Dwarf rabbits are sensitive to the chemicals in flea treatments.
Rabbits are small and delicate creatures, and dwarf bunnies are even smaller than average, so they must be treated with extra care when they are experiencing a health problem such as a flea infestation. According to Precious Pet Rabbits, a rabbit care website, rabbits are especially sensitive to chemicals. This means you will need to opt for less harsh flea removal treatments than you would traditionally use for a cat or dog.
Instructions
1. Visit your veterinarian to determine the severity of the flea problem. A trained professional can help you better determine the appropriate course of treatment that will be best suited for your dwarf rabbit and cause the least amount of negative side effects.
2. Use a topical flea treatment prescribed by your veterinarian. Creams and drops such as these are more effective on smaller animals such as dwarf bunnies because you can apply controlled precision amounts of the medication, thus reducing the chance of overdosing the tiny rabbit with unnecessary chemicals. Be sure to apply the treatment to an area such as the back of the neck where the bunny will not be able to lick the medicine.
3. Brush your rabbit gently, but thoroughly with a flea comb specifically designed for small animals such as rabbits and kittens. This precision tool will allow you to pick through the hair and physically remove fleas and their eggs. Earth's Kids recommends brushing your rabbit regularly as a way to manage and eliminate fleas.
4. Pay special attention to the ears of your dwarf bunny as fleas like to live in the folds of their ears.
5. Clean the cage, food and water bowls and any toys with bleach diluted with hot water. This will eliminate any fleas and eggs that could be hiding.
Tags: animals such, dwarf bunnies, eliminate fleas, sensitive chemicals, your dwarf