Fleas on rabbits: signs, safe treatment and what never to use

How do I know if my rabbit has fleas?

The first sign is usually itching. Your rabbit may nibble at its fur a lot, scratch, or lose patches of fur. PDSA also lists sore or infected skin, scaly skin and specks of black flea dirt (flea droppings) in the coat. Medivet, a group of vet practices, suggests these checks at home.

1. Part the fur. Stroke the fur backwards around the neck and spine, and look at the skin for live fleas.
2. Run a wet paper towel over the area. Flea dirt is a mix of flea droppings and dried blood. If the mark turns reddish brown, that suggests fleas.
3. Check the gums and energy. In severe or long-standing cases, fleas can cause anaemia. Pale gums and weakness mean a vet visit soon.

A dirty mark on a wet paper towel is a clue, not proof. Ask a vet to confirm what is causing the skin trouble, because mites can cause the same itching. The table further down shows how to tell them apart.

Can I use a dog or cat flea product on my rabbit?

No, not unless a vet has prescribed it for your rabbit. The Rabbit Welfare Association says never to use flea control products that are not licensed for rabbits. It also warns that products for other pets, naming Frontline, are very dangerous for rabbits and will kill them. PDSA says dog and cat flea treatments can be poisonous to rabbits.

Some dog and cat spot-on products contain fipronil. A VCA page on a fipronil and permethrin product says it must never be used in rabbits, cats or other small mammals, because it is highly toxic to them. In rabbits exposed to fipronil spot-ons, the common signs are seizures, not eating, not drinking and lethargy (tiredness), according to dvm360, a veterinary trade publication.

What treatment do vets give rabbits for fleas?

Your vet chooses the treatment. PDSA says a vet will prescribe a flea treatment for the rabbit, for its living space or your home, and for every other pet in the house. The Rabbit Welfare Association says there is a rabbit-specific flea treatment that your vet can recommend. We do not give doses or product names for rabbits on this page, so take the product and the instructions from your vet.

If you find a tick on your rabbit, the Rabbit Welfare Association advises contacting your vet to identify the correct preparation to kill it.

Before you buy or use anything, ask your vet these questions.

• Is this product licensed for rabbits?
• Does my home need treating, and with what?
• Do my other pets need treating at the same time?
• What should I watch for after treatment?

What should I avoid?

• Flea dips, flea baths and flea powders. Medivet says the chemicals are often poisonous to rabbits, and baths are very stressful for them.
• Any dog or cat product, unless a vet has said it is safe for your rabbit.
• Any flea product that is not licensed for rabbits.

Brand names you see online, such as Revolution or Frontline, are not a reason to buy. Ask a vet first, whatever the box says.

How do I treat the home and other pets?

Treat your rabbit, any other pets and the home at the same time, or the fleas come back. Ask your vet for the plan, then follow these steps.

1. Treat every pet at once. PDSA says to treat any other dogs, cats and rabbits in the home too. The Rabbit Welfare Association says all pets should be treated at the same time.
2. Move the rabbit out while you clean. The Rabbit Welfare Association advises removing your rabbit from its usual space, changing all of its bedding (substrate) and cleaning everything thoroughly.
3. Treat the space. Use an environmental treatment that kills fleas and their eggs, as your vet advises. The Rabbit Welfare Association says your local vet practice is the best place to go for that advice.

Once the treatment is finished, go back to the normal routine. Our guide to how to clean a rabbit cage covers the regular cleaning, and our guide to the best bedding for rabbits covers what to put back in.

Fleas, fur mites, ear mites or lice: how do I tell them apart?

All four can make a rabbit itch, so the signs overlap. This table shows what each one looks like and what to do next. Only a vet can confirm which one your rabbit has.

Is flystrike the same as fleas?

No. Flystrike is caused by flies laying eggs in the fur, and it is a separate emergency. PDSA says it needs urgent veterinary treatment. Signs include wet or dirty patches of fur, fur loss, a bad smell, eating less, tiredness and collapse. Contact a vet immediately and ask for an emergency appointment the same day. Do not try to treat it at home.

How do I stop fleas and flystrike coming back?

There is no standard flea prevention routine for rabbits, so ask your vet which prevention suits your rabbit and home. For flystrike, PDSA gives clear daily habits, and they also help you spot fleas and skin trouble early.

• Check your rabbit every day.
• Remove pee and poo, dirty litter and wet bedding at least once a day.
• Trim long fur, which PDSA advises for flystrike prevention.
• In summer, use a fly repellent, and ask your vet which one is safe for rabbits.
• Book regular vet checks.

When should I see a vet?

Ring a vet the same day for flystrike. For skin, fur or ear trouble, see a vet soon. PDSA says skin problems often cause a lot of discomfort, so it is always best to have your rabbit seen as soon as possible. Pale gums or weakness need a vet soon as well. If you need someone who knows rabbits, read our guide to finding a rabbit-savvy vet near you. For more signs of illness, read our rabbit health guide, and for everyday care, see the complete rabbit care guide.