	AllExperts > Rabbits
	Search

About Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I've lived with companion rabbits for more than 35 years, and consider them members of my family. I can answer any questions about the biology and health of rabbits, from the commonplace to the unusual. But please note:

RULE #1:
THE INTERNET IS NOT THE PLACE TO SEEK HELP IN AN EMERGENCY.

If your rabbits is LETHARGIC
If your rabbit is NOT EATING
If your rabbit is PHYSICALLY INJURED (including broken bones)
If your baby rabbit has DIARRHEA

...it is an EMERGENCY.

Find a rabbit-savvy veterinarian at www.rabbit.org/vets for immediate help, and don't risk your bunny's life by spending time asking questions online!

RULE #2:
Help me help you! Please make your subject line informative if you have an urgent question.

If you already have been to the vet and still need help
if you can't find an available vet with the resources above

then LET ME KNOW IN THE SUBJECT LINE so I can give your question highest priority over non-urgent questions. If you don't do this, then I can't guarantee timely assistance!

For all the best, most accurate rabbit health, care and behavior information, visit The House Rabbit Society.

Experience

Publications
Exotic DVM
Warren Peace (Journal of the House Rabbit Society of Miami)
Various newsletters of the House Rabbit Society, nationwide

Education/Credentials
Ph.D - Biology
B.S. - Biology
B.A. - English

Awards and Honors
Lightspan Academic Excellence Award for web site on rabbit health and biology
(http://www.bio.miami.edu/hare)

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Rabbits > Rabbit fleas?

Rabbits - Rabbit fleas?

Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 11/8/2009

Question
can Rabbits have fleas and do they bite humans because my mummy
and I have developed an itchy rash? thank you.

Answer
Dear Emily,

Rabbits can have fleas or mites, but they are not usually the primary problem. They usually get fleas from cats, squirrels or rats, and only if the bunny is not being properly housed or cared for. Please read this with your mother:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/furloss.html

If you have a pet rabbit, be sure to get him to a good rabbit vet for complete examination, because a healthy rabbit almost never gets fleas or mites, which can sometimes also bite humans. You can find a good vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Over-the-counter flea remedies are NOT safe, and usually not effective on rabbits. Ask the vet about Stronghold (selamectin), which is safe and effective, and will keep bunny flea- and mite-free for a month with just one application. Well worth it! (DO NOT use Frontline (fipronil), which is deadly to rabbits.)

I hope this helps.

Dana

Add to this Answer Ask a Question