

Note: Since wounds can lead to abscesses, it is best to consult your veterinarian before treating a wound.

Product	Common Uses
styptic powder, cornstarch, or baking flour	Stops the bleeding of nails cut too close to the quick. Not for use on skin. Can be found in drug and pet stores.
A&D Original Ointment, Bag Balm, plain diaper rash ointment, silvadene cream, calendula lotion or ointment, or Balmex or Desitin ointment	Used to topically treat minor sores and irritation. Try to use types of ointment with no zinc, aloe, or other additions because they may cause harm to rabbits in some cases. A more extensive list can be found of the bottom of the page here. Can be found in drug stores.
Vetericyn Wound & Skin Care, Betadine, polyhydroxydine solution, chlorhexidine solution, or hydrogen peroxide	Used to disinfect and clean minor wounds and scratches. Dilute hydrogen peroxide for use. Can be found in drug stores.
triple antibiotic (e.g. Neosporin)	Used to treat wounds. Do not use Neosporin Plus. Can be found in drug stores.
saline solution, Vetericyn Eye Wash	Used to flush foreign matter out of eyes.
a variety of bandages (e.g. gauze, butterfly, pads)	Use to dress wounds. Can be found in drug stores.

GI Treatment

Main article: GI Stasis

Product	Common Uses
Critter Be Better, Acid-Pak 4-way, Equine Probios, BeneBac, or other probiotics	Used to restore the balance of GI flora. Can be found in pet and feed stores.
infant simethicone	Relieves minor gas symptoms or diarrhea. Can be found in drug and grocery stores.
small jars of plain baby food with no additives or preservatives	Used to give tablet medications or as a calorie supplement for rabbits that are not eating. Use apple sauce, fruit mix baby foods, or canned pumpkin. Do not use pumpkin pie filling with spices, only 100% pumpkin. In the event that none of the previously listed can be found, use a lactose-free vegan blend. Can be found in grocery stores.
Oxbow Critical Care, Oxbow Critical Care Fine Grind	A premium recovery food which can be syringe-fed to rabbits that are unwilling to eat their normal diet due to illness, surgery or poor nutritional status. This specially formulated product contains all the essential nutrients of a complete diet as well as high-fiber timothy hay to ensure proper gut physiology and digestion. Can be found in some pet stores or from online retailers.
eye dropper or oral syringe	Used to administer liquids, medication, or food that have been liquefied in the event that a rabbit stops eating. 3cc is enough for medication, and 5cc or larger is recommended for hand feeding. Can be found in drug stores.
Snuggle Safe Pet Bed Microwave Heating Pad or similar heating pad	Used to comfort rabbit and provide warmth to encourage digestive action. Wrap with a clean towel for use.
Cisapride or metoclopramide	Intestinal motility agents available by prescription from your local rabbit veterinarian.
Coffee grinder	optional. Used to make pellet powder. Wash thoroughly if used to make coffee.
Lactated Ringer's Solution & fluid administration set	optional. Training by a veterinarian is required for use.

Multi-Use

Product	Common Uses
a variety of bandages (e.g. gauze, butterfly, pads)	Use to dress wounds. Can be found in drug stores.
eye dropper or oral syringe	Used to administer liquids, medication, or food that have been liquefied in the event that a rabbit stops eating. 3cc is enough for medication, and 5cc or larger is recommended for hand feeding. Can be found in drug stores.
Pedialyte	Used to rehydrate and keep hydrated.
vinegar	Used to clean cages, dishes, and trays. Vinegar will remove hard water and calcium build ups. Also acts as a mild disinfectant. Can treat wet dewlap by reducing the pH preventing the overgrowth of the bacteria Pseudomonas. Can be found in grocery stores.
heating pad or hot water bottle	For shock or hypothermia. Remember to wrap the bottle in the towel so it does not burn the rabbit. Can be found in drug stores.
cotton swabs, cotton balls	Used to clean scent glands and wounds. Dip in diluted solution of hydrogen peroxide to clean glands. Can be found in drug stores.
pill crusher or pill splitter	optional. Used to make pills easier to feed to a rabbit.
soft towels	Used to dry or secure your rabbit.
scissors	Used to carefully trim the fur around a wound. Buy round- or blunt-tipped scissors to minimize risk of injury to your rabbit. Rabbit skin is very delicate.
tweezers	Used to pick out maggots in the event of flystrike.
ice

Diagnostics

Product	Common Uses
digital infant rectal thermometer	Used to take temperature. Should go up to at least 106°F or 41°C. Apply lubricant and gently insert into rectum. Normal rabbit temperature is 101-103°F.
petroleum jelly, KY jelly or other lubricant	Used as a lubricant to use with thermometer.
rubbing alcohol	Used to disinfect thermometer.
stethoscope	optional. Used to listen to gut sounds.
otoscope	optional. Used to check inside ears.

Miscellaneous

Product	Common Uses
baby cornstarch powder	Used for spot cleaning and "dry baths" to clean a messy bottom due to runny stool or urine leakage. Do not use baby powder that contains talc.
flea comb	Used to safely get rid of a mild case of fleas. After each combing, dip the comb in warm soapy water to rinse and kill the fleas.
bromelain, papaya tablets	Used during high-shed seasons as a preventative treatment to move hair through the digestive system. Do not use on a daily basis or once GI stasis has developed. Mix 1/4 tsp of bromelain in drinking water. If using papaya tablet as supplements, do not feed any other sugary treats. Count the supplement as a treat.

Suppliers

Example First Aid kit from Bunnies 1st

Example Emergency Kit from Desert Buns R Us

File:SaveOurPetsEmergencySign.jpg

Save Our Pets Emergency Sign from Napoleon Bunnyparte

The following are some places you can purchase a ready-made emergency kit for rabbits.

• Napoleon Bunnyparte, Rabbit Emergency Kit (US)
• Bunnies 1st, First Aid Kits for Rabbits (US)
• Bunny Approved, Emergency First Aid Kit for Rabbits (US)
• Desert Buns R Us, Custom Emergency Kits - Contact: erinurano@gmail.com (US)
• Pet First Aid Kits, Rabbit First Aid Kits (UK)

Here are some stickers that you can use to decorate a homemade first aid kit.

• SS Bunny Imports, First aid kit vinyl rabbit sticker, red

Further Reading

• Kinenchen, Visual Guide to Drugstore Remedies for Common Bunny Problems
• Rabbit Advocates, Basic Rabbit Emergency Kit
• Heartland Rabbit Rescue, Rabbit First Aid Kit
• Spooky & Scully's Blog, Bunny First Aid Kit

See Also

• How to Choose a Rabbit Veterinarian
• Veterinary Emergencies