Rabbit Care Kit

By Cherryl Reinhardt

The following is a list of "Must-Have's" I keep in an airtight container labeled Rabbit Care Kit. Most of the items can be purchased at your local pharmacy. To make sure the products are always fresh, whenever I run out of any products listed below that I normally keep in my medicine chest, I use the one intended for the rabbits and purchase a fresh one for the Care Kit. Remember, always consult your veterinarian if your rabbit is ill.

Fruit Flavored Chewable Acidophilis Tablets - Blueberry or Strawberry are my buns's favorites. If you are administering any kind of antibiotic to your rabbit, many people feel this will help keep their digestive tract balanced. Some people give a half tablet once a week as a preventative treat.

Malt Flavored Cat Hairball Remedy - Laxatone, Ultracare and Petromalt are three examples of hairball remedies you can use. I give my buns 1-inch once a week, increasing the dosage at shedding time. These products help push out any ingested fur from the bun's intestines.

Mineral Oil and Cotton Swabs - used for keeping those smelly scent glands clean as a whistle.

Chlorhexidine-type Solution - for wound flushing. Chlorhexidine can also be used to soften and remove droppings stuck to bun's butt at bunny butt bathing time. Can be purchased through your local vet or through the mail from a pet supply catalog.

Antibacterial Wipes or Liquid - I use these to clean my hands and any instruments such as nail clippers before and after each use.

Infant's Anti-Gas Medicine - look for the active ingredient Simethecone and give the dosage listed on the box for a young infant. I give this to the rabbits when there is even a hint of gas distress. When in doubt, give the bun the medicine, as it won't hurt him even if it turns out he doesn't have gas after all.

Toenail Clippers - any kind you feel comfortable using will do. My buns prefer to have their nails clipped when they are cradled in the crook of my arm like a baby and they are very relaxed. That leaves one hand free for clipping.

Styptic Powder - stops bleeding if you accidentally cut a little too deep when trimming nails. Pack the nail with plenty of styptic powder. Can also be used to stop bleeding from other wounds.

Betadine Solution - used for cleaning out a wound.

Saline Solution - any kind will do. Used for flushing out debris from your bun's eye.

Electrolyte Replenisher - liquid or powder (Kao Lectrolyte or Pedialite is good). Use whenever your bun is ill and is off his feed and water. My buns love the grape flavor. Watch the expiration date; these expire quickly once opened or mixed.

Petroleum-Based Antibacterial Ointment - any kind will do. Used on a wound after cleaning it out.

Prozyme Enzymatic Food Supplement - improves nutrient absorption. Can be sprinkled on dampened veggies such as shaved carrots. Use 1/8th teaspoon. Some people give it to their buns on almost a daily basis. I only give it to them when they appear to not feel well. Can be purchased through your local vet or through the mail from a pet supply catalog.

Bent-Neck Plungers - for wound cleaning. I usually keep two in the Rabbit Care Kit.

Thermometer and KY Jelly - Get a flexible non-glass thermometer and place KY Jelly on the end. Use to monitor your rabbit's temperature if there are any signs of illness. Be careful to place it in the correct opening (closer to the tail) and not too far!