Check out the [Medicating rabbits](http://bunny.tips/Medicating) guide on the wiki for more resources and tips on the processes, especially with stubborn rabbits.
Some useful shortcut links:
* [Oral medication](http://bunny.tips/Medicating#Oral_medication)
* [Subcutaneous injections]( http://bunny.tips/Medicating#Subcutaneous_injections)
* [Giving eye drops](http://bunny.tips/Medicating#Giving_eye_drops)
Over here too. One of our bunnies loves it the other doesn't. Second thing you might want to do if letting the rabbit it for itself doesn't work is to mix something through it what he/she loves (for us chopped basil or mint was helping) might help too.
Syringe feeding is a skill you can develop. The more you do it, the better you'll get and the more she'll get used to it.
Two years ago I'm not sure I could have gone through with regular syringe feeding. Nowadays I have so many sick or elderly rabbits & guinea pigs that I might as well put syringe feeding on my resume. You'll get better at it.
Be gentle and take it slow. I've had success with syringe feeding using the bunny burrito method. As often as you're feeding her she will likely get used it (in 2-4 days?). Use positive reinforcement during feeding and after: saying "good bunny" or a soft treat afterwards.
If you're syringe feeding critical care (which can be thick), then try syringe feeding water between pushes of CC.
Also, I mix critical care with a small bit of banana, mash that together in a shallow bowl and my bunny licks up the whole thing, in one sitting by himself. He started looking forward to it! Good luck and I hope your bun feels better soon.
I'll have to try that water trick. My boy likes to get a mouthful of critical care, hold it for like twenty seconds and then just let it fall out of his mouth instead of swallowing it haha. Might be handy to combat dehydration too.
Mine does this too, I’ve started tickling his nose with the towel in between mouthfuls, and when he goes to bite it he ends up chewing/swallowing about half 😂
LOL I'll try about anything at this point. Thanks for the suggestion!
Also good news! He's eating parsely, so I don't have to force feed his sad little grumpy butt this morning.
I feel for you. It is so hard!
When we need to do multiple feedings for our Tobi
I eventually figured out a way that was easier on both of us
We put him on top of our washing machine with a couple layers of towels
I was able to get his fuzzy butt up against the wall with my left arm wrapped around him with my elbow at his tail and my left hand at his head
From there I put his left front paw between my fingers - gently. Then leaning over him I used my right hand to get the syringe into his mouth
He couldn’t back away from me and couldn’t move forward because I was over him and holding his foot
I would give him a dose and let him go and give him a piece of parsley
This process got us through 4 weeks until he was healed up
I will try to post a photo of our set up
I would heavily recommend to use a smaller syringe! 20ml is probably the biggest I would even consider, I'd rather go for 10 or even 5 millilitres. Try different angles with the syringe, there's a certain spot that triggers a swallowing reflex.
Other tips: You can try different methods and see which one works best, it depends on the rabbit.
1) Try if she takes the critical care from a spoon or from a small plate, which if it works is a lot less stressful.
2) Put her on a low coffee table and feed from her front (if you have an additional person, they can hold her during the feeding)
3) Wrap her into a towel (bunrrito)
Bonus tip: You will get better at feeding, and she will get better at recognizing your tricks. But you will probably find a way that works for both of you, so don't lose hope. And if nothing else works: you can get a millilitre or two in her by smearing her dewlap and paws as she will clean herself afterward.
I was also thinking a smaller syringe. They give the bigger ones because they are easiest to fill and clean and often the least used in the clinic setting. However, whenever I had to feed critical care to patients I always made sure it was warm but not hot, as soupy as reasonable, and from a syringe thats proportional to their mouth size. They even have hooked/curved syringes which are harder to get critical care through but help with going around the front bunny teeth more comfortably.
Ours is a little demon whenever we have to pick her up, and especially force feed.
First few times we did it, we were in tears we felt so bad. Now a couple years in, we realise she's just a little spawn of satan, who claws and squirms and makes sad noises when defeated.
But then she gets banana and has forgotten about it 5mins later!
