{"id":279,"date":"2021-01-27T19:04:45","date_gmt":"2021-01-27T19:04:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rabbitinformer.com\/?p=279"},"modified":"2021-08-25T15:01:28","modified_gmt":"2021-08-25T15:01:28","slug":"the-10-best-foods-for-rabbits-with-diarrhea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rabbitinformer.com\/the-10-best-foods-for-rabbits-with-diarrhea\/","title":{"rendered":"The 10 Best Foods for Rabbits With Diarrhea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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If your rabbit has diarrhea, that can be a little scary. Diarrhea is a sign of gastrointestinal problems and needs to be treated immediately by a veterinarian professional. But there are some things you can do at home to help your little friend get better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best food to give your rabbit is unlimited hay if they have diarrhea due to mucoid enteropathy, antibiotic-induced toxicity, stress, or poor diet. If your rabbit refuses to eat, certain leafy greens may be given. Additionally, your rabbit should be drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your rabbit has diarrhea, continue reading below to find out how to fix it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Causes of Diarrhea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before you decide what to feed your rabbit, you must first determine if what your rabbit has is diarrhea and if so, what has caused it. To make sure you know what you are treating your rabbit for, please take your rabbit to a veterinarian with rabbit expertise<\/strong>. Diarrhea is not common in rabbits and needs to be treated as soon as possible otherwise it may be fatal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intermittent Soft Cecotropes <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The first thing you need to know about cecotropes is that it is not <\/strong>diarrhea and is actually healthy for your rabbit. If you see normal feces with other watery droppings, or if the droppings look like thick pudding or blobs, your rabbit has cecotropes. Rabbits actually need to eat the soft cecotropes to maintain good nutrition. Weird, I know. If you see your rabbit eating their droppings, they probably have cecotropes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This type of dropping is important for a rabbit’s nutrition. In fact, rabbits cannot live without them. The cecotropes are full of bacteria and fungi that the rabbit naturally produces that are beneficial for them. If your rabbit’s cecotropes are more liquid than normal, they may have diarrhea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on cecotropes, visit The Scoop on Poop section on sandiegorabbits.org<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muciod Enteropathy <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is a diarrheal disease that is fatal in most young rabbits. If your rabbit has mucoid enteropathy, their diarrhea will contain a lot of mucus with a gooey consistency. Although the cause of this disease is still unknown, some contributing factors may include stress, low dietary fiber, intestinal infections, diet changes, or antibiotic treatments. A proper diet will help prevent this disease from occurring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antibiotic-Induced Toxicity <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Certain antibiotics should never<\/strong> be administered to your rabbit orally. Such antibiotics include penicillin, clindamycin, amoxicillin, lincomycin, ampicillin, and cephalosporin. These antibiotics will suppress the natural, healthy bacteria in your rabbit’s intestines and result in severe diarrhea. If your rabbit has diarrhea after administering medication given to you by your veterinarian, STOP <\/strong>giving them the medication and contact your veterinarian immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unbalanced Diet <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

An unbalanced diet is the most common cause of diarrhea in rabbits. Typically, your rabbit’s diet should be 80% grass hays. Common grass hays such as oat hay, alfalfa hay, Timothy hay, and meadow hay are the best options. These hays are high in the fiber that your rabbit desperately needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other fruits and veggies are a good treat for your furry friend, but too much sugar will be harmful to your rabbit’s gastrointestinal tract. If your rabbit is eating too much sugar and not enough fiber, that may be contributing to their loose bowel movements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stress<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, stress is a common contributor to making rabbits sick. Rabbits may feel stressed with small children handling them, or if other pets, such as cats and dogs, also live in the house. Because rabbits are prey animals, they may feel threatened with other natural predator pets around. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rabbits may also feel stressed if they have changed environments. Any changes to your rabbit’s typical habitat may result in high levels of stress. Be aware of your sensitive friend to make the changes necessary to make them comfortable. If you have just acquired your rabbit, be conscious of their stress levels and give them time to adjust to their new surroundings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

DID YOU KNOW?<\/strong><\/p>

Pet rabbits in some areas of the world should get vaccines. To find out in what areas of the world this is necessary to prevent some very serious diseases, and what vaccines should be given, see my article all about vaccines for pet rabbits here<\/a>.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Treating Diarrhea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Once you have visited your veterinarian and know what ailment your rabbit is struggling with, you can determine what to feed your rabbit. Consider the following suggestions if your rabbit does indeed have diarrhea: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Limit Your Rabbit’s Diet<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Remove any feed, veggies, or fruit from your rabbit’s food bowl and give them unlimited grass hay full of fiber. If your rabbit is on a diet of pellets, keep the pellets in their bowl and increase the amount of hay they are given. Try different types of hay if they are not interested in the one you have given them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some people hesitate to give their rabbits unlimited amounts of hay, but the fact is, it’s incredibly good for them and it’s ok to provide them with as much as they want. My article all about providing unlimited amounts of hay in your rabbit’s diet (here)<\/a> will also tell you which varieties of hay are the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stop giving them treats.<\/strong> I know it can be difficult not to give in to their big eyes and fluffy faces, but the sugar could make the situation even worse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep Them Hydrated<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Make sure your rabbit is staying hydrated<\/strong>. With your rabbit not feeling well, dehydration can be a major concern. Change your rabbit’s water frequently. If your rabbit refuses to drink, try some of these tips for getting rabbits to drink water<\/a>. If all else fails, they may need injections of Lactated Ringers Solution under their skin. Please take your rabbit to a trusted veterinarian for these injections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leafy Greens (Rare Option)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

If your rabbit is unable or refuses to eat, get them to a veterinarian as soon as possible<\/strong>. In rare cases, as directed by your vet, you may give your rabbit the following leafy greens to stimulate them to eat: <\/p>\n\n\n\n