Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

What's a safe, affordable flea treatment for sensitive skin rabbits?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 9 months old | 10 lbs

Since rabbits have sensitive skin What are some different types of flea remedies i can use instead of buying an expensive treatment due to budget problems? Can I use dawn soap or can i dio his flea comb lightly in alcohol an run it through his fur if i wipe him immediately after with water?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 23rd, 2019

No you can't use any of the things you have suggested, this won't solve a flea problem. there is no natural/home remedies alternative to flea treatment, none of the ones you will find suggested will work. a cheap and effective flea treatment i recommend for rabbits is Advantage spot on.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on January 27th, 2018
I would recommend using a flea comb prior to treatment - it would not be recommended to treat for fleas unless they are affected. It is important to always use the correct dose and formulation - your vets office can advise on available products suitable for their size and weight - do not use products not licensed for rabbits without a prescription and dosage from your vet. Rabbits can be treated carefully with diatomaceous earth, imidacloprid (advanatge), ivermectin or selamectin (stronghold) products but should never be treated with fipronil (frontline), pyrethrin products should be used with extreme caution.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 19th, 2018
Thoroughly comb your bunny’s fur with a flea comb, and dip the comb in warm sudsy water to drown the fleas. Rinse the comb with water before using it again on your rabbit. This will work if your rabbit only has a few fleas.
Should he have a lot of fleas then you can use topical solutions such as Advantage®, or Revolution® on advice by your veterinarian (the vet will also give you a dosage for your rabbit).
DO NOT USE FRONTLINE, it can kill your rabbit.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My rabbit is scratching. How do I treat fleas safely in my home?

You will have to treat Prince with a rabbit safe flea treatment, flea treat any other animals in the house, and you have to disinfect the environment as well. Advantage is safe to use on rabbits. To disinfect the environment, wash his bedding in hot soapy water, and vacuum the furniture and carpet surfaces. You can use a spray to kill fleas in the house, such as Indorex, or a flea bomb would work well to kill the fleas in the home. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My bunny might get fleas. Are there any safe treatment options?

There are not specific products for rabbits. Only certain cat products can be used on rabbits and it requires precise dosing based upon the body weight. Speak with your veterinarian before starting any flea products on Bean Sprout. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Safe bug repellent for outdoor rabbits & how to wash fleece?

The best flea / mite treatment and preventative in my opinion for rabbits Revolution, which is a prescription product marketed for cats and dogs. Typically, in a small Lionhead rabbit, you should use the smallest size of Revolution available, which is designed for kittens under 5 lbs. Hope this helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

What safe monthly medicine can I use for my outdoor rabbit's fleas?

You are correct that Theo could get fleas from being outside, and yes there are rabbit safe flea medications to prevent this. Advantage and Revolution are both safe to use on rabbits, and you can pick some up from your vet's office. They will be able to tell you the correct dose for Theo's weight :-)

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Bunny has red skin, fur loss on neck after flea drops. Is he okay?

Hi there, I'm unfamiliar with this product use in rabbits. In the future, I would recommend using Revolution from a veterinarian, as the active ingredient selamectin has been well studied for its safety in rabbit species. I think everything else about your plan sounds great though. You can add bedding and blankets to help with sore hocks, as well as making sure he is a lean body condition (not overweight). I love the LaFeber website for small mammal articles: https://lafeber.com/mammals/rabbits/ I hope that's helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Help! My bunny has fleas and skin issues. Is it mites or ringworm?

If you're unsure of the type of parasite causing issues for Theodore, it is best to seek veterinary care to have any of the mites/bites examined and parasite type found. There are safe topical flea medications available for rabbits through your vet such as advantage and revolution that can help prevent fleas and mites, and your vet can also use a special type of lamp to check the area for ringworm. If you do see fleas, you can use a fine-toothed comb and a gentle bath with Dawn dish soap to kill/suffocate fleas and safely remove them without chemicals.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Can I use home remedies for guinea pig & rabbit mites & lice?

There is no such thing i'm afraid, the only things that kill mites and lice on rabbits and guinea pigs are special medications that are meant just for that (chemicals), such as Revolution or Advantage multi.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share