❓ Can Rabbits Get Fleas?

Yes—rabbits can be infested with fleas, which bite and feed on their blood. Severe infestations can lead to anemia, secondary skin infections, and intense itching :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

🔬 Diagnosing Flea Infestation

• Use a fine flea comb over fur; you might spot fleas or “flea dirt.”
• Place specks on damp tissue—if they bleed red, it's flea feces :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
• Vet may perform skin scrapings or check for other parasites.
• Severe infestations warrant blood tests—to check for anemia :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

🩺 Treatment Overview

Rabbit flea treatment involves three key steps:

1. Safe Medications

• Spot-on treatments: Off-label use of Advantage® (imidacloprid) or Revolution® (selamectin); Vet-supervised dosing essential :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Oral Capstar®: Nitenpyram works quickly (within 30 min) to kill adult fleas; treatment duration varies :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
• Selamectin topical: A safe, vet-guided option that manages fleas and possibly mites :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.

2. Safe Physical Removal

• Use a flea comb daily to remove fleas and larvae :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
• Diatomaceous Earth (food-grade): Sprinkle on bedding/carpet, let settle, then vacuum—avoid direct application to rabbit :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
• Avoid flea collars/dips/baths—they’re dangerous and stressed rabbits can die :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.

3. Eradicate Environment

• Wash all bedding weekly in hot water.
• Vacuum floors and carpets thoroughly and empty vacuum outside :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
• Apply pet-safe sprays, powders, or fumigants to infested areas; exclude pets during treatment :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
• Maintain monthly prevention year-round in warmer climates :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.

🛡️ Preventive Measures

• Treat all pets in the household—fleas jump species :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}.
• Use monthly spot-on products for rabbits and cats.
• Keep indoor areas tidy and free of clutter.
• Trim grass, remove wildlife habitat and debris from yards :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}.
• Consider harmless deterrents, like cedar or natural scents—with veterinary approval.

⚠️ What Not to Do

• No flea collars, dips, or over-the-counter cat/dog shampoos—these are toxic to rabbits :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
• No Frontline®, Sentinel®, or pyrethrin-based treatments—can cause fatal reactions :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}.

💬 Real Owner Advice

“Revolution puppy & kitten worked great—0.1 ml per kg applied to skin behind shoulders. Removed fleas on me, cats, and rabbits!” (BinkyBunny forum) :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

“Comb daily; diatomaceous earth on carpets and bedding helps a lot.” (RabbitResource.org) :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

📋 Treatment Timeline Example

🩻 Monitoring & Follow-Up

• Check body and bedding weekly for reinfestation.
• Review rabbit’s behavior—watch for scratching, hair loss, pale gums.
• Repeat vet visit if fleas persist or anemia develops.

✅ Final Veterinary Tips for 2025

• Always use rabbit-savvy vets for flea treatment plans.
• Dose strictly per weight; only use spot-on meds under vet control.
• Combine medical and environmental treatment for complete control.
• Monthly preventive treatment is safer and more effective than reacting to infestations.
• Maintain good hygiene—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

🌟 Partner Products & Services

• Ask A Vet: Chat with rabbit-savvy veterinarians for safe flea treatment and guidance.
• Woopf: Premium low-dust bedding—washable and flea-resistant.
• Purrz: Natural herbal sprays to soothe itchy skin post-treatment.