Rabbits are prey animals. In the wild, showing weakness makes them targets. That instinct stays with them in your home — they hide signs of illness until they can no longer hide them. By the time a rabbit shows clear symptoms, the problem is often serious. This is why having a first aid plan matters. Knowing what to do before an emergency happens can save your rabbit's life.

Build a Rabbit First Aid Kit

Keep a kit at home and a smaller travel version in your car.

At-Home Kit Contents

• Digital kitchen scale — Weigh your rabbit weekly. Weight loss is often the first sign of trouble.
• Critical care formula — Powdered recovery food (Oxbow Critical Care or similar). Mix with water and syringe-feed if your rabbit stops eating.
• Feeding syringes — 1mL and 10mL syringes without needles.
• Pedialyte or plain unflavored electrolyte solution — For hydration support.
• Styptic powder — For bleeding nails if you trim too close. Flour works in a pinch.
• Sterile saline wound wash — For cleaning small wounds.
• Gauze pads and rolls — For wound dressing.
• Self-adhesive wrap (Vetrap or similar) — Holds dressings in place without sticking to fur.
• Blunt-tip scissors — For trimming fur around wounds.
• Cotton balls and swabs
• Heating pad — Set to low. Rabbits lose heat quickly when sick.
• Towel or fleece — For wrapping and restraining a stressed rabbit.
• Hard-sided carrier — For safe transport.
• Emergency vet contact list — Numbers for your regular vet and a 24-hour emergency rabbit vet.

Travel Kit (Smaller)

• Critical care packets
• 10mL syringe
• Saline wound wash
• Gauze pad
• Heating pad (or chemical heat pack)
• Emergency vet numbers in your phone

Know Normal Before You Need Emergency Info

Write these numbers down and keep them visible:

• Normal body temperature: 101 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit
• Normal heart rate: 120 to 150 beats per minute (can be higher when stressed)
• Normal respiratory rate: 30 to 60 breaths per minute
• Normal droppings: Round, firm, dark pellets. Changes in size, shape, or consistency can indicate problems.

Common Emergencies and What to Do

GI Stasis

GI stasis is one of the most common rabbit emergencies. The digestive system slows or stops completely.

Signs:

• No droppings for 12+ hours
• Small, misshapen, or dry droppings
• Hunched posture
• Reduced or no appetite
• Bloated stomach

What to do:

1. Do not force-feed solid food if your rabbit is completely blocked.
2. Try to get your rabbit moving — gentle walking can stimulate the gut.
3. Offer warm water in a syringe (a few drops at a time).
4. Apply a heating pad on low to the stomach area.
5. Call your vet immediately. GI stasis can be fatal within hours.

Heatstroke

Rabbits cannot sweat or pant effectively. Temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit put them at risk.

Signs:

• Heavy panting
• Drooling
• Floppy ears that feel hot
• Weakness or collapse
• Bright red gums

What to do:

1. Move your rabbit to a cool area immediately.
2. Wet the ears with cool (not cold) water.
3. Place a cool, damp towel over the body — avoid the face.
4. Offer cool water in small amounts.
5. Get to a vet. Heatstroke can be fatal.

Bleeding

From a wound:

1. Stay calm. Your rabbit picks up on your stress.
2. Apply firm pressure with a clean gauze pad for 3 to 5 minutes.
3. Do not remove the pad to check. Add another layer if needed.
4. Once bleeding slows, secure the dressing and see a vet.

From a nail trim:

1. Apply styptic powder or flour to the bleeding nail.
2. Hold pressure for 30 seconds.
3. If bleeding does not stop within 5 minutes, call the vet.

Difficulty Breathing

Signs:

• Open-mouth breathing (this is always an emergency in rabbits)
• Wheezing or rattling
• Labored chest movement
• Blue or pale gums

What to do:

1. Keep your rabbit calm and quiet.
2. Do not handle excessively.
3. Get to an emergency vet immediately.
4. Bring any medications your rabbit is taking.

Seizures

What to do:

1. Do not restrain your rabbit.
2. Move objects away so your rabbit does not injure themselves.
3. Time the seizure if possible.
4. After the seizure, keep your rabbit warm and quiet.
5. Call your vet or go to the emergency clinic. A seizure lasting more than 2 minutes is critical.

Flystrike

Flystrike occurs when flies lay eggs on a rabbit, usually around soiled fur. The maggots burrow into the skin and cause severe damage within hours.

Prevention:

• Keep your rabbit's living area clean
• Check your rabbit's bottom twice daily in warm months
• Groom regularly, especially long-haired rabbits
• Use fly screens or keep rabbits indoors during peak fly season

Signs:

• Lethargy
• A strong smell
• Wet or soiled fur around the hindquarters
• Maggots visible in fur

What to do:

1. This is an emergency. Get to the vet immediately.
2. Do not try to remove maggots yourself.
3. Keep your rabbit warm and calm during transport.

When to Go to the Vet Immediately

Call your vet or an emergency rabbit clinic if you see:

• Any signs of GI stasis (no droppings, bloated stomach)
• Open-mouth breathing
• Head tilt or loss of balance
• Seizure activity
• Bleeding that will not stop
• Collapse or extreme weakness
• Not eating for more than 12 hours
• Suspected broken bone
• Flystrike
• Difficulty giving birth
• Eye injury

Finding a Rabbit-Savvy Vet

Not all veterinarians treat rabbits. Before you need one, find a vet who does.

• Search the House Rabbit Society Vet Finder
• Call your local veterinary school's exotic animal department
• Ask local rabbit rescues for recommendations
• Keep the number for a 24-hour emergency clinic saved

Keep Records

Start a health journal for your rabbit. Track:

• Weight (weekly)
• Eating and drinking habits
• Dropping consistency and frequency
• Any behavioral changes
• Vet visits and what was discussed

These notes help your vet identify patterns and catch problems early.

The Bottom Line

Rabbits are experts at hiding illness. Owning one means being proactive — having a kit ready, knowing normal, and acting fast when something seems off. The more familiar you are with your rabbit's daily routine, the sooner you will notice when something is wrong.

A first aid plan will not replace veterinary care, but it will help you respond quickly when minutes matter.