Having a pet rabbit in your family is no less than bliss. After all, they’re one of the most adorable domestic animals and can become very friendly with everyone in your family. This is why every individual aims to have a pet rabbit at home. But just like any other good thing, there are some negative things that are also associated with owning a rabbit, which is the fleas. According to the owners of rabbits, fleas and ticks are very common with rabbits as they are very vulnerable to these tiny creatures. This is why it is very important for the owners of rabbits to ensure the protection of their rabbits against these pesky parasites.
So, wondering how to get rid of fleas on rabbits? If yes, then here is a detailed blog where we will discuss the common solutions that can help.
How Do Rabbits Get Fleas?
Before we jump to know how to get rid of fleas on rabbits, it is very important to know the reason why rabbits get a lot of fleas. This gives you the ability to protect your rabbit from flea infestation. Similar to any other domestic animal, it is very common for rabbits to pick up wayward fleas in the great outdoors. It is very important for the owners to know that fleas are also excellent hitchhikers. So, even if you are not taking your rabbit outdoors, fleas can also make their way to their skin and fur. They can simply jump onto your pant legs when you’re just going out to get the mail or even for a pizza delivery, and then come into the house and find their way onto your pet rabbit.
Additionally, fleas can also enter your home through the windows or doors; these little buggers can actually jump high enough to access your house through the screens. However, in most cases, rabbits catch fleas from one of the other family pets.
How to Detect Fleas on a Pet Rabbit
Wondering how to know if your rabbit has got flea infection? If yes then it can be very much hard to find fleas on your rabbit, especially because their fur is so thick and lush. These tiny creatures can make their way to the skin and stay hidden. In most cases, you can notice small, dark grains that look just like specks of dirt. While they are not fleas, they can be actually flea poop (aka flea dirt). When you notice flea dirt, it is a clear sign that your pet is dealing with a massive problem that needs attention.
Wondering if the dark spots are traces of flea debris or just dirt that is making your rabbit’s fur look dirty? If yes then you can try this simple method; place it on a paper towel and put a drop of water on it.in case of flea debris, a red ring (blood) will appear within a few minutes around the speck.
One more sign to know if your rabbit has a flea infestation is itching.in some cases, the rabbit might feel a lot of itchy and sometimes the fleas can also result in causing sores or bald spots in their fur from scratching.
A thing to keep in mind here is that even if your rabbit doesn’t show the signs of flea infestation, it doesn’t mean that everything is fine. The reason here is that rabbits are very good at grooming so they catch and eat the fleas well before you are able to find any signs of a problem.
Effective Treatment for Fleas on Rabbits
Flea and tick combs – One of the best ways you can try to get rid of fleas on your rabbit is to regularly comb their fur with a high-quality tick comb. These combs are designed in a way that they can easily pull the flea from the pet and allow you to dispose of them. The best part here is that they are very cheap and can be purchased from any local pet store. You can always add combing to whatever treatment method you select.
Apple cider vinegar – Not many people know, but using apple cider vinegar can actually help get rid of fleas on your rabbit. The best thing about this solution is that it is an all-natural product and comes with no side effects for your pet. Apple cider vinegar is known for being used for various health benefits, but it’s also a powerful bug killer. So you can simply begin by mixing a solution of half vinegar with half water and put it in the spray bottle. Use this solution to spray on the fur of your rabbit for instant results.
Topical ointments – If the homemade solutions do not work well, then you can go with something better and more effective. So the next thing you can try to get rid of fleas on your rabbit is the topical ointment. Make sure to keep in mind that they’re not safe for every rabbit as some of them can get damage to their skin. It’s always best to talk to your veterinarian before you medicate your pet with these products. While they can be very safe, it is always better to be extra careful.
Dawn dishwashing soap – For quite a long time, people have been relying on animal soaps to help their pets get rid of flea infestation. These soaps are useful for cleaning up animals injured by oil spills because they’re gentle and effective. But one thing that not many people know about these soaps is that they are also helpful for getting rid of flea infestation in a magical way. Just create a mix of dishwashing liquid with warm water and massage it into the bunny’s back. You can wash it after some time and see the magic happen. It will help your rabbit get rid of fleas without the hassle or delay. It works in most of the cases.
