Treatment FAQ

what flea treatment is dangerous for rabbits

by Amber Schamberger Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Flea treatments that are NOT safe for rabbits

  • Flea powders. Flea powders are a kind of grey area for rabbits. There are some flea powders that are safe, but most...
  • A flea bath/flea shampoo. Flea baths are not recommended for rabbits. Like the powders, many flea dip formulas contain...
  • A flea collar. You should not wrap anything around a rabbit’s neck. Rabbits have...

Never use Frontline® or Sentinel® as flea treatments in rabbits. These medications cause adverse reactions in rabbits, including death in some cases. You should also avoid flea collars. Not only can rabbits hurt themselves trying to bite the collar off, the chemical dosage on the flea collar is generally too high.

Full Answer

What are safe ways to get fleas off of rabbits?

Unsuitable Flea Treatments for Rabbits

  • Never use Frontline or Sentinel in your rabbits. Studies show that these two medications can cause severe adverse effects and even death.
  • Most flea and tick sprays for cats and dogs should also be avoided.
  • Do not give your rabbit a flea bath or flea dip. ...
  • Never put a flea collar on your rabbit. These have been shown to be very toxic to rabbits.

Is Revolution flea medication safe for rabbits?

Safe flea medicine for rabbits include Advantage, Revolution, Program, and Stronghold, although owners should consult with their veterinarian before treatment to insure proper dosing. When treating two or more rabbits with this method, it necessary to keep the rabbits separated to prevent the ingestion of the medication through licking

Can you eat rabbits with fleas?

What kind of rabbits can you eat? ... fleas, mites, and more. Hunting for rabbits during the winter will ensure your meat isn’t contaminated with parasites and bugs that would otherwise set up shop on the dead rabbit’s corpse. ... The limit of rabbits you can hunt in a day is set at twelve. A hunting license is required in Georgia.

Is it safe to use frontline on rabbits?

The Frontline package insert actually contains the warning to not use the product on rabbits; nonetheless, many rabbit owners are still unaware of the risks.

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What flea treatment is safe for rabbits?

If your pet is suffering from fleas, the safest and most effective product for rabbits over 8 weeks of age is Advantage® II, a topical medication containing imidacloprid. You can purchase this medication from your veterinarian, a local pet store, or online.

Is Frontline flea treatment toxic to rabbits?

Frontline (fipronil) is labeled for the treatment of fleas, ticks, and lice on dogs and cats. Frontline has a wide margin of safety for most mammals, but rabbits are an exception. Using it on them can cause them to be sick, potentially fatally.

Is Ultra Care flea and tick Spray safe for rabbits?

8in1 UltraCare Flea & Tick Spray for Small Animals controls fleas and ticks on hamsters, gerbils, rabbits, guinea pigs and mice. This tough, effective formula is gentle enough to be used directly on listed pets to help control annoying flea and tick problems.

Is flea powder safe for rabbits?

There are several flea and tick medications which, in my experience, have appeared safe and effective against fleas in rabbits, such as Advantage for cats and Revolution. In most instances, I choose to use Revolution because recommended dosing has been established for rabbits.

Is Frontline toxic to rabbits?

Unsafe Flea Treatments to Avoid Never use Frontline® or Sentinel® as flea treatments in rabbits. These medications cause adverse reactions in rabbits, including death in some cases. You should also avoid flea collars.

Is fipronil toxic to rabbits?

Antiparasitics containing fipronil are toxic to rabbits.

Is revolution plus safe for rabbits?

Revolution is a pour-on insecticide, originally for cats and dogs, that has now been approved for rabbits. It is very safe and effective in rabbits from 8 weeks of age and is active against fur mites, ear mites, sarcoptes mites as well as fleas.

Do rabbits need flea treatment?

For Outdoor Rabbits Treat all rabbits, cats and dogs in the home with flea treatment. Check other furry family members carefully to check they are not also infested, and treat if required. If any indoor pets have fleas, make sure to treat the house as well as the outdoor hutch.

Can you put a flea collar on a rabbit?

These medications can cause adverse reactions or even death in rabbits. Never use a flea collar (or any collar) on your rabbit. Your rabbit will chew the collar, which contains toxic chemicals, and could get a paw tangled in the collar and get injured.

Is Hartz Ultraguard safe for rabbits?

No. Products should be used on the intended animal only. In fact, using animal-specific products on other types of animals can result in serious illness, and can even be fatal. Even if used on rabbits, ferrets, guinea pigs and other pets.

Is Capstar safe for rabbits?

