Deer Tick Removal on Rabbits

While rabbits usually don't get infected with ticks, infections can occur when you have other pets such as dogs or cats. Outdoor pets such as a cat, can bring ticks indoors, transferring ticks to your rabbit. The deer tick or Eastern black-legged tick, can cause tick paralysis, Lyme disease and other illnesses. For heavy infestations on your rabbit, consult with your veterinarian on the use of tick products for safety purposes. Many tick products can cause potential harm to your rabbit.

  1. Combing

    • You can gently run a flea comb over your rabbit's fur to dislodge one or two ticks. Flea combs have fine teeth, which can trap a tick. Pull up with a quick motion when you lodge the tick in your comb. Pet stores also sell tick removal combs specifically designed for the purpose of removing ticks from your pet's fur. An example includes the Tick Twister, which is designed to secure onto the tick while you twist and pull it out (see Resources).

    Tweezers

    • You can't kill ticks by flushing them.

      A pair of fine-tipped tweezers works best to remove ticks from your rabbit's fur. Get as close as possible to the head of the tick with your tweezers and pull the tick out. Avoid pinching the body of the tick with your tweezers, as this can push bacteria into your rabbit's bloodstream, warns Pet Education.com. Wash the wound with a mild soap and water. Applying a disinfectant can alleviate your rabbit's bite wound. Any ticks you remove should be placed in a jar of alcohol to kill them, recommends Pet Education.

    What Not to Do

    • Contrary to belief, you can't kill ticks with matches or alcohol. Using a match to try to remove a tick from your rabbit will only cause your pet unnecessary harm. Applying products like alcohol or petroleum jelly will cause a tick to further deposit saliva into your rabbit. This can result in more disease being flushed into the wound. Avoid using your bare hands when removing ticks. Use a pair of latex gloves to prevent the spread of disease. Don't become concerned if a tick's mouth-parts become lodged in your rabbit's skin. If you're unable to remove the mouth-part, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests letting the wound heal.

    Illness Symptoms

    • Seek treatment when your rabbit becomes ill.

      It can take up to three weeks before your rabbit shows symptoms if it develops an illness from a tick bite. Large infestations of ticks can result in anemia. Your rabbit can also develop fever, loss of appetite and seizures. You may notice your rabbit developing lesions on its skin as well. If your rabbit becomes sick, a prompt visit to your vet is necessary to avoid complications that can lead to death.