How to Kill Fleas in Rabbits
Flea infections can cause rabbits health hazards and discomfort, from itching and broken skin to bacterial infections. Rabbits have delicate skin and immune systems, and many traditional flea removal products are hazardous to rabbits. There are a few that rabbit owners can use to safely kill fleas, without harming the rabbits themselves.
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Things You'll Need
- Advantage topical flea treatment
- Flea comb
- Rabbit-safe flea powder
- Glass
- Alcohol
- Flea room spray
Instructions
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Apply a rabbit-safe flea powder. Select a flea powder that contains a 5 percent concentration of carbaryl insecticide. Sprinkle the flea powder on your rabbit's coat and use your fingers to work it down to the skin.
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Use a flea comb. Work the fine teeth of the flea comb through the rabbit's coat, starting at the skin and working upward. Capture any fleas caught by the comb, and place them in a glass of alcohol or water to kill them.
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Spray your rabbit's room with a flea-targeted room spray. Remove your rabbit from the room. Cover surfaces with the spray to kill fleas and their larvae. Keep your rabbit out of the room for at least 24 hours after spraying.
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Apply a topical treatment such as Bayer's Advantage to the rabbit's skin. Use a half-dose of a single tube for dwarf rabbits and a full tube for larger rabbit breeds.
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Tips & Warnings
If you are are unsure if a flea product is safe to use on rabbits, contact the manufacturer via its toll-free number. Prevent flea infections by keeping rabbits separated from cats and dogs or other animals at risk for fleas. If your rabbit has an adverse reaction to any flea treatment, call your veterinarian or local SPCA as soon as possible. Launder any linens in your rabbit's room or space to ensure they are flea-free.
Never assume that a general cat or dog flea product can be safely used on rabbits. Bayer's Advantage line is the only topical flea elimination treatment that has been tested and certified as safe for use on rabbits. Never use a flea powder that contains herbs such as pennyroyal or pyrethrin, which can have poisonous effects on rabbits. Avoid using flea shampoos or liquid dips on rabbits. Never use flea collars on rabbits, as they contain inappropriately high levels of chemicals.
