Homemade Treatments for Rabbits with Wool Block

Just like felines get hairballs in their stomachs from grooming, rabbits also have their own similar problem. When wool-bearing rabbits groom, they can get balls of wool stuck in their stomachs. This ailment is known as Wool Block, and if it's left untreated, it can lead to death. Because, rabbits don't vomit when they have wool balls in their stomach like cats do. If your rabbit stops eating, it may have undigested food trapped in a ball of wool in its stomach. Since it's stomach never empties, it will always feel full, and your rabbit will stop eating. Use these homemade treatments for rabbits with wool block:

Wool Block can sometimes be hard to diagnose in rabbits because the usual symptoms, which are lack of appetite, lethargy, increased thirst and a diminished output of fecal matter are also typical for a host of other ailments and diseases. Sometimes, you may not notice anything unusual about your rabbit because s/he will continue to eat as normal.

1. Unpeeled Bananas
The first homemade treatment for rabbits with Wool Block you can try is, if they'll eat, give them third of an unpeeled banana everyday for a few days. Don't continue to feed your rabbit bananas because, many of these furry creatures love sweets. They'll choose eating sweets over food that's healthy for them. Since bananas are a sweet fruit, your rabbit may not eat his/her regular food, but will eat the fruit.

2. Molasses/Olive Oil Mixture
Mix together one part molasses and one part of olive oil in a small baby food jar. Use an eyedropper and give your rabbit a third of a dropper once or twice a day. The molasses will make this mixture tasty, while the olive oil will help lubricate your rabbit's digestive system.

3. Papaya or Pineapple Juice
Papaya and Pineapple juice both contain proteolytic enzymes. These beneficial enzymes can actually help break down the Wool Block in your rabbit. Fresh juice is the best, as opposed to canned juices.

4. A High-Fiber Diet
If you believe your rabbit is suffering from Wool Block, yet s/he still eats, try feeding them a diet of nothing but roughage for a couple days. If you normally feed your long-eared pet nothing but rabbit pellets, they may not provide enough fiber. Because of their common Wool Block problem, rabbits need a high amount of roughage to help keep their digestive systems clear. Look for high-fiber rabbit pellets at your pet food store, try feeding him/her Timothy Hay, or give them some green grass from your yard, as long as it hasn't been treated with chemicals.

5. Cooked Applesauce
Another homemade treatment for rabbits with Wool Block is to use apples. Thoroughly wash two or three apples. Peel them, remove the cores, then dice the apples up. Cook them on your stovetop or in a microwave with a teaspoon of water until they are tender. Mash the apples up with a fork and allow the cooked applesauce to cool. Give your rabbit a teaspoonful once or twice a day. The pectin in the apples is a natural stool softener that can help your rabbit rid itself of the Wool Block.

Note: These homemade treatments are not intended to replace the professional advice of a veterinarian. If your rabbit doesn't respond to treatment within a couple days, consult your vet.