Fleas

[bullsgirl80]

Can rabbits get fleas? There is a stray cat outside my building and I've been feeding the poor thing. I noticed that it has fleas. As soon as I came in I took my clothes off, shook them outside and threw them in the wash. Didn't go near my two bunnies until after I showered. I vacuumed my whole apartment.

I found a shelter that will give the cat an exam, shots and will fix it. They will groom the cat and get rid of the fleas. The lady at the shelter said rabbit can't catch fleas because of their body temperature. Is that true? I find that hard to believe and I'm just concerned about the bunnies getting fleas.

I've checked them twice yesterday and today and found nothing


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[Watermelons]

Yes rabbits can get fleas, and mites, and etc etc.

 

[missyscove]

Some parasites are species specific. For example, the rabbit ear mite (Psoroptes cuniculi) only infests rabbits.

Unfortunately fleas are not one of those things.

The good news is that there are some rabbit-safe treatment options. You can get revolution (selamectin) from your vet which covers fleas, mites and some ticks, or you can use advantage (imidicloprid) which just covers fleas.

Never use frontline (fipronil) on a rabbit as it is toxic.

 

[Sweetie]

Oh and advantage 2 is safe for rabbits, just watch out for bald spots. I put advantage 2 on my rabbits twice. The second time they got a bald spot on their necks.

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[DogCatMom]

It's also possible to use a flea comb on rabbits--IF the rabbits like being brushed and combed.

 

[Hopper2013]

I used Capstar and a flea preventative from the vet, both are safe for rabbits and can only be given from a vet.