Here we can see, “Rabbit Itching and Scratching”
Rabbits, like humans, should not scratch themselves. If your pet rabbit is always scratching and itching, it has an issue that has to be handled. Various factors might cause a rabbit to scratch and itch, ranging from mites to allergies, but these are all manageable.
What Causes Rabbits to Scratch and Itch?
Pruritus is a condition in which an animal experiences extreme itching and scratching. It can be caused by fur, skin, or ear parasites, dry skin, allergies, or infections in rabbits. Whatever the source, it’s critical to address it as soon as possible for your rabbit’s health and peace of mind.
Fur Mites
Cheyletiella parasitivorax is a tiny mite found in rabbit fur. Cheyletiella mites are blood-sucking parasites that feed by biting your rabbit, causing it to scratch and itchy.
Fur mites are sometimes known as “walking dandruff” because they are frequently seen on rabbits moving the dead skin around, giving the appearance of movable skin cells. They may begin in a small spot on your rabbit’s fur, but if left untreated, they can spread throughout its fur, into its environment, and to other rabbits and pets.
Even if your rabbit never leaves the house, it can pick up fur mites from the food or bedding you bring in.
Lice
Lice infest rabbits, but not as frequently as other parasites. People and pets that aren’t rabbits can’t get them because they are only for rabbits.
Fleas
Many people believe rabbits do not acquire fleas, yet they do. Fleas, like fur mites, are blood-sucking parasitic parasites that bite rabbits, causing them to scratch and itchy.
Fleas can produce up to 50 eggs per day, so even if you only notice one or two adult fleas on your rabbit, hundreds of eggs have already been laid. Fleas also bite people, but when human blood is their main food source, the female fleas can’t make eggs that will hatch.
Fleas can infest both indoor and outdoor rabbits. Fleas can be brought in from outside or given to your rabbit by other pets in the house. Fleas, like other insects such as ants, can find their way into dwellings on their own.
A flea comb will aid in the detection of fleas and flea filth. The cylindrical excrement of fleas that turns red when touched with a wet cotton swab is known as flea dirt. This is a useful trick for identifying digested blood from ordinary dirt in the environment.
Dry Skin
Your rabbit’s skin may get dry, causing it to itch and scrape. Dry skin in your rabbit can be caused by a number of factors, including low humidity, dusty environments, insufficient food, and bathing your rabbit too frequently or with inappropriate shampoos.You should be able to reverse dry skin if you can figure out what’s causing it. For temporary relief, request a rabbit-safe spray solution from your veterinarian.
Ear Mites
Ear mites, Psoroptes cuniculi, induce itching and scratching. They can be passed from rabbit to rabbit, so wash your hands after handling one. You may observe hair loss and/or scabs around the ears, or the rabbit’s ears may appear particularly unclean. An ear mite infestation can also be identified by a head tilt, a flopped ear, or head shaking, which does not always impact both ears. Take your rabbit to the veterinarian if you observe any of these symptoms.
Allergies
Some rabbits, like people, are allergic to specific things that cause them to scratch and itch. Because environmental allergies are more common than food allergies, you can make adjustments to your rabbit’s bedding, litter, cleaning solutions, and air purifiers to make him feel more at ease at home.
Dust in some linoleum or rabbit hay, as well as laundry softeners and detergents used on blankets, are common environmental allergies.
Rabbits might be allergic to parasites like fleas and fur mites. This will aggravate an infestation of these bugs in your pet even more.
Irritating Skin
Aside from allergies, rabbits can be upset by some products, especially if they aren’t designed for them. Shampoos, conditioners, sprays, and air fresheners all have the potential to irritate your rabbit’s skin. If you use a new product, like shampoo, and your rabbit itches the next day, it’s possible that the product was too harsh for his skin. This is frequently the case when dog products are used on rabbits.
Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes hair loss, itching, and red “ringworm” lesions in rabbits. It is caused by two types of organisms (Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis). Ringworm can also be contracted by a rabbit.
Ringworm, like mites and fleas, is spread by close contact with an infected rabbit. Keep a new rabbit isolated from your existing rabbits until you’re certain it doesn’t have an infection. Rabbits can also get ringworm from dirty places or brushes that were used on another rabbit who had it.
