Fleas are little, wingless insects that feed on warm blood. Know that fleas may bite most household pets, and also human beings. They may settle on your rabbit, especially if it goes outside or lives in a place with flea-infested dogs or cats. Fleas can infect rabbits of any age or gender. Early on in the infection, there may be little indication that your rabbit has fleas. Therefore, you need to know how to recognize them to get rid of fleas on rabbits.
Signs of Fleas
- Excessive scratching: If you notice that your rabbit is scratching a lot or grooming itself unusually much, this may well be a sign of fleas.
- Hair loss and scaling: Your bunny may have a moth-eaten look due to dandruff-Esque skin scales and patches of hair loss.
- Bitten portions of skin: You may see small bare patches or even open wounds if a rabbit may bite its skin or fur due to a flea infestation.
- Fleas or flea dirt: You can identify fleas or flea droppings called flea dirt. Flea dirt resembles tiny black specks and can be typically found around your bunny’s hind end and legs.
- Anaemia: In severe cases, fleas can cause anaemia in rabbits due to the loss of blood from constant biting. If a rabbit appears lethargic or has pale gums, it may be suffering from anemia.
Treatment for Fleas
Remember that while treating fleas, you need to treat the whole house and all your pets, if you have more than one rabbit. Rabbits are very sensitive, so you must be careful that the treatment does not affect them adversely. Sometimes, some treatments may be harmful to your rabbit and can even be fatal. You may also consult a vet for options for treatment. You can consider the following steps:
- Clean your carpet and upholstery
- Use a flea comb to gently remove the fleas from your bunny. After every swipe, dip in warm water or alcohol to destroy the fleas and rinse thoroughly before combing again.
- Any topical medications should be used upon consulting a vet who is experienced with rabbit care.
- Clean the hutch thoroughly and only then let your rabbit back in.
- Use a flea-killing house spray and make sure to read the label.
- Hot wash fabrics in water over 60 degrees to destroy any fleas.
- Throw away the dust bag of your vacuum cleaner after a thorough sweep, or else the flea larvae will come out the next time you use it.
How to prevent fleas in rabbits?
- Due to their lack of exposure to flea eggs or other parasites in the grass, house rabbits are less prone to get fleas.
- Use flea-preventative medications on other family pets.
- Keep your rabbit away from other animals.
- After returning home, wash your hands and your clothes.
Make sure to regularly check for signs of fleas affecting your rabbit through regular comb-throughs and looking out for symptoms. It is highly recommended that you consult a doctor before using any medication as rabbits are very sensitive and have fragile systems.
