How To: Give medication to a rabbit

Just like the rest of us, rabbits will take medicine more easily if it tastes good. But if you're stuck with the old-fashioned, bad-tasting kind, here's how to make the medicine go down. Watch this video to learn how to give medication to a rabbit.

Step 1. Measure out medicine

Have the correct measured dose of medicine ready in an eyedropper or medicine syringe.

Step 2. Prepare after-medication treat

Stash an after-medication treat, like a raisin or a small piece of apple, in a convenient spot so you can get to it as soon as you're done.

Step 3. Arrange your seat

Arrange your chair, bench, or stool in the place you plan to dose Bun-bun.

Step 4. Pick up rabbit

Pick up the bunny as calmly as you can, speaking soothingly while you do. Wrap her tightly in the towel—think "bunny burrito"—so that she can't get her legs free to kick or scramble around.

Step 5. Take a seat

Take a seat, both of you! Sit down on the chair, stool, or bench with the bunny held firmly on your lap.

Step 6. Hold rabbit firmly

Tucking the rabbit firmly under one arm, hold her against your body. If you're right-handed, use your left arm. If you're left-handed, use your right arm.

Step 7. Grip rabbit's head

With the hand that's holding the bunny, grip her head. Use your thumb to pry her lips open.

Step 8. Insert eyedropper or syringe in rabbit's mouth

Still, gripping the bunny's head and holding open her lips, use your other hand to slide the filled eyedropper or syringe into her mouth.

Step 9. Squirt medicine

Squirt the medicine as far back into the bunny's throat as you can. Hold her mouth closed for a few seconds.

Step 10. Expose treat

Show the rabbit her treat before you place her carefully on the floor and remove the towel.

Step 11. Take heart

It would be great if rabbits knew you were doing this all for their own good, but take heart.

FACT: A five-pound rabbit drinks as much water as a twenty-pound dog.