The best natural method to get rid of fleas on your rabbit is to use a flea comb twice daily. Start by the ears and perform slow and long strokes down the body. Check the comb after each stroke. Use tweezers to remove visible fleas that the comb missed.
Is your rabbit’s fur looking a little bit oily? Have you noticed them scratching more than usual? These could be signs that your rabbit has fleas. Fleas are not only a nuisance but can also make your rabbit uncomfortable.
Luckily, there are several things you can do to get rid of fleas on rabbits naturally. In this article, we’ll share some tips on how to get rid of fleas on rabbits using natural methods. We will also go over the steps you should take if natural methods don’t work.
What You'll Learn
Fleas Will Not Go Away On Their Own
If you think your rabbit has fleas, closing your eyes and hoping the fleas will go away on their own is very wishful thinking. Unfortunately, this won’t happen. Fleas are parasites that live off the blood of their host, which in this case, is your rabbit.
A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, and those eggs can hatch in as little as two days. This means that if you have fleas on your rabbit, it’s only a matter of time before your home becomes infested with them as well.
Not only are fleas a nuisance, but they can also transmit dangerous diseases to your rabbit. For this reason, it’s important to take action as soon as you suspect your rabbit has fleas.
Why Start With Natural Flea Treatment?
It might be tempting to jump straight into chemical treatments since they claim to quickly kill fleas. However, these treatments come with a few risks.
That’s why we always recommend starting with natural methods first. The benefits of starting with natural methods include:
Prevents Exposure to Potentially Harmful Chemicals
Natural flea treatments are entirely safe for both you and your rabbit. This is in contrast to many chemical treatments, which can be dangerous if misused.
Many chemical treatments contain harmful pesticides that can potentially kill your rabbit if not used properly.
In most cases, it’s best to start with natural methods and only use chemical treatments as a last resort.
Usually Cheap
Natural flea treatments are usually very cheap and easy to find. For example, many household items, such as apple cider vinegar, can be used.
Can Be Done at Home
A final benefit to natural treatment is that you can do it from the comfort of your own home. You don’t need to make a trip to the vet and fork out an expensive co-pay.
How to Get Rid of Fleas on Rabbits Naturally
Now that we’ve gone over some of the benefits of using natural methods, let’s look at some of the best ways to get rid of fleas on rabbits.
Use a Flea Comb
One of the best ways to remove fleas from your rabbit is to use a flea comb. A flea comb is a special comb that has very fine teeth. This allows it to remove fleas, eggs, and larvae from your rabbit’s fur.
To use a flea comb, start by wetting your rabbit’s fur with some water. This will help to loosen the fleas and make them easier to remove. Then, start combing your rabbit’s fur, starting at the base of the ears and working your way down the body.
Use long, slow strokes when combing, and check the comb after each stroke. If you see a flea, remove it with the comb and put it in a cup of soapy water. Once you’ve finished combing, use a soft brush to remove any flea eggs or larvae that may be left behind.
Repeat this process twice a day until you no longer see any fleas.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Another effective way to get rid of fleas on rabbits is to use apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is a natural flea repellent. It can be used as a safe, non-toxic alternative to chemical treatments.
To use apple cider vinegar, mix equal parts apple cider vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, spray the mixture onto your rabbit’s fur and rub it in. Do this once or twice a day for up to a week.
Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is a natural product made from the fossilized remains of tiny algae-like creatures. It works by dehydrating the fleas, which ultimately kills them.
Make sure to only use food-grade diatomaceous earth, as this is the only kind that is safe for use around animals.
To use diatomaceous earth:
- Sprinkle a thin layer of it onto your rabbit’s fur
- Avoid the eyes, nose, and mouth
- Rub it in and leave it on for a while before brushing it out
Repeat this process every few days until the fleas are gone.
What to Do if Natural Methods Don’t Work
If you’ve tried all the above methods and you’re still seeing fleas, it may be time to resort to chemical treatments. However, before using any chemical treatments, you must talk to your vet first.
They will be able to recommend a safe and effective product for your rabbit.
Give Natural Methods a Chance!
There are many effective ways to get rid of fleas on rabbits naturally. In most cases, it’s best to start with natural methods and only use chemical treatments as a last resort.
Some of the best ways to remove fleas from your rabbit include using a flea comb, apple cider vinegar, and diatomaceous earth.
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and you’re still seeing fleas, it may be time to talk to your vet about alternative treatments.
