Here are some must haves for your new pet. 

• Species Specific Medicine Cabinet (see below for details)

• Species Specific Grooming Kit (see below for details)
• Species Specific Cage/Habitat - Rabbits need a wire bottom cage, Rats can be in Critter Nation cages, and mice can use plastic totes. 
• Food Bowls - We prefer heavy aluminum or ceramic for our rabbits and rats while small ceramic bowls work great for mice.
• Water Bottles - Lixit water bottles for both rabbits (32oz) , Rats (32oz CHEW PROOF), Mice (6-8oz CHEW PROOF)
• Species specific food - We feed PenPal 16% or 18% to our rabbits and Kalmbach 23% to our rodents
• Treats - Fruits, veggies for the rabbits, and fruits, veggies, candy, cereal and more for rodents
• Toys - Cat balls with bells in, TP rolls, Bells, pretty much anything they can throw around
• Carrier(s) - LARGE cat carriers work great for rabbits however rodents can get out of them. For rodents, use Critter Carriers from the local petstore.

Medicine Cabinet

So what should you have at home to help your new pet in case of an emergency??? Check out below for ideas, information and suggestions to make sure your pet is safe and healthy!

Rabbit First Aid Kit

Veterinary Contact Information

While you may not need to go to the vet regularly with a rabbit, it is a good idea to have his or her contact information on hand just in case of an emergency. Keeping a special binder labeled ANIMAL EMERGENCY and keeping it close by is a good idea. 

In here, you can have the contact information of your local exotic vet, your contact information, any medications your pet(s) is/are on, along with other instructions to help make sure your pet is happy and healthy in an emergency. This is also helpful if you have someone house sit or pet sit.

Gauze Pads, Q-Tips, & Vet Wrap

The typical assortment of bandages and cotton pads are very useful in caring for minor wounds or accidents. Gauze pads and cotton pads can be used for cleaning the area surrounding the wound and applying a disinfectant. Q-tips can be used for cleaning the area around the eyes or even cleaning out a rabbit’s scent glands.

Vet Wrap is our preferred choice of bandages as they wont stick to open wounds or the fur of the animal. These can be purchased at your local Tractor Supply or Farm Store.

Bag Balm

Bag Balm is perfect for sore hocks, small scratches and other open wounds. This can be purchased at any farm store. Make sure it's LIVESTOCK BAG BALM and not the moisturizer. 

Disinfectant Solution

Include a disinfectant solution in your first aid kit that you can apply to cuts and scrapes. You can get a pet-safe antimicrobial solution at your local pet store. Vitericyn is a trusted and often recommended brand (view Vitericyn here). This solution even comes in a spray bottle that makes it easy to apply to minor cuts.

You can also use hydrogen peroxide and dilute it with water. Add 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 20 parts water and mix the solution. This would look like ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide added to 5 cups of water. You can put the solution in a spray bottle, or apply it on with your cotton pads.

Nail Clippers

I use dog nail clippers for all my rabbits. This is easier, safer and less stressful for both you and the rabbit. These can be purchased at any pet store or online. Keeping your pets nails trimmed with prevent injury to both you and the animal. Rabbits nails are extremely sharp and can cause serious damage if not maintained.

Styptic Powder/White All Purpose Flour

While many recommend Styptic Powder for stopping nails from bleeding in the case of cutting too short, I recommend white flour. This is safer for the rabbit to in-jest when the clear their feet after returning to their cage.

Syringes & Eye Droppers

Syringes and Eye Droppers can be used to administer medication. I use a variety of sized syringes and eye droppers as we have a few different kinds of animals here. 

Critical Care

This is probably the FIRST thing you should add to your Rabbit Medicine Cabinet. Sometimes, rabbits refuse to eat, get ill, are on antibiotics and just don't look well. While there are several factors in the health or lack there of in your new pet, Critical Care provides that extra boost they need to get back to the 100% healthy animal you know and love. 

Gas Drops

Baby GasX drops are a rabbit parent's best friend. Just like humans, rabbits can become gassy, however, unlike humans, they are not able to release this gas buildup through burping or farting. They need a little help and that's where the gas drops come into play. Just one small drop will help relieve your rabbit of gas and get them back on feed.

Papaya Tablets

Papaya Tablets help prevent hairballs in domestic rabbits. Since rabbits do not have the ability to vomit like cats do to get rid of hairballs, they can develop intestinal blockages and this can be fatal.

Pedialyte/Zero Sugar Gatorade

I have used both sugar free Gatorade and pedialyte to help rehydrate our rabbits incase of dehydration. While this is unavoidable, it can happen. Making sure your pet has fresh water daily will help prevent dehydration however, we can't be home 24/7. On super hot days, dilute 1 part Gatorade/Pedialyte with 2 parts water. Add this to their water bottle and this will help prevent dehydration on super hot days or if you are going to be gone for several hours.

