rabbits behaviour against our new pup

Question
hi

the other day we bought a cattle dog puppy and my three rabbits have all been in distress when ever the dog is around they dont thump their legs or hide from what ive seen, one of my rabbits has bitten me twice in the last few days that we have had the dog which is usually quite rare for him to do that.

we have taught the dog not to go near the cages with a dog repelling spray

they have all had accidental stressful encounters with the pup but they have seemed to settle down and not be so fussed about it as much. do u think that they will eventually be ok ?

also can rabbits get fleas from dogs(reminding you that i am in australia i dont know if there are different types of fleas where ever you live( if u dont live in aussie)

ive read that the only fleas that rabbits can get in australia are the 2 types that the australian government have made which carries the myxamotosis disease

thanks so much for taking your time answering these complicated questions that i may have asked

byee

jess

Answer
Dear Jess,

It may take some time for the rabbits to get used to the dog, but for now they are very upset by the newcomer and taking it out on you.  For tips on how to safely introduce them at some point (when the dog is less of a puppy and is 100% obedient), please go to:

http://www.rabbit.org/journal/1/dogs.html

Fleas are fairly host specific, but a really hungry dog or cat flea will take a rabbit if food is short.  You can keep the fleas off your rabbits (if this becomes a problem) with selamectin.  In the US, this is marketed as Revolution; in the UK it's Stronghold.  Not sure what it is in Australia, but it's safe and effective for rabbits.  DO NOT use Frontline (fipronil), as it can be deadly to rabbits.

I hope the bunnies will settle down about the puppy, but be sure to take extra precautions to be sure there are no accidental encounters.  One playful bite or slap from a dog's paw can be fatal to a rabbit, even if the dog meant no harm.  It will be up to you to make sure your bunnies are safe until the dog is well trained and everyone can be trusted together under your supervision.

Good luck!

Dana