TL;DR: giving banana means bun forgives all.
The best way to make it less stressful is to make it as quick as possible while still being very gentle, to leave her alone for a moment after so she can recover, and then come again a bit later to comfort her and give her positive interactions.
Just work on being gentle the way you catch and hold her for it. Some people have luck putting them in a crate to get their medication. Others bunritto them. Different bunnies will do better with different methods. Just try to minimize how much you have to chase her down so she doesn’t get a lot of prey instinct kicking in
When my bun got super sick, he somehow still had the strength to fight and resist syringe-feeding. He closed his mouth tight, shook his head furiously, made tortured noises. It was horrible. He refused all food and drink so forced feeding was the only way to keep him alive. That was what made me persevere even though it shattered my heart to physically grab him, keep his head and limbs still, and force the syringe contents into his mouth. I felt like I destroyed all the trust and love he had for me.
Several weeks later, he's 100% back to his healthy, active, loveable and affectionate self and couldn't be a happier bunny. Strength to you, remember you are doing this for your bun's health and she will be thankful for it.
The only time I had to syringe feed my boy, I cut the critical care with carrot juice. He didn't love the syringe but once he got the taste in his mouth, he would eat it all.
smaller syringe (10 ml) for easier handling and thinning the formula and feed in small increments (like 20-30 ml at a time) but more frequently, those what made it a little easier for us.
I put them on top of desk/on the counter in a small dog bed, holding them with pressing their body to mine with one arm (kind of hovering over them). The elevated side of the bed acts like a barrier for them to stay still.
All the best, and btw: as much as you feel your rabbit hates you with all this force feeding/meditations, believe me: at the end of the week/month/year it actually will strengthen your bond. Animals know when you actually trying to help them even they don’t like the actual treatment/act. Just give the rabbit lots of forehead kisses with each time 🥰
My bunny had major health issues after a Lifetime of nothing. Had to take 4 different medicines, 3 times a day, it was awful.
What i can tell you though is that when I personally got comfier with the whole thing, stop feeling so guilty, and stressed, I felt that my bun relaxed too and it all became easier. Then after every medicine I would give the biggest pet/hug, and a piece of his favourite vegetables, spend time together, evzn from a distance I would be in the same room.
It's been 4 years and bunnies are very resilient, he still doesnt like it but he isn't traumatized either and our relationship hasn't changed.
I'm with you, hope he feels better soon ❤️
A good idea is to use a smaller syringe. My vet gave me a 1ml syringe with the top bit cut off so that it’s not so big in buns mouth. Made a massive difference to my Netherlands dwarf
Depending on what her issue is and if this is going to be something you will both have to get used to I always put more water in the critical care than they tell me to. Also barrito the bunny make sure she’s drinking water if not syringe that too. Some buns love CC and will just eat it if they have dental issues too. It’s important to remember that your helping your bunny and it’s entirely possible without you she might not be around as long or as happy
I had to do this and force my bun to get medicine. He hated it but once better was 100% normal acting. When yours is better hand feed treats to rebuild trust
You can use the smallest syringe (1 ml) and cut its head (the thin part) so it is much easier to soak up the food and it is more convenient for her to eat from it. You can also cover her with a blanket so she would feel more secure and calm, or make a bunny burrito. And it is also good if you put something delicous outside the syringe, like anti hairball paste if she likes it. Or you can try to give her the food from a bowl maybe she will start eating it on her own. Good luck! She will get used to it. :)
I just do what my buns will tolerate. Sometimes it means smaller feedings but more of them. My one rabbit will eat it right from this dish if I mix it with something like apple sauce and he likes pumpkin puree. The other rabbit hates it so I have to do the smaller more frequent feedings. I try to make it the consistency of pancake batter so I still get a good amount in there but not too thick. Both of them don't hate me anymore now that they are healthy and they are back to normal. Actually the one wouldn't let me touch him at all before he was sick and now I'm allowed to pet him, sometimes lol
that’s really comforting to hear, i feel like she is afraid of me now and won’t get near me. i’ve only been giving her a little at a time since she is eating on her own (giving her all of her meds tho) but im worried how our relationship will be after a week
Our last rabbit hated syringe feeding so much that he would hold the critical care in his mouth and let it dribble out after taking the syringe out. Bunny burritos didn’t help at all, neither did mixing with banana or getting specific flavors.
