Dog found baby rabbit outside of nest

[ChickensForLife]

I was outside working and heard crying, come to find out my dog had found a baby rabbit. It looks too young to be outside and it's eyes are still closed. I'll try to find the nest, but in case I cannot what are steps I can take to care for the rabbit?
I don't live near a wildlife rehabilitation center unfortunately, and I'm not sure of it's health injury wise.
I've heard kitten formula works, but how often should it be fed, etc?

 

[danceswithronin]

I was outside working and heard crying, come to find out my dog had found a baby rabbit. It looks too young to be outside and it's eyes are still closed. I'll try to find the nest, but in case I cannot what are steps I can take to care for the rabbit?
I don't live near a wildlife rehabilitation center unfortunately, and I'm not sure of it's health injury wise.
I've heard kitten formula works, but how often should it be fed, etc?

Orphans that have been without their mother will be suffering from chill and dehydration. They must be thoroughly warmed first, and then offered warmed rehydration solution. Pedialyte is a rehydration solution that is available in drug stores- it should be heated to body temperature and offered every couple hours for the first several feedings. Formula should be a powdered esbilac, which is a puppy milk replacer that can be purchased at a vet clinic or pet store. Mix only enough for 24hrs and keep it refrigerated. Cow's milk, human baby formulas, and most pet products (except Esbilac) are not suitable and will likely cause death. Ensure formula is well heated and kept warm throughout the feeding as cold formula will cause diarrhea which can lead to death. Feed with a 1ml oral syringe ensuring that the feeding routine and environment is kept totally quiet. Please do not have more than one person as a caregiver and do not allow the animals to be handled by any other person. See chart for feeding schedule. Once feeding is finished, wash its face well with a damp face cloth, as formula dries quickly and causes fur loss.

* Rabbits and hares are slow and difficult to feed, so take your time and be patient, as it is essential for them to get the required amount.

One thing I will say as an experienced rehabber is be VERY careful not to feed too quickly, if you feed more than they can drink at a time they will likely aspirate milk, and aspiration pneumonia kills them off very quickly. At that age they must also have their genitals stimulated after every feeding with a damp warm cloth/Q-tip to induce them to use the bathroom, otherwise they will not be able to pee or poop and will die.

(from http://orphanedwildlifecare.com/rabbitandhare.htm)

And lastly, don't feel bad if the rabbit doesn't make it, they are notoriously difficult to hand-raise.

 

[ChickensForLife]

One thing I will say as an experienced rehabber is be VERY careful not to feed to quickly, if you feed more than they can drink at a time they will likely aspirate milk, and aspiration pneumonia kills them off very quickly. At that age they must also have their genitals stimulated after every feeding with a damp warm cloth/Q-tip to induce them to use the bathroom, otherwise they will not be able to pee or poop and will die.

View attachment 1766894

(from http://orphanedwildlifecare.com/rabbitandhare.htm)

And lastly, don't feel bad if the rabbit doesn't make it, they are notoriously difficult to hand-raise.

Thanks, I'm still trying to find someone who can take care of it, but this helps if I'm unable to.

 

[MochaDuck]

@A_Fowl_Guy

 

[GambleFamilyHomestead]

How's the Rabbit doing?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Thanks, I'm still trying to find someone who can take care of it, but this helps if I'm unable to.

Contact your local department of natural resources and they should be able to direct you to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near your county of residence. Rabbits that young usually don’t make it without near 24/7 care.

 

[ChickensForLife]

How's the Rabbit doing?

So far still good, someone I know was able to get me in contact with a person who could possibly care for it. I've been keeping it warm since thats mainly all I can do right now.