Rabbit help please

**zookeeperinaltha** · 09-05-2003, 11:53 PM

I was wondering if any of you rabbit owners use anything for fleas. I called my vet and he told me advantage.......I was thinking if it is safe then why do they have one for dogs (advantage) and cats (advantage). Our vet doesn't deal with small animals and I am afraid to take his advice. So befor running up a big phone bill calling vets 100 miles away I just wanted to know if and what you use for fleas on a rabbit. Thanks in advance.

**Aspen and Misty** · 09-06-2003, 12:25 AM

I've used my dog flea medicine on Julian before when Nova brought Fleas in the house.

Ash

**zanzanfergie** · 09-06-2003, 05:47 AM

Revolution can be used on rabbits and guinea pigs in very small quantities. It won't hurt them, but too much will irritate their skin.

So be sure to follow your vet's advice as to how much you use.

I don't use any flea treatments on my little guys since they don't have a problem with fleas. We have used revolution on our guinea pigs in the past though, our vet recommended it as well.

**spicehersheycadburybasil** · 09-06-2003, 08:25 PM

Don't follow his advice!It could kill your bunny!

Just give him a flea bath in your bath tub or set tub,don't use strong shampoo just use dish liquid but don't put too much on,make sure you get it out of his fur,then dry him well.while he is wet get some tweezers or use your fingers and get any fleas that you see off your rabbit!Advantage would definitly kill your rabbit,you have to put it on the rabbits back of his neck,a rabbit can reach the back of his neck and it will kill him if he licks it off.

**Karen** · 09-06-2003, 09:17 PM

I looked at the House Rabbit Society's site for "fleas" and found

Beware of "Natural" Flea Powders

There are "all natural" flea powders sold at many pet and health food stores and in catalogs. These
powders mainly contain pennyroyal (very poisonous), peppermint, eucalyptus or other herbs.

Do not assume that these are safe just because they are in a health food store or are herbal. Herbs
and "natural" products contain chemicals, such as the chrysanthemum derivative pyrethrin, designed
to kill insects or fungi; they can also have lethal effects on mammals. Some of these herbs may even
be safe for humans to eat, but can kill rabbits.

To be safe, stick with 5% Sevin dust and frequent flea-combing.

It has several pertinent pages, including the fact that "topical" products, like Advantage and Frontline:

See here

**Heather Wallace** · 09-07-2003, 07:54 AM

I think you can use Advantage but you have to give the right dose for the right weigth, it is best taking bunny tot he vets and have him weighed there.

As suggested a bath with flea shampoo might be best.

**zookeeperinaltha** · 09-09-2003, 09:23 PM

Thanks to you all! Something told me not to listen to the vet. I think I will just stick with the brushing, They enjoy that anyhow! It isn't that they were infested or any thing but I was wanting to take them out in the yard and if I was to do that they may get several fleas. I'll just keep them in the house. Again all thanks!

**Daisylover** · 09-10-2003, 10:45 AM

I don't know...I just hate the idea of using any kinds of a chemical on a rabbit...they are so delicate and their skin is very thin, I'd be worried about poisoning. I think you are soing the right thing but just trying to comb them out, futile maybe but it's worth a try. If they get bad I would suggest you find a rabbit specialist vet and get advice from them. I think these products on rabbits are just too dicey to take chances with.