Tips for Giving Oral Meds to a Resistant Rabbit
Administering oral medication to a pet rabbit can be a challenging task, especially if your rabbit is resistant to taking the medication. However, with a few tips and tricks, you can make the process less stressful for both you and your furry friend.
So many pet owners stop giving a medication because it’s uncomfortable and they feel like they are torturing their much loved pet. However, your rabbit cannot advocate for themself and they depend on you to help them live a healthy life. Don’t feel guilty about “not being good” at giving the meds, but instead feel good about learning to work towards the healthiest life possible together, as a pet and parent team. Since rabbits tend to be on the higher side of the anxiety spectrum, it’s crucial to approach this task with patience and kindness.
And before we start, I want to make it clear that if none of these techniques work for you, don’t be shy in asking for your vet’s help. They will be thrilled with your perserverance in doing what’s right for your rabbit. And no one is good at giving meds the first time! It takes practice. You’ve got this!
Start the process when you are feeling relaxed and calm. We all know that our pets feel our feelings! Have a glass of wine, put on lofi music, whatever chills you out.
Use a syringe. Using a syringe (without the needle) to administer the medication allows you to control the amount of medication your rabbit receives and can be less intimidating for them than a pill.
Hide the medication in food. Mixing the medication with your rabbit's favorite treat or food can make it more appealing and easier for them to swallow.
Use positive reinforcement. Reward your rabbit with treats and praise after they have taken the medication. This will help create a positive association with the medication and make it less stressful for them in the future.
Get a vet's help. If you are having trouble administering the medication, your veterinarian can demonstrate the best way to give it to your rabbit and can also provide you with different options such as flavored medication or compounded medication.
Try different times. Some rabbits may be more receptive to taking medication in the morning or at night when they are more relaxed. Experiment with different times to see which works best for your rabbit.
Make sure the medication is at the right temperature. Some rabbits may refuse to take medication that is too cold or too warm, so make sure to give it at room temperature.
It's also important to remember that administering medication to a resistant rabbit can be a time-consuming task, so it's important to be patient and not to rush the process. Don’t do this 5 minutes before you have to leave for work. With a little bit of patience and kindness, you can successfully administer oral medication to your resistant rabbit and keep them healthy.
Finally, always consult with a veterinarian before administering any medication to your rabbit, as they can provide you with the right dosage and the right medication for your rabbit's condition.
