September 10, 2020
It's every pet parent's worst nightmare; you notice your beloved pet isn't eating their hay or food like they normally do, or, worse, you can tell they're visibly ill with your own, perceptive eyes. You take your fur baby into your trusted veterinarian right away and they are able to successfully diagnose the underlying issue that has lead to your pet's symptoms. The great news is that your pet is going to make a full recovery back to their happy, healthy selves (thank goodness!), but, you're going to need to help their recovery along by hand feeding them in the meantime.
When it comes to preparing and hand feeding a recovery product such as Oxbow's Critical Care, we know that the process might seem daunting and more than a little stressful at first. However, with the right preparation, some practice, and plenty of patience, you will be confidently and successfully hand feeding your rabbit, guinea pig or other small pet in no time.
Critical Care Herbivore, Carnivore, Omnivore, and Herbivore Fine Grind are designed to support exotic pets unwilling or unable to eat enough food on their own. Critical Care Herbivore and Critical Care Herbivore Fine Grind are designed for rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, tortoises, iguanas and other herbivorous species. Critical Care Omnivore is designed for chickens, rodents, hedgehogs, and bearded dragons and other omnivorous pets. Critical Care Carnivore is designed for ferrets, cats, and other carnivorous pets.
There are a number of clinical applications or issues your pet may experience that could lead your veterinarian to recommend a recovery product such as Critical Care. Some of these applications might include:
Due to the nature of the product and intended uses, Critical Care should only be prescribed and purchased through your trusted veterinarian. In most cases, Critical Care is intended to be fed over a limited time period, as your pet recovers from an underlying health condition, surgery, etc. For this reason, it's important to determine if and when Critical Care is appropriate and beneficial for your furry family member.
Some pets will eat Critical Care products directly from a dish, but for most, hand or syringe feeding is the best option.
Steps for preparing Critical Care include:
The amount of formula to feed is calculated based on calorie and fluid needs. Be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions.
Pets are usually hand fed until they are able to eat on their own.
Hand feeding can be stressful for pets and pet parents alike. Be calm and patient throughout the process. Also, be flexible; what worked well for one feeding may not work so well the next.
Note that sometimes it helps to take the pet into an unfamiliar room, to help them focus on hand feeding, and not be distracted by wanting to return to familiar surroundings.
Whether pets require syringe feeding or prefer to eat Critical Care formulas on their own, be sure to follow your veterinarian's instructions to help your pet recover and return to health as quickly as possible.
If, at any time, your pet’s condition worsens, or you are unable to feed them as directed, call your veterinarian right away.
Does the product need to be refrigerated before opening?
Unopened product does not need to be stored in the refrigerator but just make sure to store unopened bag of Critical Care in a cool, dry location.
Does the bag of powder need to be refrigerated after opening?
Yes – once opened, use the included scoop or sanitary utensil of your choice to remove the necessary product, then squeeze as much air out as you can, seal tightly and then refrigerate or freeze the sealed package between uses.
How long is the product good for?
Oxbow guarantees the Critical Care product UNOPENED for 2 years (based on the best by date on the package). Once OPENED, the product is good for 30 days.
Oxbow can no longer guarantee the freshness and stability of the product beyond these time periods. Therefore, we do not recommend using the product past these dates.
Can the dry powder be frozen?
Yes, the dry powder can be either refrigerated or frozen. Either option is fine!