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bunny parasite

22 10:16:41

Question
Hi,
I have a pet dwarf bunny. He has insects crawling on him. They are small and brown. Do you have an idea about what they might be and if there are any safe comercial products for rabbits? Do you have any idea how to clean him and his cage. Are there any household solutions? Any help is appreciated. Thanks

Answer
Dear Jen,

Without seeing the parasites for myself I cannot give you a positive I.D., but they do sound like fleas.  Please read:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/furloss.html

and get your bunny to a good rabbit vet immediately:

www.rabbit.org/vets

for treatment with Revolution (selamectin) or Advantage (imidocloprid).  DO NOT USE FRONTLINE (fipronil), which is deadly to rabbits.

Please get him to the vet promptly, as a severe flea infestation can cause potentially life-threatening anemia.  The vet can help you with other products to rid your house of the fleas, but you can start by laundering all the bunny's bedding, throwing out anything disposable in his area, and working borax into any carpeting  you have to desiccate flea eggs where they have been laid.

I hope this helps.

Dana