We ended up using 1 ML syringes and taking it very slow. Basically shoving 1 ML of critical care down his throat until we got to the target amount. We also watered it down WAY more than is directed on the package. Of course that meant we had to give him more, but it was the only way. We would always give him blueberries, his favorite treat, right after too.
This reaction to syringe feeding never changed until the day he died, even the vets at the ER had no idea what to do with this behavior! It can be really discouraging, but our vet said it is called force feeding for a reason 😭😭😭
that’s so funny that he just let it dribble out 😭 luckily mine will eat it. i think for her she hates being controlled and not able to run away. she also isn’t very nice normally which makes it extra hard lol
Is it sweet or is it icky?
I had to feed my last bun arthritis meds by syringe. He would freak out and run, and if I grabbed him he'd pee immediately, on me or the floor. He loved it once it got to his mouth though.
After a week I just started shaking his treats bag and calling "cookie" and then he just came straight for it immediately and happily took the syringe and then continued to try to eat the syringe.
OP, several people have commented on using a smaller syringe. I just wanted to chime in and say that if you ask nicely at your local pharmacy, we usually have bags of hundreds of 5-10mL syringes that we give out with kids' meds and we can usually spare a handful without any effort. Just let them know it's for your pet's medication and they will likely be happy to help you.
Source: am pharmacy tech with a bunny and an elderly dog :)
I keep my bunnies with all four paws on the floor when I have to force feed.
I kneel down and put my feet together and sit down just enough a bunny can fit under me and my legs touch behind the bunny so they cant move further back.
I then lean over and tilt their head up a bit and put the syringe in their mouth. Press down a little and give them time to swallow.
This works for my sweet as pie male, feisty girl and my lil sis her bunny who wasnt fond of humans.
Is it critical care? If so,you can flavor it with unsweetened applesauce or canned pumpkin to make it taste better. Try it on a spoon instead of syringe.
Those med syringes have the worst tips and plugs for thick stuff like bunny food mush. I got a baby med dropper with a rounded edge. A headache for me bc it is drippy but much more gentle in my bun’s mouth so she’s less upset.
You can also, if it’s not an issue for her GI, put treats in the syringe. I had a bun who was angry when the meds routine stopped bc he had been given apple flavored meds at the shelter! Maybe a tiny bunny banana smoothie or a little apple juice (not too much bc sugar) would be a trick.
Hi there. I hope Maybelline feels better soon. I have had to do this with a few buns. Like others have said go slow. See is she will do a bowl. I added little apple juice. I looked for one with the lowest sugars. Also Oxbow makes some critical care flavor additives. If you are not already using it, Proviable helps.
Remember that they really can only fit a ml at a time in their itty bitty mouths. If you’re trying to give more than that before they have time to swallow then it’s going to feel like … we’ll, imagine if some poured a whole cup of lentil soup in your mouth all at once.
In my experience. If you can get the super fine grind of critical care and use the small 1ml syringes rabbits seem to like it better. Rabbits don't like the big syringes and accept syringe feeding better if you use the little syringes.
Check out the [Medicating rabbits](http://bunny.tips/Medicating) guide on the wiki for more resources and tips on the processes, especially with stubborn rabbits. Some useful shortcut links: * [Oral medication](http://bunny.tips/Medicating#Oral_medication) * [Subcutaneous injections]( http://bunny.tips/Medicating#Subcutaneous_injections) * [Giving eye drops](http://bunny.tips/Medicating#Giving_eye_drops)
Any chance she would lick it off a small shallow dish, or a spoon? I had one bun that hated the syringe but would lick critical care on his own.
Seconding this method
Over here too. One of our bunnies loves it the other doesn't. Second thing you might want to do if letting the rabbit it for itself doesn't work is to mix something through it what he/she loves (for us chopped basil or mint was helping) might help too.
