Toenails and a Fearful Bunny

Question
Hello,

Just a quick question.  My lop is VERY scared of EVERYTHING, she only trusts my other bun. She tenses up when i go to pet her still, and i am scared to pick her up due to her failing around, i don't want to drop her.(but she does get love from me, and i try to give her kisses so she knows that i am not a threat.)  I want to take her to get her toenails cut, but do you think the ride there or being handled will make her go into shock?  I am worried about it making her act funny towards me , and loose the little trust that she has. Will it make it easier on her to take the other bun at the same time? Thanks for your help, I'm just a paranoid about her, I want to make her feel safe and secure.

Answer
Dear Kelly,

For starters, I hope the tips here will help you win over your shy bunny:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/shybun.html

Yes, *definitely* take both bunnies to the vet together *always*. Bonded rabbits must never be separated, especially  when they are sick.  They need moral support, and being separated from a bonded mate is incredibly stressful, and can promote further health problems.

Instead of grabbing her to take her to the vet, I would gently herd her into a carrier with her mate.  Ask the vet about getting a small dose of Valium for her beforehand.  You will be *amazed* at the difference!  This will help prevent her from being injured at the vet if she struggles while someone is clipping her nails, and is just a good idea in general for a very easily stressed rabbit.  We've used Valium many, many times for our bunnies, and it is entirely safe if used as directed by your vet.

Find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Hope this helps.

Dana