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Rabbit First Aid Kit — What to Buy
Everything you need to handle minor rabbit emergencies at home — and when to skip the kit and go straight to the vet
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary care. Always consult a qualified rabbit-savvy veterinarian for health concerns.
🚨 First: When to Go Straight to the Vet
A first aid kit handles minor issues. These symptoms mean your rabbit needs professional care NOW — do not wait:
- No eating or drinking for 12+ hours — can cause fatal fatty liver
- No droppings for 12+ hours — possible GI stasis
- Severe or uncontrolled bleeding
- Difficulty breathing — open mouth breathing is an extreme emergency
- Head tilt with loss of balance — E. cuniculi or ear infection
- Bloated or hunched posture with loud gut sounds — bloat risk
- Temperature below 99°F (37°C) or above 104°F (40°C)
Your regular vet's number and the nearest 24-hour emergency clinic should be posted visibly — not buried in your phone. Fill out the Emergency Contact Card at the bottom of this printable.
Essential Supplies — Must Have
🩹 Wound Care
Gauze Pads and Rolls View on Amazon ↗
Why you need it: Apply pressure to bleeding wounds — the first treatment for cuts and scrapes
How much: 2-3 rolls in various sizes + 10-20 gauze pads
Approximate cost: $8–$15
Sterile Saline Solution View on Amazon ↗
Why you need it: Clean debris from wounds, flush eyes, rinse skin irritations safely
How much: 2-3 bottles (8 oz each)
Approximate cost: $5–$10
Tweezers and Scissors View on Amazon ↗
Why you need it: Remove debris, stickers, or foreign material from wounds
How much: 1 fine-point tweezers, 1 small blunt-edge scissors
Approximate cost: $5–$12
Disposable Gloves View on Amazon ↗
Why you need it: Protect yourself and keep wounds clean when handling an injured rabbit
How much: 10-20 pairs (nitrile, powder-free)
Approximate cost: $8–$15
💊 Nail and Minor Injury Care
Styptic Powder or Styptic Pencil View on Amazon ↗
Why you need it: Stops bleeding from nail trim accidents — dipping the nail in powder for 10-15 seconds usually stops bleeding quickly
How much: 1 container or 1 styptic pencil
Approximate cost: $5–$8
🍽️ Emergency Feeding
Critical Care — Powdered Recovery Food View on Amazon ↗
Why you need it: When a rabbit stops eating, their gut can shut down within 24-48 hours causing fatal fatty liver. Critical Care mixed with water and syringe-fed keeps the gut moving until you reach the vet. Have this before you need it.
How much: 1 bag (14oz) — enough for several emergency feeding sessions
Approximate cost: $20–$28
How to use: Mix 1 part Critical Care powder with 2-3 parts warm water to a paste. Feed 10-15ml per kilogram of body weight every 2-3 hours. Your vet can advise on exact amounts.
Syringes (1ml, 3ml, 10ml) View on Amazon ↗
Why you need it: 1ml for precise medication dosing. 3ml for general feeding. 10ml+ for hydration if your vet instructs you to give subcutaneous fluids.
How much: 5 of each size (15 total)
Approximate cost: $8–$15
Important: Use oral syringes only — no needles
🌡️ Monitoring
Digital Thermometer View on Amazon ↗
Why you need it: Normal rabbit temperature is 101-103°F (38.3-39.4°C). Fever above 104°F or hypothermia below 99°F both require immediate vet care.
How much: 1 digital thermometer (flexible tip is easier to use)
Approximate cost: $8–$15
How to use: Lubricate the tip with K-Y jelly or similar. Gently insert about 1 inch into the rectum. Hold until beep. Digital thermometers usually beep when done.
Optional — Nice to Have
Emollient shampoo For skin conditions, dry fur, or mild irritation — use rabbit-safe formulas only
Baby oatmeal bath (Aveeno) Soothes skin irritation from mites or mild dermatitis
Simethicone (gas drops) 1-2 ml for mild gas discomfort — can help in early GI stasis — not a substitute for vet care
Bacitracin antibiotic ointment For minor skin wounds — avoid products with pain-killing ingredients (neomycin, pramoxine)
Small flashlight or headlamp Easier to see inside ears, mouth, or wounds in an emergency
Heating pad (microwavable) For shock or hypothermia — use on low, wrap in towel, never directly on rabbit
Paper towels and trash bags Cleaning supplies for messy situations
Rabbit nail clippers For trimming nails if they get caught or tear — keep with the kit
Cost Summary
Item Approximate Cost
Gauze pads and rolls $8–$15
Sterile saline solution $5–$10
Styptic powder $5–$8
Critical Care (14oz bag) $20–$28
Syringes ( assorted sizes) $8–$15
Digital thermometer $8–$15
Tweezers and scissors $5–$12
Disposable gloves $8–$15
Total Essential Kit $67–$118
📇 Emergency Contact Card
Print this card, fill it in, and tape it to your first aid kit lid or keep it in your wallet.
Rabbit Emergency Contacts
My Rabbit's Name:
Regular Vet — Name:
Regular Vet — Phone:
Regular Vet — Address:
24-Hour Emergency Vet — Name:
24-Hour Emergency Vet — Phone:
24-Hour Emergency Vet — Address:
ASPCA Poison Control (888-426-4435):
✅ Keep Your Kit Ready
- Store in a clean, dry, accessible location — not buried in a closet
- Check every 6 months: replace expired items, check thermometer batteries
- Restock Critical Care if you use it — do not let it run out
- Update emergency contact numbers if they change
- Tell anyone who cares for your rabbit where the kit is located
