15 Herbs For Rabbits Diarrhea / Constipation

Rabbits have a very sensitive digestive tract.

As you surely know, diarrhea, flatulence and constipation are therefore not uncommon.
The good news is that with the addition of some herbs, you can help your pet heal naturally and without the addition of medications.

What are the 16 secret herbs, we tell you in this post.

Why do herbs help with problems in the gastrointestinal tract of the rabbit?
Herbs but also seeds and grains not only contribute to a healthy diet. They also contain components that have a positive effect on digestion and can help the body to heal.
These substances are:

• Dietary fiber
• Tannins
• Vitamins
• minerals
• secondary plant substances
• essential oils

They can therefore soothe the stomach and intestines, stimulate digestion and thus prevent constipation or shape and firm the feces in case of diarrhea.

Caution: it is extremely important not to offer the herbs abruptly in very large quantities. Otherwise, the effect may be too strong and, for example, turn from diarrhea into constipation or have the opposite effect.

These are the 8 best herbs for rabbit diarrhea

Diarrhea is often accompanied by inflammatory reactions of the intestinal mucosa. Therefore, herbs that can solidify and shape the stool and have a so-called astringent effect are ideal here.
Astringent means that the skin contracts. Corresponding remedies therefore act more or less like a plaster that closes sore spots.

This reduces discomfort and prevents germs from penetrating the intestinal mucosa. Healing is thus promoted and a greater burden on the immune system is prevented.
In addition, herbs can act directly against germs. For example, some herbs have an effect on bacteria or viruses and can thus directly combat the triggers of diarrhea.

Anti-inflammatory substances can further alleviate the symptoms and improve the general condition.

In the following you will learn which herbs are suitable for this purpose.

1: Chamomile

Chamomile is one of the most well-known herbs in herbal medicine, drunk as a tea and used as a tincture. Your rabbit can ingest chamomile fresh or dried, as well as in liquid form.

It has a killing effect on germs and an astringent effect.

2: Mint

Mint is also used for health in humans in many ways.

It has a cooling effect, is readily accepted and can be supportive for flatulence or upset stomach as well as diarrhea.

3: Goose cinquefoil

Goose cinquefoil is used in homeopathy, among other applications, and is said to relieve cramps, inhibit inflammation, and be astringent.

4: Bird’s Knotweed

Bird’s knotweed, or Polygonum aviculare, has anti-inflammatory, astringent, and is also said to be antispasmodic.

It is used for these purposes in herbal medicine and may also be excellent for helping your rabbit.

5: Curly dock

This plant is used primarily for bacterial infections and fungi. It is said to be mainly useful for digestive problems such as severe diarrhea that even wakes you up from sleep, flatulence and cramps.

However, the plant is weakly poisonous and therefore should be used by you only in the form of ready-made preparations.

6: Dandelion

Dandelion is not only a plant that can be wonderfully used as a feed.

Vitamin C, fiber and tannins also make it a good feed supplement for diarrhea or soft stools.

However, you should be careful to feed the leaves and flowers only in small amounts. The plant also has a diuretic effect, so it can cause additional dehydration.

7: Raspberry

Raspberry leaves are useful in many ways and can be used to treat an ulcerated uterus, among other conditions. They are said to have a relaxing effect and contain tannins.

Thus, the tissues are contracted and inflammatory processes are alleviated.

8: Thyme

You may know thyme more as a spice or from its use as a cough syrup. However, it is also said to regulate digestion and have a relaxing effect.

These 7 herbs will help your rabbit with constipation.
Constipation can occur for a number of reasons.

Nibbling on inappropriate materials or severely constipating food are possible triggers.
Equally, however, there may be intestinal sluggishness in which the food mush is transported too slowly.

A lack of dietary fiber can exacerbate the problem. The same applies to insufficient water intake.

Constipation can be relieved by softening the stool and supporting the intestinal flora. You should also take care to relieve flatulence. Because these create further discomfort.

The following herbs can help your rabbit with constipation:

1: Fennel

Fennel has a calming effect and is often used as a support when the digestive tract needs to be soothed.

2: Dandelion

Due to its high fiber content, this herb has a regulating effect.

3: Parsley

Known from the kitchen, this herb has a laxative effect and can therefore eliminate or relieve mild constipation.

4: Chamomile

Just as with diarrhea, chamomile can also have a soothing effect on constipation, as it is said to have a calming effect.

5: Basil

Basil is ideal for loss of appetite and digestive problems. The aromatic herb is readily accepted and promotes digestion.

6: Dill

This rather mild herb stimulates processes important for digestion, increases appetite and is said to be soothing at the same time.

7: Rosemary

The plant is said to be able to kill various pathogens, stimulate appetite and promote digestive activity.

Small amounts of the herb are perfectly sufficient.

What is the best way to administer the herbs to the rabbit?

You can feed the herbs to regulate your rabbit’s digestion fresh or give them dried. You can also find hay with herbal supplements already in it in stores.
If your rabbit is having trouble eating solid food, you can also offer the herbs as a tea infusion.

Other alternatives are ready-made preparations. They can be mixed with water, added to food, or given orally.

Are herbs sufficient for treatment?

Rabbits are sensitive and have few reserves in terms of fluids and body fat. Therefore, you should always take diarrhea and constipation seriously.

Diarrhea can cause your rabbit to lose fluids and energy rapidly. This is especially dangerous in small, young and old animals and can produce life-threatening conditions in a short time.

Want to learn more about rabbit diarrhea? Click here!

In the case of supposed constipation, on the other hand, it is not possible to distinguish initially without appropriate examinations whether there is possibly an intestinal obstruction.

Also in this case there is danger of life!

Therefore, in both cases, as well as with flatulence, a visit to the vet is urgently required. Discuss with your veterinarian whether you can use herbs as an accompanying treatment.
If further means should be administered, possible side effects can intensify.

In order not to risk such a condition, you must keep consultation in any case.

How to prevent diarrhea and constipation in rabbits

Both are possible in many cases if you feed the herbs regularly and provide variety.
So giving a sprig of rosemary or sage now and then won’t hurt – on the contrary, it’s quite beneficial.

The best basis is the avoidance of dangerous feeds and substances as well as cleanliness, a balanced ratio and gradual habituation.

Above all, make sure that your animals always have enough roughage available. This is crucial for a healthy intestinal flora.