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The House Rabbit Society (California and Washington chapters) has received reports of numerous deaths from various flea products. In some cases, rabbits died within days of treatment for fleas and in other cases, toxicity built up over a long period of time after repeated treatments. A rabbit should not be given a flea dip under any circumstances. |
Sometimes the smallest things in life are the most irritating. |
DO NOT USE THE FOLLOWING ON RABBITS:
- Pyrethrin-based room bomb (leaves residue on cage and other room items)
- Herbal shampoos containing eucalyptus and/or clover oils
- Pyrethrin flea baths/dips-don't let someone tell you it is okay for rabbits because it is used on cats/kittens.
- Lime/sulfur dips and baths . Flea sprays for cats often contain alcohol and other substances that could be toxic to rabbits and/or cause skin irritations.
HOW TO EVALUATE FLEA POWDERS (from: S. Ackerman-Washington House Rabbit News, March, 1994, based on information from Medline and National Animal Poison Control Center):
1. Pyrethrins and carbaryls are considered safe, but too high of a dose can cause seizures, tremors, and death. They can be toxic over time.
2. Pyrethroids, such as Allethrin, are considered to be more effective and less toxic to mammals than natural pyrethrins.
3. Enzyme inhibitors or synergists which are added to pyrethrins or carbaryls powders to keep the flea from resisting the toxic effects of these two insecticides also keep pets from resisting the toxic effects. Synergists include:
- Piperonyl butomide
- Piperonyl cyclonene
- N-octylbicycloheptene dicarboramide
- Sesame
4. Keep the following figures in mind when reading labels:
- Carbaryl - 5.0% or less
- Pyrethrins - .15% or less
- Synergists - 1.0% or less
- Precor (good) - keeps insects from maturing
TO CONTROL FLEAS, TRY THE FOLLOWING:
- Daily flea combing (your rabbit can get used to this!)
- Flea powder chosen based on above guidelines. Flea powder should not be used on a regular basis and only when the rabbit is heavily infested. Care should be taken to keep it out of the eyes and nose. Even this type of flea powder can cause a build-up of toxins in organs over time.
- Pyrethrin-based room spray. Keep the rabbit out of the room for a minimum of 24 hrs. and wash all toys, bowls, and cage.
- The HRS does not recommend giving rabbits baths. However, some foster homes have bathed rabbits a few rabbits who were heavily infested and black with flea dirt. Use Johnson's Baby Shampoo; rinse well; dry well; and flea--comb. DO NOT USE A FLEA SHAMPOO.
- FLEABUSTERS is a pest control service which uses no insecticides and is totally safe for children. Sodium polyborate powder, which is supposedly "less toxic than table salt" is applied to the house and works by creating an environment that halts the life cycle of the flea. It is guaranteed for l year. Further information is available at veterinary offices, or in Austin by calling 836-3232.
SIGNS OF POISONING:
- shallow breathing
- convulsions
- cold or subnormal temperature
- lethargy
- no appetite
- hair loss