It is thought that papaya tablets* added to your rabbit’s diet will help prevent hairball blockages. Tablets must contain the enzymes bromelain and/or papain in order to be effective. Like cats, rabbits groom themselves and are subject to hairballs. Unlike cats, though, rabbits do not have a gag reflex and are unable to vomit. A “dosage” is difficult to recommend due to the variety of factors to consider. If you have a small rabbit with little or no shedding, a single tablet twice daily may be sufficient. A large rabbit in full molt may need six or more tablets daily.
In addition to or in place of the papaya tablets, an enzyme
product such as Prozyme™ given at mealtime – this product is activated by moisture
and can be sprinkled on your rabbit’s fresh food. Prozyme contains the same enzymes as the
papaya tablets. It is also recommended that you treat your rabbit with approximately 1 to
1 1/2 inch ribbon of petroleum laxative such as Laxatone™ or Petromalt™ 1 to 2
times per week given between meals. Do not mix the Prozyme or petroleum laxative products
– they are to be given separately. For information on these products and their sources,
contact the House Rabbit Resource Network.
*HRRN promotes those papaya tablets specifically formulated for and exclusively sold by HRRN. These contain no artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners, or preservatives