Rabbit Grooming Kit

Slicker Brush

Using a slicker brush will help prevent your pet rabbits from getting hairballs. By brushing your pet rabbit weekly, you can keep them all neat and clean.

Nail Clippers

As stated in the Rabbit First Aid Kit list, we use and recommend nail clippers that are used on dogs. These are easy to use and are less stressful for both you and the rabbit.

Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo is an amazing tool to have when grooming your pet rabbit. Since you can NOT bathe your rabbit in water like you would your dog or cat, this helps maintain a healthy coat.

Cotton Balls

Cotton Balls are used to clean out the ears and around the eyes of your pet.

Q-Tips

These can be used to help clean the scent glands of your pet rabbit. While not needed, it is recommended to check them once a month and if they are blocked, use a q-tip to gently remove the blocked glands. 

Unscented or Cucumber Baby Wipes

Baby wipes have many uses when caring for your rabbit. They can be used to clean their bottoms in case of messy potty time, clean paws if dirty, and general cleaning of their enclosure.

Rodent First Aid Kit

Veterinary Contact Information

While you may not need to go to the vet regularly with a rabbit, it is a good idea to have his or her contact information on hand just in case of an emergency. Keeping a special binder labeled ANIMAL EMERGENCY and keeping it close by is a good idea. 

In here, you can have the contact information of your local exotic vet, your contact information, any medications your pet(s) is/are on, along with other instructions to help make sure your pet is happy and healthy in an emergency. This is also helpful if you have someone house sit or pet sit.

Gauze Pads, Q-Tips, & Vet Wrap

The typical assortment of bandages and cotton pads are very useful in caring for minor wounds or accidents. Gauze pads and cotton pads can be used for cleaning the area surrounding the wound and applying a disinfectant. 

Vet Wrap is our preferred choice of bandages as they wont stick to open wounds or the fur of the animal. These can be purchased at your local Tractor Supply or Farm Store.

Disinfectant Solution

Include a disinfectant solution in your first aid kit that you can apply to cuts and scrapes. You can get a pet-safe antimicrobial solution at your local pet store. Vitericyn is a trusted and often recommended brand (view Vitericyn here). This solution even comes in a spray bottle that makes it easy to apply to minor cuts.

You can also use hydrogen peroxide and dilute it with water. Add 1 part hydrogen peroxide to 20 parts water and mix the solution. This would look like ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide added to 5 cups of water. You can put the solution in a spray bottle, or apply it on with your cotton pads.

Nail Clippers

I use human toenail clippers for all my rodents. This is easier, safer and less stressful for both you and the rabbit. These can be purchased at any pet store or online. Keeping your pets nails trimmed with prevent injury to both you and the animal. Rodents nails are extremely sharp and can cause serious damage if not maintained.

Styptic Powder

While many recommend Styptic Powder for stopping nails from bleeding in the case of cutting too short, I recommend white flour. This is safer for the animal to in-jest when the clear their feet after returning to their cage.

Syringes & Eye Droppers

Syringes and Eye Droppers can be used to administer medication. I use a variety of sized syringes and eye droppers as we have a few different kinds of animals here. 

Critical Care

This is probably the FIRST thing you should add to your Pet Medicine Cabinet. Sometimes, animals refuse to eat, get ill, are on antibiotics and just don't look well. While there are several factors in the health or lack there of in your new pet, Critical Care provides that extra boost they need to get back to the 100% healthy animal you know and love. 

Pedialyte/Zero Sugar Gatorade

I have used both sugar free Gatorade and pedialyte to help rehydrate our animals incase of dehydration. While this is unavoidable, it can happen. Making sure your pet has fresh water daily will help prevent dehydration however, we can't be home 24/7. On super hot days, dilute 1 part Gatorade/Pedialyte with 2 parts water. Add this to their water bottle and this will help prevent dehydration on super hot days or if you are going to be gone for several hours.

Local Veterinarians that see exotic animals

Yes, rabbits, rats, mice, reptiles, amphibians, arachnids, and many more are considered EXOTIC animals. Pretty much anything other than a dog or cat is considered exotic. Part of owning an exotic pet is vet care. While not always a scheduled visit, emergencies happen and you need to know who can or will see your new pet. 

*Disclaimer:

We are not a licensed veterinary office, Any medical advice we provide is based solely on our personal experience. Below, you will find a list of vets that either we have personally used or someone that has gotten animals from us has recommended. For ALL Bloomington/Normal vets listed, we can vouch for them as excellent clinics and would recommend them to anyone that purchases from us. Please click the link for the vet you wish to see to go directly to their site. For questions on pricing, hours and more, contact the vet clinic directly.

*Please be aware that vet care for exotics is extremely expensive. While it doesn't happen often, emergencies happen and you need to be prepared.