Skin Infections
Skin infections can be caused by urine scalds, faeces that have been in contact with your rabbit’s skin for an extended period of time, and generally dirty conditions. The infected region may become red, swollen, and itchy, and it should be treated as soon as possible.
Treatment
The treatment for itching and scratching in rabbits varies depending on the cause. However, a variety of issues are solved in the same way.
- Rabbits with fur mites are highly infectious. If your rabbit has Cheyletiella mites and you have other pets in the house, be careful not to spread the parasite to other animals. After handling your rabbit, wash your hands and discard the food and bedding in its cage.
- Freeze all unused food and bedding from a pet store or online to prevent fur and ear mites, lice, and fleas. These goods can bring parasites into your house, so freezing them before use is an excellent method to avoid an infestation.
- If your rabbit has mites, your exotic veterinarian will most likely prescribe Selamectin, a drug that kills the infestation without injuring your rabbit. Over-the-counter medications are usually not safe for rabbits, and you should always check with your veterinarian before using them.
- If you find fleas or flea filth on your rabbit, treat him and all other furry pets in the house with a safe flea treatment, exactly like you would for fur mites. You’ll have to clean and treat the environment as well. Some rabbit owners employ flea sprays and bombs marketed at pet stores, as well as boric acid powder in their carpets. Make sure your rabbit is out of the room you’re treating for at least 24 hours if you use these products.
- If your rabbit has allergies, wash its bedding with fragrance-free fabric softeners and detergents designed for newborns or sensitive skin. If your rabbit’s symptoms don’t go away, look for other possible allergens, like dust or pollen from an open window in the spring or summer, and try to get rid of them.
- Ringworm is often treated with topical or oral medications given by your exotic veterinarian.
- Prescription drugs are usually required for skin infections. There is an anti-itch spray that is safe for rabbits, but it only provides temporary relief if the cause of the problem isn’t treated.
How to Avoid Scratching and Itching
Keeping your rabbit’s habitat clean can help to reduce itching. Any rabbit supplies should be frozen before being used, and any washable rabbit bedding should be washed using fragrance-free washing detergents.
Apart from that, keep your rabbit’s cage as clean as possible. Daily and weekly grooming can make a big impact on your pet’s health and avoid a lot of skin illnesses. Use only rabbit-specific bathing products while bathing your rabbit.
Regularly inspecting your rabbit’s fur is also a good idea. This will help you notice any problems quickly and start treatment, which could stop an infestation, ear, or skin problem from getting worse.
Simultaneously, take preventative measures for any other pets in your home, such as using flea preventives on a regular basis. If your rabbit lives outside or is allowed to go outside, be careful not to let it get near other animals that could spread any of these diseases.
User Questions
How do I know if my bunny has mites?
Persistent dandruff, “walking dandruff,” chronic scratching of the hindquarters, nape of neck, and back, blisters or scabs in the same places, and hair loss are all visible symptoms. Mites or eggs collected by skin scraping, combing, or acetate tape can be looked at under a microscope to confirm that there is an infestation.
Why is my bunny itching so much?
It’s critical to understand your rabbit’s usual behaviour so you can notice any problems early. An infestation can be detected by excessive scratching, overgrooming, dandruff, or fur loss. The most common parasites that infect rabbits are mites and fleas.
What can I do for my itchy rabbit?
It’s also worth noting that using a topical cream or soap or other treatments containing alcohol, benzoyl, or iodine may aggravate your rabbit’s itch or cause pain. In this scenario, a clean, cool rag should be used to help stop the itching and relieve the pain.
Why is my rabbit biting her fur?
Barbering is another term for this habit. It might be directed at another rabbit or self-inflicted. Rabbits may chew off their fur when stressed, as a nesting instinct, or due to a shortage of fibre. But it could mean that you aren’t taking care of them well enough or that they have parasites.
Do indoor rabbits get fleas?
Rabbits, like many other mammals with fur, can get fleas. Fleas can infest both indoor and outdoor rabbits. Fleas jump from one host animal to the next, so bunny bunnies are frequently infected.
Conclusion
I hope you found this helpful guide. If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to use the form below.
