Our Vet Nurses explain what to put in a first aid kit for rabbits
April 3, 2022
Rabbits tend to be fairly easy to care for, but accidents and health emergencies can happen. It’s important to remember that most rabbit emergencies will require professional veterinary treatment. However, you may be able to provide basic first aid and treat minor injuries or ailments on the spot if you have a rabbit first aid kit.
Call us if you have a rabbit health emergency on 01372 460107
Our emergency service
Claygate Vets’ nursing team have this advice for you about what constitutes a rabbit emergency and what your first aid kit should include.
You should seek veterinary advice immediately if your rabbit has: a large open wound, an escape of flowing, spurting or oozing blood, pale or blue gums, laboured breathing (mouth open), excessive diarrhoea, is having fits (seizures) or has lost consciousness, has eaten something harmful, or hasn’t eaten or pooped in over six hours.
Your rabbit’s first aid kit should include:
- Phone number for your vet – here is ours: 01372 460107
- Small pet carrier and towel
- Hand sanitiser and gloves
- Gauze pads, cotton buds & pads, soft bandages & vet wrap bandages
- Blunt tipped scissors & tweezers, nail clippers, eye dropper
- Feeding syringes to administer food, water or medicines
- Instant cold packs – use on the side of the carrier for heatstroke, or wrap in a towel if using on a swelling – quick temperature changes can cause shock
- Heat pad for mild hypothermia – never put directly under your rabbit, use a towel and put on a low setting
- Saline or pet-safe antimicrobial solution (Hibiscrub) to clean wounds
- Any medications prescribed to your rabbit
- Brushes and flea comb
- Pot of baby food with rabbit-safe ingredients (try organic pumpkin or squash with no additives or preservatives) for when your rabbit won’t eat – dilute it with water and use a feeding syringe to administer it slowly
- Small LED Flashlight for examining eyes, nose, and ears
You can purchase most of these items from a variety of online retailers, or feel free to ask our advice when you next bring your rabbit in for a check-up.
Book a rabbit check-up
If you are concerned about your rabbit’s health, give us a call on 01372 460107
To ensure your rabbit is never without expert care, we have our own Out of Hours Emergency Service in nearby East Molesey. Learn more about the emergency care we can provide.