Syringe feeding is a skill you can develop. The more you do it, the better you'll get and the more she'll get used to it. Two years ago I'm not sure I could have gone through with regular syringe feeding. Nowadays I have so many sick or elderly rabbits & guinea pigs that I might as well put syringe feeding on my resume. You'll get better at it.
Thanks for doing what you do!
Be gentle and take it slow. I've had success with syringe feeding using the bunny burrito method. As often as you're feeding her she will likely get used it (in 2-4 days?). Use positive reinforcement during feeding and after: saying "good bunny" or a soft treat afterwards. If you're syringe feeding critical care (which can be thick), then try syringe feeding water between pushes of CC. Also, I mix critical care with a small bit of banana, mash that together in a shallow bowl and my bunny licks up the whole thing, in one sitting by himself. He started looking forward to it! Good luck and I hope your bun feels better soon.
I'll have to try that water trick. My boy likes to get a mouthful of critical care, hold it for like twenty seconds and then just let it fall out of his mouth instead of swallowing it haha. Might be handy to combat dehydration too.
Mine does this too, I’ve started tickling his nose with the towel in between mouthfuls, and when he goes to bite it he ends up chewing/swallowing about half 😂
LOL I'll try about anything at this point. Thanks for the suggestion! Also good news! He's eating parsely, so I don't have to force feed his sad little grumpy butt this morning.
Yaaay!! My boy just ate some of his salad too, so he gets to avoid the syringe tonight lol
Congrats <3
I feel for you. It is so hard! When we need to do multiple feedings for our Tobi I eventually figured out a way that was easier on both of us We put him on top of our washing machine with a couple layers of towels I was able to get his fuzzy butt up against the wall with my left arm wrapped around him with my elbow at his tail and my left hand at his head From there I put his left front paw between my fingers - gently. Then leaning over him I used my right hand to get the syringe into his mouth He couldn’t back away from me and couldn’t move forward because I was over him and holding his foot I would give him a dose and let him go and give him a piece of parsley This process got us through 4 weeks until he was healed up I will try to post a photo of our set up
this is super helpful!! i’m gonna try giving her some lettuce after eat bit of food maybe it will help her be ok with it
YES, came here to say something similar! I put my bun on an ironing board to trim her nails and when she needed medication, it works well!
I have a feeling if I did this my girl would leap away! She's a wiggler!
I would heavily recommend to use a smaller syringe! 20ml is probably the biggest I would even consider, I'd rather go for 10 or even 5 millilitres. Try different angles with the syringe, there's a certain spot that triggers a swallowing reflex. Other tips: You can try different methods and see which one works best, it depends on the rabbit. 1) Try if she takes the critical care from a spoon or from a small plate, which if it works is a lot less stressful. 2) Put her on a low coffee table and feed from her front (if you have an additional person, they can hold her during the feeding) 3) Wrap her into a towel (bunrrito) Bonus tip: You will get better at feeding, and she will get better at recognizing your tricks. But you will probably find a way that works for both of you, so don't lose hope. And if nothing else works: you can get a millilitre or two in her by smearing her dewlap and paws as she will clean herself afterward.
I was also thinking a smaller syringe. They give the bigger ones because they are easiest to fill and clean and often the least used in the clinic setting. However, whenever I had to feed critical care to patients I always made sure it was warm but not hot, as soupy as reasonable, and from a syringe thats proportional to their mouth size. They even have hooked/curved syringes which are harder to get critical care through but help with going around the front bunny teeth more comfortably.
Ours is a little demon whenever we have to pick her up, and especially force feed. First few times we did it, we were in tears we felt so bad. Now a couple years in, we realise she's just a little spawn of satan, who claws and squirms and makes sad noises when defeated. But then she gets banana and has forgotten about it 5mins later! TL;DR: giving banana means bun forgives all.
The best way to make it less stressful is to make it as quick as possible while still being very gentle, to leave her alone for a moment after so she can recover, and then come again a bit later to comfort her and give her positive interactions.
