As you raise free-ranging rabbits at home, it is quite common for them to explore what is in the room. The last time, one of my rabbits was exploring an air freshener and I was terribly shocked. As rabbit owners, we need to stay cautious about things around.
Baking soda is a great example. If you are a baker, it is natural to have baking soda spilled in your area. If you let your rabbits free, they are more likely to smell and ingest some amount.
Does baking soda kill rabbits? Baking soda can upset the pH balance of a rabbit’s stomach, leading to health problems. If a rabbit consumes a large quantity of baking soda, it could potentially cause them to choke.
In any case, it is best to avoid using baking soda around rabbits, regardless of whether or not it is lethal, as it can still cause them harm.
In this article, I will take you through every aspect of ingesting baking soda, the treatment approach, and other questions related to vinegar, corn cob litter, and much more.
Is baking soda bad for rabbits?
Baking soda is bad for rabbits and it can rupture the digestive system as well as damage the lungs. It is also said that if a rabbit consumes a significant quantity of baking soda, it can turn fatal.
Rabbit owners must be very careful with what their pet eats and should consult with their veterinarian to get the best advice on what to feed their bunny. Staying careful does not cost us anything, isn’t it?
If you have sprinkled baking soda in your garden, you should not let your rabbit roam in that region. I call this another dangerous area. The baking soda will make the animal sick and it might require a trip to the veterinarian.
So, if you have a rabbit, be very careful with what you are putting in your garden and keep your bunny away from any areas where you have used baking soda.
Related – Does wet tail kill rabbits?
What happens if a rabbit eats baking soda?
A small portion of baking soda ruptures the stomach temporarily but a larger portion is more likely to create gas and also rupture the digestive system.
As soon as your rabbit has had a portion of baking soda, he is more likely to develop an acidic stomach and end up vomiting it. This may also give him a gassy stomach, which will make him very uncomfortable.
If your rabbit eats baking soda on a regular basis, it can create long-term health problems. The most common problem is that the baking soda will wear away at the enamel of his teeth. This can cause tooth decay and even lead to loss of teeth.
In addition, the high levels of sodium in baking soda can create problems with your rabbit’s blood pressure and water balance. It can also make your rabbit more prone to dehydration. If your rabbit already has health problems, eating baking soda can make them worse.
For all of these reasons, it is best to avoid giving your rabbit baking soda. There are many other things you can give him that are healthy and won’t cause any harm.
What should you do if you think a rabbit has ingested baking soda?
The first step is to call your veterinarian. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action, which may include inducing vomiting or administering activated charcoal.
If the baking soda was consumed deliberately in order to kill the rabbit, then the veterinarian may have to euthanize the animal. However, this is usually only necessary in severe cases.
In short, while it is technically possible for baking soda to kill a rabbit, it is not always effective and can also cause harm in other ways. Therefore, it is best to avoid using it around these animals.
One of my friends, who is a baker and a bunny owner, had a curious rabbit that sniffs everywhere. He has once attempted to ingest a small quantity of baking soda but it ended up in vomiting and eating disorders for a couple of days.
Can you put baking soda in the bottom of a rabbit cage?
Baking soda is not an ideal material to add at the bottom as it can quickly affect the respiratory system and also cause rashes to the bunny.
Baking soda is one substance that needs to stay away from rabbits including their cages. Otherwise, the combination of baking soda and the urine of rabbits creates a toxic outcome. I’d generally link baking soda to acid because they have similar effects although acid is extremely toxic.
You can use hay or paper pellet bedding instead for the bottom of the rabbit cage to deodorize appropriately. These are completely safe and non-toxic.
If you are looking for a solution to deodorize the space, here is an article – Why does my rabbit smell like onions?
Can rabbits drink soda?
Soda contains carbonated water which is not healthy for rabbits as it ruptures the stomach and makes it gassy for long. Irrespective of the flavor you add, it is better to avoid soda.
Rabbits can get watery as they see you drink coffee, tea, and soda but it is not healthy. Rabbits are not able to drink these drinks, and in some cases, it might cause them to vomit. The stomach also gets gassy thereby rupturing the digestion temporarily. Although they may be attracted to the smell or taste of these drinks, it is important not to give them to your bunny.
Water is the most important element for rabbits. Fresh, clean water should always be available for them to drink. In fact, rabbits should have a constant supply of water, as they can drink up to one liter per day.
If your rabbit is not drinking enough water, you may need to increase the amount of water available to them. You can also try adding some fresh vegetables to their diet, which will help keep them hydrated.
Is vinegar safe for rabbits?
White vinegar is toxic to rabbits while some vets recommend a quarter teaspoon of apple cider vinegar when they experience fur loss. With antibiotic medicines in place, vinegar is a big NO when it comes to rabbits.
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) is a different story as it is made up of malic and acetic acids, which are safe for rabbits. In fact, ACV may help with fur loss, gut health, and even digestion.
I have seen my friend giving a quarter teaspoon of apple cider vinegar weekly twice to her rabbit and I was worrying about its effect. That’s when I came to know white vinegar is dangerous while ACV isn’t.
So, if your rabbit is healthy and you want to try adding ACV to their diet, start with 1-2 teaspoons per day and work your way up to 1 tablespoon, adding it to their water or food.
Make sure the vinegar you are using is raw, unfiltered, and organic apple cider vinegar with the “mother.” You can find this type of ACV at most health food stores or online. As with any new food or supplement, it’s important to monitor your rabbit for any changes in their behavior or health and to stop giving them ACV if any problems occur.
So, is vinegar safe for rabbits? The answer is yes – but only apple cider vinegar, and only in moderation.
Does apple cider vinegar deworm rabbits?
