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how to give a reluctant rabbit meds?

A

Aurora

Mama Doe
Sorry if I'm posting this in the wrong section, but we're struggling to successfully syringe the prescribed antibiotics to Akpo :( She's taken her dose for today in an apple, but I've read that we shouldn't give her much natural sugar.

Has anyone got any handy tips? We've tried wrapping her to restrain her kicking but it just stresses her out more.

Please help. :(
 
The way I try to give meds is to let the rabbit stay on the floor with all paws on the ground. I then put a hand between his/her shoulders as most seem to stay put with a hand there. I then slip the syringe in the side of the mouth and syringe in.

I think this is less stressful for them than proper restraining as they have the security of being on the floor. Hope this helps :wave:
 
I put mine on a towel on a table in front of me, restraining them gently of course, I lean over and holding a hand over their head i gently lift the top lip and insert syringe - hold tight and/or get a lovely assistant to help you!

If you can get them to eat it in or on food it's easiest but you are right that you don't want to increase sugar in the diet as it could upset the tummy especially as the antibiotics are prone to do this anyway. Some people allow the meds to soak in to a little piece of dry bread or a fenugreek crunchie. You could try mixing a little dish of finely shredded veg, whatever bunny normally has along with some tasty aromatic herbs like corriander leaves or a little grated carrot/apple (grating makes a little go a long way) and mix in the meds.

Has the vet given probiotics too?

Good luck!
 
Dustyrabbit said:
I put mine on a towel on a table in front of me, restraining them gently of course, I lean over and holding a hand over their head i gently lift the top lip and insert syringe - hold tight and/or get a lovely assistant to help you!

If you can get them to eat it in or on food it's easiest but you are right that you don't want to increase sugar in the diet as it could upset the tummy especially as the antibiotics are prone to do this anyway. Some people allow the meds to soak in to a little piece of dry bread or a fenugreek crunchie. You could try mixing a little dish of finely shredded veg, whatever bunny normally has along with some tasty aromatic herbs like corriander leaves or a little grated carrot/apple (grating makes a little go a long way) and mix in the meds.

Has the vet given probiotics too?

Good luck!
Click to expand...

No she hasn't been prescribed probiotics, does she need these? What do I need to do?

Thanks for the tips guys. We're going shopping in a bit so I'll make sure I've got plenty of food we can try to hide the meds in. I think dry bread may work best, as she often tries to steal our crusts when we have toast.
 
The bread thing has worked a treat so far. Will make a note of the other things I can put it in though :)

Thanks for all your help.
 
I put Mae on a table with a towel underneath her for some grip. turn her so her bum is against my stomach and put index finger under her chin and thumb across the back of her neck and tilt her head back a little (whilst leaning over so I can see her mouth) only far enough that I can see the difference between her chin and her mouth :lol: then put the syringe in the side of her mouth (bhind her front teeth if she had some)
 
I mush some banana up (the tiniest bit), add in the meds & let Rodge lick the gooey banana liquid straight from the syringe! :D I find this gets them used to syringes, like a sort of treat!
 
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