New Year

Question
Hello.

I have a small rabbit.

She is sterialized. She is 10 months old. She is of the breed Little Rex an lives inside as a house-rabbit and has a lot of space to play and jump in.

A few months ago an idiot firered some fireworks just outside my appartment and she got so scared so she actually freezed, and then I couldn't get hold of her as she was running away from me in panic, when I tried to get her inside her cave, where she feels safe.

I am looking for something I can put in her food to calm her in those 3-4 weeks there will be fireworks.

What can you recommend?

My vet doesn't know anything that I can give her.

I hope you can help me.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Boesen.

Answer
Dear Charlotte,

Ask your vet about getting a small dose of ativan or diazepam, a gentle sedative, to help your bunny remain calm for the fireworks.  It takes about 45-60 minutes to work, and lasts about 8 hours.  If possible, put her in her "cave" before the fireworks begin, and cover with towels so she feels secure.  If you have a way to close the windows and make your place a bit more soundproof, any of those precautions would be a good idea, too.

I'm surprised your bunny was frightened by the fireworks.  All our bunnies are initially a little startled by the fireworks show that goes on every July 4th right next to our house (and these are BIG fireworks!), but then they settle down and don't really seem to care.  I hope maybe your bunny will be no more than a little upset at first, but then will realize that no harm is coming to her, and she'll settle down and be fine.

Good luck!

Dana