While apple cider vinegar claims to deworm, in reality, it doesn’t. In fact, it can only have a negligible impact on your rabbits.
Apple cider vinegar claims to –
- Reduce odor from rabbit’s urine
- Control algae
- Regulate calcium levels
However, there are no major evidence-based outcomes to prove these claims. If you would like to deworm your rabbits, give them hay and that’s all your rabbit would need.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use corn cob litter for rabbits?
Corn cob litter is safe when rabbits consume small amounts. It is biodegradable and can be used for filling the litter box. It is also economical. Corn cob litter can be purchased at most pet stores.
When using corn cob litter, it is important to keep the box clean. The rabbits will ingest some of the litter while they are using the box and it is important to keep them healthy.
Rabbits that consume too much corn cob litter may experience diarrhea and malnourishment. It is important to monitor the rabbit’s litter box habits and diet when using corn cob litter to ensure that they are not consuming too much.
When used correctly, corn cob litter is a safe and economical choice for a litter box for rabbits. Absolutely, NO for consumption.
Also read – Can a rabbit wear diapers?
Is there a clumping litter for rabbits?
There is not a clumping litter specifically for rabbits, but you can use a clumping litter designed for cats. Just be sure to avoid using any litters with fragrances or additives, as these can be harmful to rabbits.
Ensure that you do not use clumping litter or any wood shaving to avoid odor from the rabbit’s litter box. It can develop other consequences. Ingesting litter can cause health problems like intestinal blockages.
If you are using a clumping litter, it is important to monitor your rabbit’s droppings to make sure that they are not ingesting any of the litter. If you see that they are eating the litter, you will need to switch to a non-clumping litter.
What kind of litter should I use for my rabbit?
There are a number of different types of litter that you can use for your rabbit, but the most important thing is to find a litter that your rabbit is comfortable with. You may need to try a few different types of litter before you find one that your rabbit likes.
Some of the most popular types of rabbit litters include:
- Paper pellets – These are made from recycled paper and are biodegradable. They control odor and are easy to clean up.
- Corn cob litter – This is a natural litter made from ground corn cobs. It is absorbent and controls odor.
- Hay – You can also use hay as a litter for your rabbit. It is absorbent and helps to keep the cage clean.
If your rabbit is smelling excessively bad, you need to check if she/he is on heat. Here is an article – How often do rabbits go into heat?
Is cornstarch safe for rabbits?
Cornstarch is typically used to clean wet tails in rabbits but is certainly not recommended for consumption. Even if you use baby-safe cornstarch, I’d still not recommend it since it can affect pH levels.
Cornstarch is a type of carbohydrate that is derived from corn. It is used as a thickener in food and can also be used as a cosmetic powder. Cornstarch is generally considered safe for human consumption, but not for other species in general.
If you have a differently abled rabbit, the butt bath follows a different approach. Here is an article – bathing a rabbit.
Is baby powder harmful to rabbits?
Any powder containing talc is unsafe to rabbits but you can use baby-safe cornstarch mainly in the surroundings to clear fleas. However, do not let your bunnies consume them.
Cornstarch is a great alternative to talcum powder for keeping your bunny’s coat clean and healthy. It will help to absorb any moisture on the skin and in the fur, which can lead to skin irritation or infection.
Sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch onto your hands and then rub it into the coat of the rabbit.
Be sure to pay special attention to the areas around the ears and genitals, as these are the most prone to moisture and infection. You can also use a soft brush to help distribute the cornstarch evenly.
Is Johnson’s baby powder safe for rabbits?
Johnson’s baby powder cannot be said the safest for rabbits but you can go with pure cornstarch powder for babies from Johnson’s for softness and dryness of the skin. Cornstarch is also a natural deodorizer, so your bunny may not smell as bad.
Just be careful with how much powder you use, as too much can cause respiratory problems in rabbits. Try to keep the powder away from their face and eyes, and always brush them off when they’re done playing.
Is rubbing alcohol safe for rabbits?
Rubbing alcohol is completely unsafe for rabbits and also has the potential to affect the orientation, respiratory system, and digestive system. At some point, exposure of your rabbit to rubbing alcohol can result in collapse.
Rabbits are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of rubbing alcohol because of their inability to detoxify this chemical. Therefore, it is crucial that you never use this product around your pet bunny.
Can I put vaseline on my rabbit?
Vaseline is recommended for rabbits suffering from incontinence. It protects the skin from maggots and prevents impacts of hair loss or wet tail.
- You can put a small amount on the tip of your finger and rub it around your rabbit’s anus. Do this every day until the problem is resolved.
Note. However, let your veterinarian know that you are attempting to use vaseline as he knows your rabbit’s condition better.
- If your rabbit has a lot of build-up around the anus, you can use a Q-tip to apply the vaseline. Be very careful not to push the Q-tip inside the rabbit’s anus.
Caution. Do not put vaseline in your rabbit’s eyes as it will cause them to become blurry.
Is Zeolite safe for rabbits?
Zeolite, a mineral, is used to absorb urine odor from your rabbit. Adding a pinch of zeolite-based product to the hutch can keep odor away.
Instead of using air fresheners to keep odors away from rabbits’ urine, zeolite is a better choice. It is a natural mineral that can absorb odors and is non-toxic to both rabbits and humans. Zeolite can be found in most pet stores and can come in the form of a powder, rock, or pellet. When using zeolite, make sure to comply with the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid any potential health risks.
Conclusion
From baking soda to vinegar, ACV, zeolite, air freshener, and much more products, you need to stay cautious when you have rabbits around.
Rabbits are fragile creatures and can get quickly affected because of the products around them. This article would have given you an overview of the consequences associated with every product.