Fleas

[Waffles505]

So waffles has fleas. I have NO idea how she got them because she lives strictly in my room, she isn't allowed in other places in the apartment and certainly is allowed outside. But for the past 7 or 8ish months she has had fleas. I took her to the vet and got her some medication which seemed to help, but not fully get rid of them. So I told my landlord and he had someone spray the apartment, I throroughly cleaned her cage, and gave her another round of the medication and for the past two months she has seemed okay and flea-free. But she hopped up on my bed today and it was apparent that she had been hardcore scratching her nose (missing hair) and there were a bunch of black flecks on the hair that is remaining, so it seems like the fleas are back. What else can I do?? How can I get rid of them for good? Please help!

 

[Bville]

Which medication did the vet give you? I have been considering using Revolution to prevent fleas since my rabbits are outside and it's something you have to use monthly, so maybe you just need to keep treating her every month. Their website also says to do the following things:

1. Treat all your cats and dogs with Revolution
2. Vacuum lounge chairs and cushions (and throw out or burn the vacuum bag immediately afterwards)
3. Throw out any cushions or bedding you think could have infestations
4. Wash pet bedding in hot water over 60° C for at least 10 minutes
5. Clean out the kennel or basket
6. Vacuum the car
7. Vacuum or wash rugs, and administer flea control treatment
8. Wash any household bedding in hot water over 60° C for at least 10 minutes

 

[missyscove]

Are you confident it's fleas and not another ectoparasite like a mite? They definitely look different but not everyone knows what they look like. Are there any other pets in the home? Are any of the humans in the home being bitten?
What is the medication your vet gave you and how often are you reapplying? Not all flea meds kill all stages of the flea life cycle so you may need to use it for a longer period of time. Rabbits also metabolize some of the topical medications differently than dogs and cats and so may need more frequent applications.

The recommendations from Revolution are sound advice. While I'd never advise a flea collar for a rabbit, some people put them in their vacuum to help kill fleas they've vacuumed up so that might be something that would work for you.

One final reminder: never use frontline (fipronil) products on a rabbit. They are safe for cats and dogs but are known to kill rabbits.

 

[Sweetie]

Vacuuming, especially with a flea collar in the vacuum, alone will not get all the fleas. You can use borax and salt around rabbits. Just sprinkle the entire house/apartment with both and wait a few hours for it to suffocate the fleas, then vacuum really good. You will get most of the fleas. Then keep vacuuming every day to get the rest of the fleas. Also treat your animals with either advantage or revolution every month.