Quick Tips for Relieving Rabbit Bloat: What to Do!
What to Do When a Rabbit Has Gas?
Rabbits have delicate digestive systems, making them prone to bloating due to improper care. Severe cases can lead to issues like enteritis. Therefore, if you notice your rabbit is bloated, it's crucial to stop feeding immediately to prevent the condition from worsening. While fasting, you can offer Timothy hay or gastrointestinal probiotics to stimulate digestion and help alleviate the bloating more quickly.
In cases of bloat caused by indigestion, encourage your rabbit to drink more water to moisten the food in its stomach, facilitating the passage of waste. Additionally, gently massaging your rabbit's stomach in a clockwise motion with two or three fingers can increase gut motility, allowing gas or indigestion to pass more easily. Remember to be gentle during the massage to avoid causing discomfort or pain that might make the rabbit resist.
How to Prevent Rabbit Bloating?
1. Control Feeding: Adjust your rabbit's daily food intake to a manageable amount, feeding at regular times rather than sporadically. Follow the "little and often, at set times" feeding principle for pet care.
2. Increase Exercise: Allow your rabbit to roam and play for at least an hour after eating or whenever you have time to supervise. This helps burn off excess energy and reduces the risk of bloat due to overeating.
3. Probiotics: Incorporate gastrointestinal probiotics into your rabbit's diet to maintain a healthy gut, reducing the likelihood of bloating.
Important Reminder: If your rabbit continues to experience bloating despite treatment, it's advisable to consult a veterinarian immediately. A professional can assess for other underlying health issues and provide appropriate treatment.