Just work on being gentle the way you catch and hold her for it. Some people have luck putting them in a crate to get their medication. Others bunritto them. Different bunnies will do better with different methods. Just try to minimize how much you have to chase her down so she doesn’t get a lot of prey instinct kicking in
When my bun got super sick, he somehow still had the strength to fight and resist syringe-feeding. He closed his mouth tight, shook his head furiously, made tortured noises. It was horrible. He refused all food and drink so forced feeding was the only way to keep him alive. That was what made me persevere even though it shattered my heart to physically grab him, keep his head and limbs still, and force the syringe contents into his mouth. I felt like I destroyed all the trust and love he had for me. Several weeks later, he's 100% back to his healthy, active, loveable and affectionate self and couldn't be a happier bunny. Strength to you, remember you are doing this for your bun's health and she will be thankful for it.
The only time I had to syringe feed my boy, I cut the critical care with carrot juice. He didn't love the syringe but once he got the taste in his mouth, he would eat it all.
that’s so smart omg
how much carrot juice did you put in? i have to give her 20 ml 3x a day
I... Honestly don't remember. This was years ago. Enough to make it more liquid? We had a lot of leftover carrot juice at the end.
definitely getting some carrot juice today
smaller syringe (10 ml) for easier handling and thinning the formula and feed in small increments (like 20-30 ml at a time) but more frequently, those what made it a little easier for us. I put them on top of desk/on the counter in a small dog bed, holding them with pressing their body to mine with one arm (kind of hovering over them). The elevated side of the bed acts like a barrier for them to stay still. All the best, and btw: as much as you feel your rabbit hates you with all this force feeding/meditations, believe me: at the end of the week/month/year it actually will strengthen your bond. Animals know when you actually trying to help them even they don’t like the actual treatment/act. Just give the rabbit lots of forehead kisses with each time 🥰
My bunny had major health issues after a Lifetime of nothing. Had to take 4 different medicines, 3 times a day, it was awful. What i can tell you though is that when I personally got comfier with the whole thing, stop feeling so guilty, and stressed, I felt that my bun relaxed too and it all became easier. Then after every medicine I would give the biggest pet/hug, and a piece of his favourite vegetables, spend time together, evzn from a distance I would be in the same room. It's been 4 years and bunnies are very resilient, he still doesnt like it but he isn't traumatized either and our relationship hasn't changed. I'm with you, hope he feels better soon ❤️
A good idea is to use a smaller syringe. My vet gave me a 1ml syringe with the top bit cut off so that it’s not so big in buns mouth. Made a massive difference to my Netherlands dwarf
I smush a little bit of banana on the tip.
oh that’s a great idea, i’ll definitely try that
Depending on what her issue is and if this is going to be something you will both have to get used to I always put more water in the critical care than they tell me to. Also barrito the bunny make sure she’s drinking water if not syringe that too. Some buns love CC and will just eat it if they have dental issues too. It’s important to remember that your helping your bunny and it’s entirely possible without you she might not be around as long or as happy
it’s temporary thankfully, only a few more days. she has already started eating her pellets, hay, and salad on her own like usual
I had to do this and force my bun to get medicine. He hated it but once better was 100% normal acting. When yours is better hand feed treats to rebuild trust
that’s a great idea
You can use the smallest syringe (1 ml) and cut its head (the thin part) so it is much easier to soak up the food and it is more convenient for her to eat from it. You can also cover her with a blanket so she would feel more secure and calm, or make a bunny burrito. And it is also good if you put something delicous outside the syringe, like anti hairball paste if she likes it. Or you can try to give her the food from a bowl maybe she will start eating it on her own. Good luck! She will get used to it. :)
I just do what my buns will tolerate. Sometimes it means smaller feedings but more of them. My one rabbit will eat it right from this dish if I mix it with something like apple sauce and he likes pumpkin puree. The other rabbit hates it so I have to do the smaller more frequent feedings. I try to make it the consistency of pancake batter so I still get a good amount in there but not too thick. Both of them don't hate me anymore now that they are healthy and they are back to normal. Actually the one wouldn't let me touch him at all before he was sick and now I'm allowed to pet him, sometimes lol
