Are any over the counter flea medications safe for rabbits?

[ZooLady]

I use Revolution on my rabbits generally, but was wondering if anyone has any experience trying an over the counter flea medication (i.e. half doses of drops used for cats)    Or collars or powders–although I imagine those could cause breathing complication.

Any experiences you can share with over the counter products–whether negative or positive–would be greatly appreciated.

[KatnipCrzy]

Advantage is often found over the counter- it MUST be Advantage not Advantix or any other version.  You will need your bunnies weight to figure out dose.

[jerseygirl]

Just want to add in case you weren’t aware that Frontline (fipronil) is a definate No-No. Can be fatal for rabbits.

[shareen]

what about the flea and tick spray that is sold in pet stores for use on hamsters, rabbits,..etc has anybody tried that?

[Monkeybun]

I wouldn’t use any spray, as bunnies are consistent groomers, and most sprays would irritate their respiratory system. Not to mention taste nasty. I personally wouldn’t use a spray on any animal that washes themselves… just doesn’t seem right to have them ingest that nasty stuff.

[ZooLady]

I bought both rabbits Revolution today and will be ordering in Ivermectin once funds are available. However, as the infestation of fleas is all over their room I had to buy some flea spray and have been applying it to carpeting and any soft material thing that I can’t wash. I have been only putting it in one area at a time so that they can avoid it should it smell offensive. The windows are also open in their room so there is constant ventilation.

[foxtailskies]

I would be VERY cautious of anything bought over the counter for fleas… they are generally NOT approved or designed for use in rabbits so the manufacturers may add ingredients that are not rabbit safe. I’ve seen nasty reactions with OTC flea/tick stuff in cats, usually from owners trying to split dog doses- wrong dose + wrong species can = problem, and this is basically what you’re trying to do for a rabbit (I’ve worked in several vet offices). To be fair, the vet products are also not technically approved for rabbits (bottom line, not enough money in it for the companies to deal with regulatory stuff) but are overseen by vets familiar with their composition and use, and several products been shown to be safe in practice. Personally, for any species, I *only* trust things I can get from the vet with regard to parasite control… there’s just too much scary stuff out there

Revolution should help you but ivermectin won’t do anything for fleas- if that’s all you’re using it for then save your money If the Revolution isn’t working you could ask your vet about Advantage (imidacloprid), which is also rabbit safe.

[KatnipCrzy]

I also would not recommend using ANY other flea product around your bunnies unless it has been approved by your vet.  There are many products that could be toxic to rabbits.  And I see cats all the time that have a reaction to flea treament.  If the wrong product is used on the wrong species it attacks their neurological system causing seizures and is often fatal even if the pet is hospitalized, and given medications to stop the seizures.  One trip to the vet for seizures due to flea product toxicity will cost more than a whole years worth of Advantage or Revolution for your rabbit!  And I have not seen this in rabbits- they may not even be able to survive as they are very sensitive animals.

Have you laundered all the blankets, bedding, etc?  and vacuumed and gotten rid of the bag or emptied the canister out of the house ASAP???  There are many tips to help control the population and give the topical product time to work- but you will have to treat the bunnies for a couple of months (2-3) at least to make sure all life stages of the flea are eliminated.

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