Treatment and Prognosis Maggots: Direct removal, or can use Capstar PO (nitenpyram 1 mg/kg PO). Fleas: In general, the treatment for fleas in ferrets is similar to that for cats. Rabbits on the other hand should never be given fipronil (Frontline) as it causes seizures and/or death in rabbits.

Can you use Advantix on rabbits?

Advantix® was well-tol- erated by all infested rabbits without any side effects. The results indicate that imida- cloprid plus permethrin at a single dosage of 40 and 200 mg/kg BW, respectively, topical applied is an effective and appropriate choice for the ectoparasite control in rabbits.

Flea treatments for rabbits

Fleas may be an annoying pest, but if dealt with quickly they are not likely to be a major danger to your rabbit. You just have to make sure you use safe flea treatments. Many of the products that you can get over-the-counter contain ingredients that are not safe to use with rabbits and can cause severe side effects.

Flea treatments that are NOT safe for rabbits

You want to be very careful when choosing a flea treatment for your rabbit. Most of those available for cats and dogs can cause serious side effects in rabbits. Some are so bad that they can actually be fatal. This is why I always recommend contacting a veterinarian before starting the use of any flea product.

Are there any safe natural remedies for fleas?

The safest natural remedy for getting rid of fleas is to simply take the time to use a flea comb twice a day to manually remove the fleas from your rabbit’s coat. Other natural flea repellents should not be ingested by rabbits, so they are not safe to use on your rabbit (this includes the natural flea powders).

How did your rabbit get fleas?

If you have an indoor rabbit, you may be wondering how your rabbit got fleas to begin with. Fleas are most common in outdoor rabbits and with rabbits who share a home with pets who go outside. Even if you don’t have other pets, you can still bring fleas into the house on your clothing.

How to prevent fleas in rabbits

The best way to deal with fleas is to, of course, not get them in the first place. The risk of getting fleas is small if you have no other pets that have access to the outdoors, especially dogs who are more social animals. However, there are some precautions you can take whatever your living situation is:

Signs of fleas in rabbits

Fleas are usually pretty easy to diagnose since they are visible to the human eye. You’ll be able to see the little insect crawling around in your rabbit’s fur. If you’re in doubt, you can also get an official diagnosis from a qualified veterinarian.

Can fleas cause any serious side effects in rabbits

For the most part, fleas will not cause serious symptoms in rabbits. Your rabbit may itch themselves enough to cause scratches on their skin which can potentially lead to a skin infection. But this is rarely the case if your rabbit is treated quickly.

What are fleas in rabbits?

What are fleas? Rabbits can acquire external parasites, including fleas. Fleas are small insect parasites that may take up residence on your rabbit, especially if your rabbit goes outdoors or lives in a house with dogs or cats that have fleas.

What is flea dirt?

Flea dirt is small, comma-shaped black debris the size of pepper grains. Fleas or flea dirt may be seen on a fine flea comb used for grooming. Small red bite marks or sores may be found on the skin that will occasionally become infected and develop into a secondary bacterial skin infection.

Can fleas live on rabbits?

Since flea eggs fall off the animal, and adult fleas can live off the rabbit in carpets and other areas of the home , it is very important to treat the environment, as well as the pet.

Can fleas bite humans?

In heavy infestations, fleas may bite humans and may cause problems in people sensitive to insect bites. Bite marks may be noticed around the ankles. Generally, the problem is self-limiting following elimination of the parasite from the home.

Is Advantage safe for rabbits?

All products used are for dogs and cats, and their use in rabbits is described as 'off label.'. Topical cat medications, such as Advantage® or Revolution® appear to be safe but should ONLY be used under the guidance of a veterinarian familiar with rabbits.

Can fleas be on other animals?

There may be a history of fleas on other animals in the home, or perhaps other infested animals previously lived in the home (as in the case of a previous tenant in an apartment or home). "Fleas or flea dirt may be seen on a fine flea comb used for grooming.".

How to tell if a rabbit has fleas?

How to Detect Fleas on a Pet Rabbit. It is much harder to find fleas on rabbits because their fur is so thick and lush. These pesky little insects will burrow down to the skin and stay hidden. Sometimes, you may be able to find small, dark grains that look just like specks of dirt. These small specks are actually flea poop (aka flea dirt ), ...

How do you know if your bunny has fleas?

Another sign that your rabbit might have fleas is itching. Some rabbits will be very itchy and may sometimes even create sores or bald spots in their fur from scratching. But remember that even if you don’t see any signs of fleas on your bunny, that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t have fleas.

Why do rabbits need revolution?

In most instances, I choose to use Revolution because recommended dosing has been established for rabbits. It also has the possibility of treating other parasites such as ear mites, which may also be an issue for your bunny. Always check with your veterinarian before giving your pet a new flea and tick medication.

