How to tell if new bunny has fleas?

[HaruBun]

Hi there! I’m a new bunny owner and I just brought the little one home. What I’m a bit concerned about is how can I tell if my rabbit has fleas without having to handle him because he’s still settling in since it’s not even a full day for him at my house. I’m just a little worried because the owner lived in a pretty open area with fields and a lot of land(think countryside) and now that it’s spring, it just occurred to me that there could be fleas out there. I have other pets so I don’t know if I should wait a few days until I can handle him and then check or just look for signs.

Thank you to whoever answers (:

[DanaNM]

Hi there, welcome

Usually when a bun has fleas, you can see them if you comb the bunny. The fleas will jump up as you comb. They will also probably act a bit itchy! Even if he has them, it’s not super urgent (unless you saw him just swarming with them, but I doubt you would be asking here if that was the case!), so I think letting him settle in is fine.

If you choose to treat for fleas as a precaution (which isn’t a bad idea necessarily), do NOT use Frontline. The active ingredient fipronil is toxic to rabbits!

Advantage and Revolution are safe to use, and I believe the weight dosage is the same as for cats. I do find with bunnies you have to put it more on the base of their head on their neck, vs. on their shoulder blades, so they don’t groom it off.

Since he is a new pet and was kept out doors, might be a good idea to get a check up at the vet. Then you vet can let you know if he needs flea treatment and you can get some good baseline info for him.

. . . The answers provided in this discussion are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.  

[HaruBun]

Okay thank you! I didn’t see any fleas but he has been scratching at his ears since I got him. I took a look inside of his ears but did not see anything there.

He’s seeing a vet for a health exam on Tuesday so hopefully everything will be good after his first vet visit.

[jerseygirl]

Is your new bunny young? They do tend to scratch at the ears more and groom themselves more.

ETA: Nevermind! I just saw your sweetie in the black bunny photo thread. 

[HaruBun]

Actually he is! He’s 7 weeks turning 8 weeks on Tuesday. But that is good to know though cuz he grooms right after scratching.

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