What to do if your rabbit has a cold: information for breeders and pet owners alike

Do you know what to do for a cold? 

Do you know what to do if your RABBIT has a cold?

This question became more than hypothetical when one of my friends' friends, a medical professional in training, discovered my friend with an ailing rabbit and went so far as to  ORDER her to give her two rabbits, which had the "snuffles", a strong antibiotic for ten days. The "snuffles" are a rabbit cold.

Antibiotics are a poison intended to kill bacteria. Although a cold is deadly to rabbits, antibiotics should never be given for a cold for three reasons:

1. antibiotics DO NOT affect viruses, only bacteria---not even all bacteria.
2. antibiotics "wipe out" most bacteria, including the beneficial bacteria needed to help fight off present and future infection. They are more vulnerable to anything that survives, including their cold!
3. Bacteria left behind become stronger and more drug-resistant, thus creating "super bugs"

Doe this mean there is NOTHING you can do for the "snuffles", which can be deadly to your rabbit? Of course not! There are many things you can do including:

1. Isolation. "snuffles" are very contagious and can be transmitted to any animals nearby
2. Shelter. If possible, bring your rabbit inside, at least to a warm, dry place, such as a garage or house.
3. Disinfect the cages, daily if possible, to prevent the rabbits from getting sick again. Use vinegar, straight (or other disinfecting medium-but remember, the stronger the germ-killing power, the greater chance of developing "super bugs") and make sure it's dry before replacing your rabbit in the cage.
4. Rations-Be sure to give plenty of food. This is no time for a diet.Your rabbit will need all the energy it can get to fight off the cold.Make sure there is plenty of clean, fresh water available at all times. If you don't already have one, I suggest you immediately invest in a gravity-type water bottle made for rabbits.
5. Herbs. Dandelion, Rosehips and Echenacea are only a few of the herbs that will help your rabbit fight off it's cold.
6. Rabbit Vitamin Drops---Do not give your rabbit a multi intended for people. Too hard to get the dosage right.
7. Sunshine. Take your rabbit outside each day, weather permitting, for some sunshine and fresh air. Be sure, however, to also provide plenty of shade in which your rabbit can escape. Too much direct sun can KILL a rabbit. Make sure, also to shelter your rabbit from any sudden downpours, since the fragile rabbit can die from getting wet, as well.

Now for the DO NOT list:

1. Do NOT feed yogurt. Rabbits cannot digest it, and it can cause problems later.
2. Do NOT cut back your rabbits' food. This is no time for a diet. He can lose weight when he's well again.
3. DO NOT give people multivitamins
4. DO NOT GIVE ANTIBIOTICS for the reasons stated earlier.

Follow this as soon as you discover that you have a sick rabbit, and your rabbit should be well on his way to wellness within a few days. Good luck!