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How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Rabbits? In 3 Easy Steps

Do you want to know how to get rid of fleas on rabbits? I’ll teach you some of the necessary steps in doing so; they’re pretty simple. I’m sure you’ll find the execution very basic. 

Before everything else, Let’s just get to the basic question that what fleas are, and do rabbits even have fleas? 

How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Rabbits

how to get rid of fleas on rabbits

Fleas are external parasites that survive by consuming the blood of their hosts which are mainly mammals and rabbits. They are tiny wingless insects that are hard to see.

It’s a misnomer that rabbits never have fleas because these are only found on cats and dogs.

I’m sorry, but you’re wrong. Your pet rabbit or even your horse can get fleas.

Your pet rabbit can have fleas; that’s why if you’ve experienced this situation, you’ll undoubtedly run to your local vet. 

Anyway, let’s be clear- rabbits are susceptible to fleas, so you should not think twice if your pet got a lot of these. 

I’m writing this article because I want your pet to have the utmost protection. Besides, its safety lies in your hands. 

Let’s discuss the steps you should undertake. 

Steps On How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Rabbits

Fleas should be a concern; they can be detrimental to your pet, and that’s without a doubt. 

Here are the basic steps on how to get rid of fleas on rabbits, in detail:

Step #1. Use a minor treatment

1.1 Apply a topical medication

One of the best solutions for the problem is to employ a topical medication for the affected area. 

But, warning!

It would be best if you consult your vet first. 

Steps On How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Rabbits

Why so?

You need to know whether a specific topical medication would be ideal for your pet rabbit. 

Most of the time, these medications are made, especially for dogs and cats. 

Don’t worry, though; you can use these for your furry friend. 

Another reason why you should let your vet check your pet’s condition:

You can avail of the medication from your vet (although these are available in pet stores and online stores). 

1.2 Try a flea comb

What’s the difference between a regular comb and a flea comb?

From the name itself, “flea comb,” you can say that it’s for fleas. Yes, you’re right!

Combing your pet’s hair using a flea comb may not be the most effective, but sure it can get rid of your problem quickly. 

Using this is very simple:

It’s just like brushing or combing your hair. 

But, as you pull out the fleas found therein, make sure to submerge the comb in warm water mixed with soap. 

If not available, you can use alcohol. 

After one comb, go for the second, then next, and so forth until the fleas rid of your pet’s fur. 

1.3 Apply a powder, dip, or spray

Before you try new things for your pet, whether you’ll be feeding it new food or applying new products, it’s a must to consult your vet FIRST. 

Opt for a product that is not hard for you. Most significantly, make sure that it’s safe for it. 

Steps On How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Rabbits

You need to know this:

Some experts don’t recommend you use this process (treatment). 

Take note that rabbits don’t like baths. Also, they tend to lick their body, so if there’s powder in it, it will surely be detrimental to them. 

Step #2. Opt for healthy products

#2.1 Don’t use sentinel and frontline

Yes, some medications for fleas are safe for your little furry pets, but these two- frontline and sentinel- are not. 

Using these to rabbits can be harmful to them; that’s why it’s better to skip these products than risk their well-being. 

Make sure that your vet or other experts recommend the medication you use for your pet. 

Don’t ever self-medicate; it can be injurious or deadly. I know you don’t want that to happen to your beloved pet. 

#2.2 Skip organophosphates or permethrin

Take note of this:

Not all flea medications are good for rabbits. Some of these may contain ingredients- such as organophosphates or permethrin- that can be harmful to them. 

Most of the time, you can find these contents in powders and dips. You can’t use these on your pet; they’re definitely not safe for them. 

So, before you should use a certain product, make sure its active ingredients are safe. 

#2.3 Don’t use flea collars

You may be wondering if letting your pet wear a flea collar is a good idea. 

Sad to say, but it’s not!

Yes, it may be effective for some. But, you should understand that the chemicals use therein are not safe for your pet’s skin. 

What’s worse?

It can cause burns to your rabbit’s skin. 

It’s even more dangerous if your pet happens to chew the flea collar, which can result in injury.

Step #3. Get rid of fleas at home

#3.1 Treat other pets

Most definitely, if your rabbit has fleas, other animals in your house may also be affected by these parasites.

So, if you also have dogs and cats, you should also make sure that they get treatment. 

Steps On How To Get Rid Of Fleas On Rabbits

There’s no use treating your bunny if other pets you have at home also have fleas; they will just reinfect each other. 

#3.2 Test the areas

It’s not enough to treat your rabbits alone. You also need to treat the area infected. Otherwise, your pet will be reinfested. And you don’t want that to happen, right?

Before you should treat the environment, make sure that your rabbit won’t be exposed to the chemicals you’ll be using. 

Try to get either flea sprays or bombs to treat the infected area. Maybe, diatomaceous or borax will do; it all depends on you!

Here’s what you should do:

  1. Vacuum the area
  2. Spread the borax or powder all over the place
  3. Leave it for more than 30 minutes
  4. Vacuum it again

#3.3 Hire an expert

If you think all the procedures mentioned above are not effective, then it’s time for you to hire a pro. 

Believe me, they know what to do! It may cost a few bucks, but I’m sure they can help a lot. 

Conclusion

The steps on how to get rid of fleas on rabbits are straightforward. 

In this article, we’ve given you three; and you can execute all of these steps with ease. 

For me, the most effective thing to do is to buy an organic flea remover that is safe for your pet rabbit. I’ve used this method for my Thumper, anyway. 

The discretion still lies to you in the end. 

Hopefully, you can get rid of your furry friend’s fleas. 

I can relate to how hard it is to see them suffering. I’ve been there. 

Good luck!

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