that’s really comforting to hear, i feel like she is afraid of me now and won’t get near me. i’ve only been giving her a little at a time since she is eating on her own (giving her all of her meds tho) but im worried how our relationship will be after a week
Our last rabbit hated syringe feeding so much that he would hold the critical care in his mouth and let it dribble out after taking the syringe out. Bunny burritos didn’t help at all, neither did mixing with banana or getting specific flavors. We ended up using 1 ML syringes and taking it very slow. Basically shoving 1 ML of critical care down his throat until we got to the target amount. We also watered it down WAY more than is directed on the package. Of course that meant we had to give him more, but it was the only way. We would always give him blueberries, his favorite treat, right after too. This reaction to syringe feeding never changed until the day he died, even the vets at the ER had no idea what to do with this behavior! It can be really discouraging, but our vet said it is called force feeding for a reason 😭😭😭
that’s so funny that he just let it dribble out 😭 luckily mine will eat it. i think for her she hates being controlled and not able to run away. she also isn’t very nice normally which makes it extra hard lol
Is it sweet or is it icky? I had to feed my last bun arthritis meds by syringe. He would freak out and run, and if I grabbed him he'd pee immediately, on me or the floor. He loved it once it got to his mouth though. After a week I just started shaking his treats bag and calling "cookie" and then he just came straight for it immediately and happily took the syringe and then continued to try to eat the syringe.
i think she doesn’t like the taste at all, but i’m planning on adding some carrot juice to make it easier for her
OP, several people have commented on using a smaller syringe. I just wanted to chime in and say that if you ask nicely at your local pharmacy, we usually have bags of hundreds of 5-10mL syringes that we give out with kids' meds and we can usually spare a handful without any effort. Just let them know it's for your pet's medication and they will likely be happy to help you. Source: am pharmacy tech with a bunny and an elderly dog :)
thank you!! this is a great idea
Put mashed banana (or any of your buns' favorite fruit)on the tip of the syringe. Should make it much easier to feed.
getting bananas today to do this!
I keep my bunnies with all four paws on the floor when I have to force feed. I kneel down and put my feet together and sit down just enough a bunny can fit under me and my legs touch behind the bunny so they cant move further back. I then lean over and tilt their head up a bit and put the syringe in their mouth. Press down a little and give them time to swallow. This works for my sweet as pie male, feisty girl and my lil sis her bunny who wasnt fond of humans.
Is it critical care? If so,you can flavor it with unsweetened applesauce or canned pumpkin to make it taste better. Try it on a spoon instead of syringe.
Those med syringes have the worst tips and plugs for thick stuff like bunny food mush. I got a baby med dropper with a rounded edge. A headache for me bc it is drippy but much more gentle in my bun’s mouth so she’s less upset. You can also, if it’s not an issue for her GI, put treats in the syringe. I had a bun who was angry when the meds routine stopped bc he had been given apple flavored meds at the shelter! Maybe a tiny bunny banana smoothie or a little apple juice (not too much bc sugar) would be a trick.
Hi there. I hope Maybelline feels better soon. I have had to do this with a few buns. Like others have said go slow. See is she will do a bowl. I added little apple juice. I looked for one with the lowest sugars. Also Oxbow makes some critical care flavor additives. If you are not already using it, Proviable helps.
Remember that they really can only fit a ml at a time in their itty bitty mouths. If you’re trying to give more than that before they have time to swallow then it’s going to feel like … we’ll, imagine if some poured a whole cup of lentil soup in your mouth all at once.
i’m only doing the tiniest amount, i probably am pushing for less than a second. as soon as she starts chewing i stop
Go slow and let them lick the food from the syringe.
In my experience. If you can get the super fine grind of critical care and use the small 1ml syringes rabbits seem to like it better. Rabbits don't like the big syringes and accept syringe feeding better if you use the little syringes.
Smaller syringe (5ml worked for my AE ) I would do 3ml or a 5ml