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Bunny fleas

22 10:41:14

Question
I have a bunny with fleas, two actually. I was told to purchase Advantage for my bunny because it is the only thing that is safe enough. I asked about Revolution, but they said that was altogether TOO strong. How much advantage to I give them? the whole package or just a couple of drops a piece?

Answer
Dear Angela,

I had to laugh when I read that the pet store people told you that Revolution was "too strong" for a rabbit.  Just what, exactly, is that supposed to mean?  

Revolution (selamectin) is a drug that acts as a neurotransmitter agonist in certain species of arthropods (fleas, mites, ticks) and roundworm.  Its efficacy has nothing to do with "strength," but with mode of action.  And in all but rabbits who have a compromised blood/brain barrier (e.g., from a head injury), Revolution is not only not "too strong", but is the best remedy for fleas and mites that we've found for rabbits.  For full information, please see:

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

Any size tube contains the same concentration of the solution.  For a rabbit weighing about 5 lbs., we use about 8 drops on the back of the neck, and presto!  The fleas or mites are dead within about 24 hours.

We no longer use Advantage, so I'm sorry to say I don't recall the dosage.  But you should use such medications under the supervision of a good rabbit vet, whom you can find here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Just ask the dose for Advantage if you don't want to invest in Revolution at the moment.

Call me a cynic, but if the people who told you not to use Revolution were pet store people, then the most likely reason they steered you away from Revolution is because it's not sold over the counter, and they couldn't make $$ from you by telling you to get it elsewhere!  If they are that unscrupulous, I would certainly not trust them for any accurate rabbit information.  Next thing you know, they'll try to sell you Frontline for your bunny, which is deadly to rabbits.  :(

I hope that helps, and that your bunny is parasite free in no time.