Rabbits and Fleas?

[blubudgie]

So I volunteer at a ranch each week, and I think this week I brought back some fleas home with me. So far I have found 2-3 fleas (one escaped before I could kill it so I’m not sure if I just found the same flea twice). The problem is I found the fleas on my rabbit….so I’m wondering how likely it is they will decide to colonize on her. I think I got the fleas from a cat if it makes a difference. I’ve got a couple bites on me so it’s possible there may be more.

Has anyone else had to deal with fleas on their rabbits, got advice? What did you do? 

I’m going to call the vet monday when they open to make an appointment, but in the mean time I’ve been doing laundry and vacuuming and I’m going to go buy some flea spray for the carpet and other furniture I can’t stick in the washer. 

I have a huge blanket I can’t fit in the washer so I was thinking of sticking it outside in the sun tomorrow for a few hours, would this get rid of any fleas on there?  Last time I got fleas from a feral cat but I didn’t have any pets so they were pretty easy to get rid of.

[Azerane]

The rug you hang outside may have flea eggs on it already that won’t go away just by airing it out in the sun. I’m not sure how you’d clean that off.

As for your rabbit, there are flea treatments available that can be used, I can never remember which brand is which, but of the dog and cat flea treatments, only a couple of them are safe for rabbits, and the others can be fatal if applied to a rabbit. Your vet should know which is which and can give you the correct treatment. At this point in time, you can just use a flea comb on your rabbit to get rid of any live fleas and flea dirt until you can get some treatment from the vet.

[blubudgie]

I’ve dug through her fur already but only found 1-2 (possible the same flea twice) but I can’t check her belly since she won’t let me touch there.
The fleas were from a cat or dog so I’m hoping they don’t infest rabbits T__T

Maybe I’ll just spray the large blanket too then.

[Azerane]

I can’t say for sure whether they will or not. Some cat and dog fleas do affect rabbits, and other don’t really. Best to play it safe though I think so you don’t end up with a big outbreak.

[jerseygirl]

Some fleas that will infest rabbits may just hitch a ride via us or another pet.

The topical flea treatment to avoid is Frontline (Fipronil is toxic). Advantage or Revolution will treat fleas.

You can also pop a flea collar in your vacuum help deal with live fleas and their eggs.

[tobyluv]

Fleas from dogs or cats can definitely breed and multiply on rabbits and be dangerous for them. For fleas on rabbits, you can use Revolution or Advantage (kitten formula). Never use Frontline on rabbits. It is toxic to them and has caused death.

Besides medicating the rabbit, you will have to vacuum frequently and dispose of the bag outside, or empty the cup outside, lest the fleas escape back into the house.

Keep combing through your rabbit’s fur to look for any fleas.

You can also buy or make a flea trap. It might not catch many fleas, but it is an indicator as to whether there may still be fleas present. Here are the instructions to make one: http://www.ehow.com/how_6073448_homemade-flea-trap.html

[LBJ10]

Diatomaceous earth is safer to use than flea sprays/powders on things like rugs and furniture. Sprinkle it on the area and let it sit for a bit, then vacuum. It isn’t toxic to animals, but you will want to make sure your bunny isn’t where they could potentially inhale the powder. That can cause respiratory problems.

[blubudgie]

how long should I let it sit?

[LBJ10]

At least a few hours. Some people recommend longer, 24-48 hours.

[blubudgie]

okay!
Went to the vet and got Tofu dosed with Advantage, wonder why she didn’t use Revolution.
Been vacuuming, hopefully the fleas will leave her alone.

[LBJ10]

Some vets don’t sell Revolution. My bunny vet, of all places, doesn’t carry it. They fax a prescription over to my dog’s vet and I buy it from there if I need it.

[blubudgie]

So far she is still scratching and I am still getting flea bites so im thinking i might have to do a second round next month. Does anyone know the dosage for rabbits since I can get advantage kitten over the counter. Or is this a bad idea? I’ve given flea meds before to cats/dogs but I just don’t know how much to give to my 2lb bun.

[LBJ10]

Found this, but it’s in mL per kg. Maybe someone can confirm the dosage? I’ve never used it, only Revolution. But I’ve heard Advantage is safe.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=6&ved=0ahUKEwiP5uXL2PvLAhWqtoMKHbrwC3YQFghNMAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fanimalhealth.bayer.co.za%2Fhtml%2Fpdf%2Fcap%2FCAP_Products%2FAdvantage_Kittens_Rabbits.pdf&usg=AFQjCNGNi4VRtW4jern34YuXC2WguJocbg&sig2=etkoB46BG_Dsi7EK5vM1mw&cad=rja

[blubudgie]

thanks!

[Author]

Messages