Bunny Heimlich Maneuver

Just like people, rabbits can choke. Choking most often occurs while they are eating and can become fatal within minutes. In these situations, there may not be enough time to call for help.

The Bunny Heimlich Maneuver, if performed incorrectly, can cause serious injury or death. For this reason, it should only be demonstrated and taught to you by a licensed exotic rabbit veterinarian.

Please ask your exotic DVM to show you the proper technique during a routine visit so you are prepared in an emergency. We can also provide links to reputable educational resources for veterinarian-approved demonstrations.

We have personally had to use this procedure to save the life of a baby foster rabbit who was being hand-fed at the time. While emergencies are rare, being informed and properly trained can make a life-saving difference.