Choking

How to save a choking rabbit using the rabbit heimlich manuver

Adult & Giant Rabbit Heimlich

Baby Rabbit Heimlich

Is my rabbit choking?

The symptoms of choking in rabbits:

  • Head held up and back

  • Gulping head movements (pulling head back towards the neck repeatedly)

  • Gasping mouth movements

  • Liquid or other materials coming out of mouth or nose

  • Frantic face pawing / face wiping

  • Frantic ‘flight’ response (running away) combined with other symptoms

  • Collapsing and gasping for air (note this is also a symptom of other end-of-life causes, like heart attacks, which can’t be cured)

  • Blue lips or gums

Severe rabbit choking

Mickki Langston. (2019). Rabbit Choking Example

Long Island Rabbit Rescue Group. (2023). Choking in Rabbits VIA wabbitwiki.com

After a rabbit chokes

  • Call your rabbit-savvy vet. Your bunny may need to be seen.

  • Your vet may prescribe antibiotics because inhaling liquids or particles can lead to lung infections.

To prevent choking, change the way you feed your rabbit.

  • Suggestions from wabbitwiki.com:

    • Use a puzzle feeder to slow down the rate that rabbits can gobble down foods.

    • Scatter feed your pellets on the floor instead of feeding them in a small bowl.

    • Switch to a larger pellet, like an extruded brand such as Science Selective and Burgess.

    • Water down the pellets to make them into a mash like Critical Care that may slow down consumption.

    • Cut fruits into tiny bites.

    • Have your rabbit checked out by a rabbit-savvy vet to make sure that dental issues aren't predisposing them to choking incidents.

Dancing Rabbit. (2015). A rabbit 25 minutes after a choking episode. NOTE: Rabbits should be immediately rushed to a veterinarian for supportive care after a choking incident. VIA wabbitwiki.com

Seattle-area rabbit veterinarians (non-emergency)