If your rabbit gets sick, you may have to give her medication.It can be difficult to give an oral medication to a rabbit.You can give your rabbit oral medication safely if you learn the proper technique.
Step 1: The vet has suggestions.
Before you give your bunny oral medication, make sure to take her to the vet for a checkup.For the time period indicated, give all medication as directed by your doctor.There are a variety of reasons why veterinarians prescribe medication to rabbits.There are pill and liquid forms of oral medication.Talk to your vet if you have questions about the medication.
Step 2: The instructions should be read.
Carefully read the instructions on the pill or liquid container before giving your rabbit the medication.This makes sure that you fully understand the instructions for administering the medication.Make sure you give your rabbit the correct amount of medication.
Step 3: The materials should be gathered.
Before getting your rabbit ready for the medication, you need to gather all the necessary materials.You don't want to have to leave your rabbit to find something when you restrain her.Before catching the rabbit, have the medication, any droppers, and a restraint towel.Good treats can be used to reward a rabbit after a medication session.
Step 4: It's time to clear the room.
Your bunny is very sensitive to stress.You need to keep her calm as you administer the medication.Keep people and pets away from the area to keep it relaxed.
Step 5: Take the medication out.
Take the correct amount of medication to the delivery device.A dropper is usually used for liquid medication.It is important to keep a good hold on your rabbit while you measure out the medication.
Step 6: Put liquid medicine in with a treat.
It is possible to hide liquid medicine in favorite treats and give it to the rabbit.They are good for this.Applesauce, strawberries, and other highly desirable treats can be used to administer medication.If it is a wet treat, like applesauce, you can squirt liquid medication onto it.
Step 7: The bunny should be fed the pill.
If your bunny needs to take a pill, you can try to get it in between the corners of his mouth.Keep your fingers away from the teeth.Give it to her as a treat if this doesn't work.You can put the pills into softer treats like bananas and strawberries.
Step 8: Put the pills in the food.
You can crush the pill if the bunny doesn't take it.You can put the pill over the food or mix it into a treat.If your rabbit won't take a pill, this can help.
Step 9: If your bunny needs to be restrained.
If your rabbit is aggressive, resistant to taking her medication, or won't eat the treats, you should restrain her.When you restrain your rabbit, you will put her in a towel or cloth.A restraining jacket can be purchased in a pet shop.Giving medication to a rabbit is one of the most important parts of being a pet owner.A restrained rabbit can kick out with its back legs and break it's back.If you're not comfortable with restraining your rabbit, a vet can show you how to do it.
Step 10: Put the towel out.
You need a large towel to wrap around your rabbit.Place a large, thick towel on your work surface before you pick up your rabbit.It's important to spread it flat.A towel, blanket, t-shirt, or other type of cloth can be used.The floor or a table top is the working surface.If you want to work on something, choose which will give you enough room to do so.
Step 11: You should gently move your rabbit.
Rabbits get upset.Pick your rabbit up calmly.It will be easier to wrap your bunny if she is calm.If you handle her, she may bite or scratch you.This risk can be reduced by remaining calm.
Step 12: The rabbit should be moved to the towel.
Put your bunny on the towel.Place the bunny 13 of the way down the towel in front of you.The length of the towel should be on one side of your rabbit, and the other side on another.The ends should be long enough to wrap the rabbit around.You should protect her hind legs by handling your bunny.Rabbits can jump, which can cause injury to the spine.You need to hold her in place when you set your rabbit down.Place both hands on her shoulders, or put one on the scruff of her neck.This can help to calm her and prevent her from escaping.
Step 13: The towel should be wrapped around your rabbit.
The towel has a short end.Pull it around the bunny.Leaving the head exposed is what you should do.Put the end under the rabbit.Wrap the towel around the body.Tuck it under your bunny.The rabbit's head should not be open.Wrap the towel around the back of the bunny to keep him from escaping.
Step 14: The helpers technique is used.
You can use the helpers technique if you don't want to wrap your rabbit in a towel.Pick a person to help you.The rabbit's scruff is the skin behind the ears, so hold the rabbit on the table with the help of the helpers.He should hold the rabbit in his arms.The arm should support the legs.Don't lift the rabbit by the scruff or ears.This can hurt your rabbit.
Step 15: The rabbit has a head.
When medicine is hidden in treats, a bunny will resist taking it.Liquid medication can be squirted into the bunny's mouth with a syringe if this is the case.If you attempt to hold the rabbit's head up, you could hurt it or even break its neck, as this is not a natural position.Make sure the bunny's back legs are secure so she doesn't hurt herself.Carefully place your non-dominant hand over the bunny's head.Don't put a lot of pressure on the head.You are trying to keep the bunny from turning away when you give him the medication.
Step 16: Lift the lips.
Place your thumb and fingers on your bunny's face.To lift the lips or cheeks of your bunny, use your thumb and finger.This is done calmly and gently.If you keep your fingers away from your rabbit's snout and teeth, she won't bite you.
Step 17: Take liquid medication into the mouth.
With liquid medication, the nozzle end of the dropper can be gently worked in between the corners of your mouth.The nozzle should be placed behind the front teeth.It helps keep the medication out of the lungs.Then put the medicine in the mouth.The medicine should be squirted in the mouth slowly.Liquid can go into the lungs if you go too fast.Don't put the whole thing in her mouth at the same time.Don't put the dropper too far into the bunny's mouth.You can choke her.She can swallow the medicine if it's put in enough.