What animal is susceptible to fleas and ticks?

Mitchell, DVM, DABVP. When most people think about flea and tick meds, their minds immediately go to dogs and cats. However, small animal pets, like rabbits, are also susceptible to these pesky parasites and require protection as well. If you are concerned that a few unwanted guests are making a home out of your rabbit ’s fur, ...

How long does it take to get rid of fleas?

If you already have fleas, the same topical medications will treat and eliminate the fleas. The amount of time it takes to eliminate the fleas will depend on the time of year your house becomes infested. During the cooler months, it may take several months to get rid of the fleas. In the summer, it is a much quicker process because ...

How to get rid of fleas in house?

Vacuuming the entire house—even hardwood floors—and then dumping the canister into a garbage bag that is then sealed and taken to the outside garbage receptacle can also help to remove flea eggs and larvae/pupae. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Do rabbits eat fleas?

Some rabbits are so good at grooming that they catch and eat the fleas well before you are able to find any signs of a problem. If you aren’t sure, a veterinarian will be able to confirm whether or not your pet rabbit has fleas.

What to do if you are not sure if you have fleas?

Although there are many different conditions that can cause these signs of fleas, seeing any of these signs means you should really figure out what’s going on and fix it! If you’re not sure it’s fleas, then it is best to get a veterinarian to check your pet and get the correct diagnosis and treatment.

How do you know if a bunny has fleas?

How To Know If A Bunny Rabbit Has Fleas. To know if your bunny rabbit has fleas, you need to look for the five signs of fleas: Seeing Fleas, Excessive Itching, Seeing Flea Dirt, Signs Of Anemia, and Losing Hair or Scaling.

How far can a rabbit flea jump?

The Nature Of Rabbit Fleas. Fleas are tiny and wingless insects, but they can jump far with their long legs. A flea can jump as far as 13 in and as high as 7 in. That means they can easily jump from one animal to another. According to our friends over at Terminix, there are over 2,000 types of fleas, and many of those fleas are potential parasites ...

What is a flea comb?

A flea comb is unique in that it has a series of metal prongs that are nearer to each other than a standard comb. { Click here to see my favorite flea come on Amazon. >>> }. You simply comb through the hair, getting as close to the skin as possible, and the fleas will be raked out of the hair.

How to tell if a flea is a bug?

Fleas are super-fast and may be hard to spot. You can try stroking the fur backward and looking around the spine or neck areas. Fleas are tiny and hard to recognize, but their tell-tell characteristic is their ability to jump. If you see a small bug that suddenly jumps and disappears, that’s likely a flea.

How long do rabbits stay away from furniture?

Make sure when cleaning and using things like the flea bombs or sprays; that you keep your rabbit safe and sound, away from the area for at least 24 hours (or follow the directions on the product).

How to get rid of fleas in carpet?

For treating carpets that have become infested with fleas, you can use borax or diatomaceous earth. Begin with vacuuming, and then use the powder on the carpet. Mix it in and leave it for at least 30 minutes. Other areas they tend to hide in are the furniture, beds, and floor cracks.

How to treat rabbit fleas?

Because fleas can prove difficult to eradicate once an infestation has taken hold, the best way to treat rabbit fleas is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Regular vacuuming and steam cleaning can substantially reduce the occurrence of fleas within your home.

How long do rabbits stay away from carpet?

Just remember, always keep rabbits, and all other pets, away from treated carpets or rooms for twenty-four hours after treatment. Overall, rabbit fleas are an irritating, but treatable pest.

How long do fleas live on carpet?

These insects may also be transferred from infected pets to carpets, rugs, bedding, or other fabrics inside the home. Once there, fleas can survive for up to 100 days on your soft surfaces before infesting animals that come into contact with those surfaces.

Can flea combs be used on rabbits?

Flea Combs: Although not completely effective in ridding your furry friend of fleas, flea combs can be used as a first line of defense against an invasion. Combs can be used to remove fleas from the legs and ears of your rabbit, or on any part of the rabbit where the hair is sparse or the fleas are easily visible.

Can flea combs be used to remove fleas?

Unfortunately, flea combs are ineffective for removing large quantities of fleas, or in very long or dense hair. Once combed out, fleas should be drowned in soapy water or alcohol. Make sure the brush is completely clear of fleas between each combing. Please use caution using any flea powders or topical treatments.

Can rabbits eat flea powder?

Some owners may be concerned about possible ingestion of flea powders by their pets ; however, the presence of active ingredients within these powders is limited, as much of the powder itself is carrier agent. As long as rabbits do not consume an excess of this powder, it should not pose a threat to their health.

