Prepare an Emergency Kit
Author: Larissa Church
Journal Issue: House Rabbit Journal, Winter 2020
“When in doubt, go to the vet” is a bunny parent’s mantra. There’s no substitute for seeing a rabbit-savvy veterinarian* and getting your rabbit the professional instruction and care they need, especially in an emergency.
However, due to COVID-19 protocols, staffing shortages, and other challenges at veterinary offices, it may be difficult right now to get an immediate appointment with your vet, or even get to an emergency vet. It’s a good idea to have a first aid kit with emergency supplies on hand in case your rabbit isn’t able to see a vet right away.
Remember, a first aid kit is not a replacement for going to a rabbit-savvy veterinarian when there is an emergency. A first aid kit can help you keep your rabbit stable until they can see a vet.
Photographed above are 1) a digital thermometer, 2) an oral syringe, 3) critical care recovery food, 4) bandages, and 5) a cuddle pod
When putting together your emergency kit, we recommend including:
Medical Supplies
Taking Bunny’s Temperature
Digital thermometer (a rabbit’s normal temperature is 101-103°F) – Practice taking your rabbit’s temperature before it’s an emergency!
Water-based lubricant, like KY Jelly, to lubricate the thermometer
Heating pad or disc, to keep your rabbit warm, if needed.
Cooling pad/ice packs, to cool your rabbit, if needed.
Only heat or cool a rabbit after taking their temperature!
When Bunny Won’t Eat or Looks Uncomfortable
Stethoscope, to listen for gut sounds
Mini hand massager – move side to side and up and down on rabbit’s abdomen to help move gas
Infant gas drops (simethicone) – While simethicone may not do anything if a rabbit has gas, it’s unlikely to hurt, and anecdotally some people feel it helps their rabbit; however, do not wait to seek veterinary attention.
Blanket or cuddle pod5 to safely secure your rabbit for syringe feeding and/or medications
Wound Care
Hydrogen peroxide, to clean blood off fur or check for blood in urine, seeing if it fizzes
Pet-safe wound care spray, like Vetericyn
Neosporin or Polysporin for minor cuts and bite wounds (not the kind with “pain relief,” generic OK)
Q-tips and cotton balls
Gauze and self-adherent bandages4, like VetWrap or CoFlex
Styptic powder or cornstarch to stop bleeding if a nail is cut too close to the quick
Other Medical Items
Oral syringes (1mL syringes for medicine)
Saline solution or veterinary eyewash to flush eyes
Bulb syringe to clear mucus out of nostril or administer an enema
Support Food and Hydration
Recovery food, like Oxbow’s Critical Care, for syringe feeding if your rabbit stops eating
Oral syringes (35 mL catheter tip syringes for feeding)
Canned pumpkin (not pie filling) to mix with Critical Care, if needed, for extra fiber and taste
Pedialyte (unflavored), or apple juice for hydration
Household Items
Tweezers to remove debris
Blunt scissors to safely trim fur away from a wound or mats (we like children’s Fiskars safety scissors)
Small flashlight to look in ears, eyes, examine wounds, and to backlight dark nails for nail trims
Washcloth to do a warm compress for a weepy eye or abscess
Reviewed by HRS staff
