First Aid For Pet Rabbits

Every responsible rabbit owner should be readybleeding is incurred. When dealing with an open
for their rabbit to have a medical emergency. Ofwound, first be sure that you have sanitized your
course, if your rabbit is having an emergencyown hands. For a severe cut or laceration, you
taking him to the veterinarian is the first order ofshould wrap the gauze around the bleeding wound
business. However it is also wise to have a firstwith some pressure applied to stem the flow of
aid kit designed specially for rabbits on hand andblood. Keep the gauze on the bleeding wound
to understand the basics of being a firsteven if it becomes blood-soaked. If you remove
responder to a rabbit medical emergency.the bandaging you will also remove the blood clot
A good first aid kit for a rabbit will have athat is forming to prevent further blood loss.
thermometer that you can use to check yourRefrain from using tourniquets as they can cause
rabbit's temperature. Remember, the averagepermanent damage to the rabbit. Get your rabbit
temperature for a rabbit is 101-103 degreesto a vet as quickly as possible.
Fahrenheit. The first aid kit should also include aFor minor cuts and scratches, again make sure
heating pad or water bottles that you can heat upyour hands are clean and apply hydrogen peroxide
in the case of shock from hypothermia. Useto the affected area to disinfect the wound.
caution when applying heating pads or hot waterRemove dirt and other debris that can cause
bottles; never apply them directly to the rabbit'sinfections, and then apply a thin layer of triple
skin as they can cause burns. Put a buffer suchantibiotic ointment. If an infection develops, take
as a towel or blanket in between the heat sourceyour bun to the vet immediately.
and your rabbit.If your rabbit has stopped breathing or moving, or
The first aid kit should also include rubbing alcohol,you notice an infection, there is little you can do in
triple antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide andthe way of first-aid and the best course of action
gauze or bandages in case your rabbit sustains ais to get your bunny to a veterinarian
laceration or some other sort of trauma whereimmediately.