Can rabbits get fleas?

Rabbit fur provides an ideal environment for fleas to hide, lay their eggs, and multiply. Your rabbit may have contracted fleas from a variety of sources, including other pets in the home. Fleas may be transferred directly from animal to animal if your rabbit comes into contact ...

What to do if your rabbit has fleas?

1. Flea and tick combs. Flea and tick combs are one of the greatest inventions to help rid fleas. They can easily pull the flea from the pet and allow you to dispose of them. They are very inexpensive, and they work great if your rabbit only has a few fleas.

What to use to deter bunnies from fleas?

Frequently, manufacturing companies will use eucalyptus, peppermint oil, and other pungent smells to deter fleas. While they smell great, they can cause grave health problems should your bunny ingest them.

What to do if a rabbit can't stop scratching?

When you’re faced with a rabbit that can’t stop scratching, you should grab your flea and tick comb and try this method first. These little combs can remove a lot of pests without the use of any chemicals. If the comb doesn’t prove to be effective, move on to a solution of either DE or apple cider vinegar.

How to get rid of a rabbit's heartbeat?

Rinse the detergent from the rabbit and towel dry. Don’t use a hairdryer on your rabbit, as the noise and blast of heat can put them in a state of panic and can induce cardiac issues. Also, while some rabbits may enjoy a bath, others will be unable to handle them. Use caution when resorting to this method.

How to stop animals from feeding in yard?

If you prevent them from thriving in your yard and in your home, then you can prevent your animals from becoming a feeding spot. 1. Get rid of fleas in your yard. First, you bring fleas into your home from the outside. It’s best to treat your yard to get rid of any of these pests before they make it inside. 2.

What is the best natural product for rabbits?

Diatomaceous earth is one of the best natural products on the market, and it’s effective on all animals. It comes in two varieties, but you need to make sure to get the food grade, which has been purified and is safe to ingest. This siliceous sedimentary rock is grounded into a fine powder that can easily be sprinkled around the rabbit pen. You can even put it on animal fur. It quickly goes to work by piercing the outer skeleton of the fleas, leaving them unable to breathe. There are more than 100 uses for this product, and killing pests is one of the main benefits. Plus, it’s safe to use, so you don’t need to worry about the pesky side effects that many chemical products have.

How to get rid of a rabbit's poop?

Apple cider vinegar is known for being used for various health benefits, but it’s also a powerful bug killer. Grab a spray bottle and mix a solution of half vinegar to half water. Spray the concoction on the rabbit’s fur and rub it into the skin.

How to treat fleas in rabbits?

Unsuitable Flea Treatments for Rabbits 1 Never use Frontline or Sentinel in your rabbits. Studies show that these two medications can cause severe adverse effects and even death. 2 Most flea and tick sprays for cats and dogs should also be avoided. 3 Do not give your rabbit a flea bath or flea dip. Most rabbits will get very stressed with a bath, and some of the chemicals in flea baths and dips are very dangerous for your rabbit. 4 Never put a flea collar on your rabbit. These have been shown to be very toxic to rabbits.

How do fleas stay alive?

Fleas stay alive by sucking the blood from your rabbit. If your rabbit has a severe infestation, the fleas can suck enough blood to cause your rabbit to become anemic and possibly die. Fleas can also transmit a disease called Myxomatosis.

How long does it take for fleas to hatch?

Once an adult female flea can lay about 50 eggs a day. After they lay their eggs it takes 14 to 28 days to hatch. Once these eggs start to hatch a whole new batch of adult fleas are ready to feast on your bunny.

What does flea dirt look like?

You may just see the flea dirt. This would look like pepper flakes in your rabbit’s fur. If you put these flakes on a white sheet of paper and add a drop of water to the small pile of flea dirt, you will see the water drop turn a dark red color. Flea dirt is actually flea poop.

Can you bring a dog or cat inside a rabbit?

Many people who own rabbits also have a dog or cat. These animals may frequently go outside, and they can pick up fleas and bring them inside. They may not be allowed around the rabbit, but when they are close, a flea can jump off the other household pet and onto the rabbit.

Can you put flea collars on rabbits?

No, you should never put a flea collar on your rabbit. Most rabbits are very curious and will chew the flea collar causing major problems. Also, the amount of medication that is on a flea collar is too high for your rabbit and will probably kill your rabbit.

Can you put rabbit medication on a dog?

Make sure to put the medication in a spot that your rabbit cannot reach. If you have multiple rabbits or children, make sure to keep everyone separated until the medication fully dries. Before using any medication on your pet, consult with a veterinarian who is knowledgeable about rabbits. Many of the common medications used for dogs ...

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