We got fleas! Help!

[Elizabeth]

Hey all! I’m new to this website, and searched the forums to make sure that this hasn’t been answered yet. Where this question has been asked, there didn’t seem to be any definitive answer. Long story short, my dogs dragged in fleas from outside, cat received them, and (as he is best friends with the bunnies), passed them on to one of my rabbits before I could notice they were even an issue. We have it under control with the cat and dogs, but everything I seem to find on the internet says there are not any SAFE available options for flea medications for rabbits. Most things I found are experimental, and have been proven to be harmful to some, while working on others. 

I’ve contacted the vet, and they confirmed basically everything that I had researched, and encouraged me to continue combing Sheriff, and vacuuming a couple of times a day. We’ve got it under control, but I want to make sure that I can get rid of them for good. He’s not a huge fan of grooming (he used to get brushed every couple of days, ’cause he’s got a long coat..but not without a fight!), so the combing is a struggle, but we get through it with nose rubs and treats . I’ve also tried spraying the carpet down with watered down lemon juice to kill any eggs that may have been laid in the carpet. It seems to have done it’s job for the most part! 

Also, I feel awful that he’s itching so much! He seems to have lost some hair in areas where the fleas are most concentrated, and I’ve kept an eye on any scabbing or anything. Some of it has even started to grow back! Does anyone have any ideas to ease his itching without harming him? 

So basically…

1. Has anyone used any medication that their vet supported 100%? If so, what are the risks involved? 

2. Are there any natural remedies that I can use directly on my rabbit that wont irritate or harm him? 

3. Is there anything I can do to ease the itching? 

4. Lastly, I know that fleas should die out in the winter, but my little dude is an indoor rabbit. Will they end up dying out even though he lives inside where it’s warm? Sorry if that’s a dumb question, I’m desperate for any sort of hope! While we’ve got them pretty under control…fleas are extremely annoying. 

I appreciate any sort of responses! The little dude and I thank you in advance! 

[Hil]

I’m not new to BinkyBunny, but I’m a “new member.” To answer your question, you can use Revolution for Puppies and Kittens. I’ve used it before and it worked! I’m not sure how the search feature is for the forums but I did a google search using “BinkyBunny fleas” in the search bar. Hope your bunny gets better soon!

[Bam]

As Hil says, Revolution is bunny-safe and very effective against fleas, lice, mites etc. You may have to do a repeat treatment after 3 weeks-1 month.

 

You can use diatomaceous earth on carpets to get rid of eggs etc. 

[Elizabeth]

Thanks guys, I’ll try it out! I appreciate it!

[LBJ10]

I agree. Revolution is probably one of the safest options for topical flea treatments. Diatomaceous earth is pretty safe to use on carpets, etc. Just make sure no bunny comes in direct contact with the powder. It isn’t toxic, but it can cause respiratory problems if inhaled (it’s a fine powder).

[Roberta]

Revolution Puppy and Kitten is the best or the small cat Revolution. Advantage also have one for cats, ferrets and rabbits. Your vet may also suggest ivermectin shots.
*******Do Not Ever Use Frontline or allow your vet to do so, FRONTLINE IS HIGHLY TOXIC FOR BUNNIES, avoid treating other pets with it if they are in contact with your bunny********

[Eepster]

Winter will not kill off all the fleas. It will reduce there numbers making it easier to get them under control, but if you don’t eradicate them they will just bounce back to out of control levels next spring.

It’s important to deeply treat the house where the eggs are. You can work diatomaceous earth or borax deeply into the carpet fibers with a broom. Make sure you work it down into all the crevices of your hardwood floors and gaps where the floors meet the walls. Use a brush to work it into upholstery fabric. Get it under all the cushions and as deep as possible into the inner structure of any soft furniture.

Put more diatomaceous earth or borax down every time you vacuum. Leave it where ever you can safely, basically anywhere the pets can’t lick it or stick their noses in it.

You will also need to treat the yard, or the dog will just keep bringing flees back in

[Author]

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