Giving Medication to Rabbits

Your veterinarian or a veterinary technician will usually demonstrate how to give oral medications, apply eye or ear treatments, or syringe feed your rabbit. However, many rabbits that are calm in the clinic can be surprisingly resistant at home. This handout provides practical tips to help make medicating your rabbit safer, easier, and less stressful for both of you.

Getting Set Up

Choose the right location

Some rabbits cooperate best when medicated on the floor, especially when they are relaxed. If you use a table or countertop:

• Clear the area completely
• Remove glasses, knives, or sharp objects
• Never leave a rabbit unattended on a raised surface

Bunny burrito (towel wrap)

Rabbits that squirm, kick, or nip may need to be wrapped in a “bunny burrito.”

How to do it:

• Place your rabbit on a flat towel
• Wrap the towel snugly (but not tightly) around the body and legs
• Wrapping diagonally (from shoulder toward hip) helps keep the towel secure

Some people prefer to:

• Gently place the towel over the rabbit
• Pick the rabbit up from behind
• Wrap the towel around the hind legs and abdomen

The goal is gentle restraint, not immobilization.

Prepare everything first

Before bringing your rabbit to the area:

• Gather all supplies: towel, medications, syringes, treats
• Unscrew caps
• Measure doses
• Pre-load syringes

This ensures you always have both hands free and avoids scrambling mid-procedure.

Create a routine

Consistency helps reduce stress.

• Medicate in the same place
• Follow the same order
• End the session clearly

Many rabbits respond well to a small reward afterward, such as a raisin or a sprig of parsley.

Administering Medications

Most rabbit medications are given as liquids or topical treatments. Occasionally, injections may be prescribed. If injections are needed, your veterinary team will either administer them or teach you how to do so safely.

Oral medications and syringe feeding

• Position the rabbit facing away from you, with the hind end snug against your body
• This prevents backing up or sudden escapes
• Gently lift the head
• Insert the syringe into the side of the mouth, behind the front teeth

Important tips:

• Avoid the front incisors—some rabbits can bite off syringe tips
• Slowly depress the plunger
• Allow the rabbit time to swallow

This same technique is used for syringe feeding.

Ear medications

• Gently lift the ear flap
• Place the applicator tip into the ear opening
• Administer the prescribed amount
• Gently massage the base of the ear to help the medication travel down the canal

Eye medications

Eye medications may be ointments or drops.

Ointment:

• Use the same positioning as for oral medication
• With the rabbit supported against you, move the tube toward the eye
• Gently hold the eyelid open with your pinky
• Apply a small ribbon of ointment directly onto the eye

Do not touch the tip of the tube to the eye, as this can damage the cornea. Once applied, allow the rabbit to blink. The ointment will spread naturally.

Drops:

• Lift the eyelid
• Hold the bottle just above the eye
• Apply the prescribed number of drops

Drops are sometimes easier for rabbits than ointment.

Important Safety Note on Restraint

One of the most serious risks when handling rabbits is back injury.

• Always keep all four feet supported
• Avoid sudden movements
• Never allow a rabbit to kick forcefully while unsupported

Proper positioning and calm handling greatly reduce risk.

When to Ask for Help

Your safety and your rabbit’s safety are always the top priorities. If at any point:

• You feel uncomfortable
• Your rabbit becomes too stressed
• You are worried about injuring your rabbit

Please contact the hospital at (603) 882-0494. There may be alternative medications, techniques, or support options available.

With patience, preparation, and practice, most owners become very comfortable giving medications at home—and many rabbits learn to tolerate it quite well.

Resources

How to Give Oral and Eye Medications to Rabbits

How to Give Oral and Eye Medications to a Reactive Bunny