How are we preparing for emergencies? [First aid & handling evacuations]

[Raelinn & Gus]

Hey all!

Recently I’ve gotten into emergency preparedness. I’m mostly concerned about recent events in the US as well as wildfires.

My first questions are: what should I have in an extensive bunny first aid kit? Are there resources for how to learn basic stuff like wound care or CPR for bunnies? I’m basically trying to prepare for “how to handle worst case scenario at home” while waiting to be seen by a vet (stressing here that getting to a vet would be my #1 priority, but would like the best chance at life saving measures in an emergency). Also, in case of a power outage, is there something I can keep on hand to both cool a bunny down and warm a bunny up?

I’m working on building an emergency fund at the moment, and did get a Care Credit limit of $1,100, but closest emergency vets that see rabbits are 2-4hrs away. That means I would be responsible for helping for up to 4hrs.

Secondly, I live in prime wildfire area. I’m getting together “go bags” for my family, and would like some advice/resources on what to have in my bunny go bag.

So far this is what I have:

First Aid Kit:

Simenthicone, Critical Care, differently sized syringes, Kwik Stop (apologies if spelled wrong).

Emergency Preparedness:

New hard-sided carriers with fleece blankets in them ready to go. Going to leave carriers out in enclosures 24/7 so their scent is in there and they get used to it. Blocking off “under areas” such as under the bed and under the couch so in the event of an emergency I can quickly grab them. They only utilize under areas when scared. Having a mini “stockpile”: one extra each of hay, pellets, and treats as backup in case of supply-chain issues.

To Go Bag:

Kept next to hay storage (so I don’t forget to grab the hay).

Extra bowls, copies of vet records, physical copy of a single well shot photo of each bunny (in case they get lost). Keeping the extra bag of treats and extra pellet bag in the to go bag (so I don’t forget). First aid kit with everything suggested from my above question, collapsible fabric playpen with a zipper top and a bottom (makeshift enclosure). Zip ties in case the screws/snaps to carriers break.

I’m very fearful of supply chain issues and wildfires, so I’ve joined “prepper” subreddits however they go pretty far for me. I’d like to be prepared but not too excessively, not planning on a zombie apocalypse or something! They don’t have any advice on there for house rabbits, just cats and dogs.

- Raelinn the Human 🫡 - Gustavo the Bunny 🐰

[BrunosMama]

I have to admit, this is an excellent plan! Especially if you do live in an area that is prone to wildfires.

The only thing you might consider adding, if you have room, is something small the buns could chew on. Maybe toilet paper tubes? Or a couple small sturdy bunny chews. That way, they won’t be tempted to chew through the soft sided enclosure. 🙂

I don’t live in an area that’s prone to many natural disasters besides tornados, and I’ve only gotten as far as getting carriers for everyone. But, now that its getting closer to Spring, your post has inspired me to make a solid effort to get everything squared away!

I also agree about the supply chain stuff, always good to have some extra. 🙂

[LBJ10]

If I remember right, the House Rabbit Society had some tutorials. Pretty sure they had a list for a first aid kit and a video of the bunny heimlich.

[mia]

Right or wrong, I keep all buns’ old meds in the first aid kit, even if it’s expired. Every few years I go and purge the excessively expired ones.

I, uhhh, eat a lot of talenti :). So, I have a container for each of their treats, one for syringes (open container), one for their grooming supplies (open container), one for each kind of pellet, one for critical care, one for mini toys/chews, etc. Makes it easy to stack and store, have backups, and also easy grab one and run.

 

[DanaNM]

Definitely a good idea!

Some things I would add:

I like to keep a box or two of the Oxbow Hay “stacks” in my emergency kit. They are small and compact, so easy to grab in a hurry.

For first aid, I think having subcutaneous fluids and meloxicam is very useful. Fluids especially can be very imporant supportive care and are almost never contraindicated. Ask your vet if they can prescribe you a bag to keep in case of emergencies and have them show you how to give them. Meloxicam they may not want to prescribe to have just in case, but it may be worth asking, especially if your bun is prone to episodes of gas or other issues.

Edit:

One other thing, be sure your buns are microchipped!

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

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