Why should you never give a rabbit or guinea pig leftover antibiotics from another pet?
Some can wreck their gut bacteria and kill them.
- Some can wreck their gut bacteria and kill them ✔
- They taste too bitter for them
- They only work on dogs and cats
Why: Rabbits and guinea pigs need healthy gut bacteria to digest plants. Several antibiotics safe for dogs and cats, like amoxicillin with clavulanic acid by mouth, can upset those bacteria and cause severe diarrhea or death. Only use medicine a vet prescribes.
Huh, didn't know that: The flea product fipronil must never be used on rabbits.
Why did the bunny wear a watch? It never wanted to be late for hop practice.
References
Answer: Some can wreck their gut bacteria and kill them. Rabbits and guinea pigs need healthy gut bacteria to digest plants. Several antibiotics safe for dogs and cats, like amoxicillin with clavulanic acid by mouth, can upset those bacteria and cause severe diarrhea or death. Only use medicine a vet prescribes.
- Illness of Rabbits, Merck Veterinary Manual www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/rabbits/illness-of-rabbits
Certain antibiotics given by mouth that are safe for other pets can disrupt rabbits' normal intestinal bacteria and cause severe diarrhea or death.
Checked 2026-10-11. - Common Health Problems of Guinea Pigs, Merck Veterinary Manual www.merckvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/guinea-pigs/common-health-problems-of-guinea-pigs
Some antibiotics that are safe for other pets can harm guinea pigs, causing severe digestive upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and even death.
Checked 2026-10-11.
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