Rabbits & Lice

Just like any other pet, rabbits also attract parasites such as fleas or ticks. Lice are also a common parasite that infest the fur of rabbits. Lice require special treatment to ensure they are eliminated from your rabbit for good.

  1. Effects

    • Lice are extremely uncomfortable to rabbits. Rabbits with lice become very itchy, frequently scratching or chewing at their bodies to relieve the itch.

    Recognizing Lice

    • Lice reproduce and lay their eggs in the fur of a rabbit. These eggs can be spotted during grooming--just look for little clusters attached to your rabbit's fur. (It is especially easy to spot lice eggs on rabbits with dark fur.)

    Considerations

    • Any animal (including humans) can contract lice. However, lice are species-specific so you don't have to worry about you or other pets catching your rabbit's lice (unless your other pets are rabbits).

    Elimination

    • Lice are easily eliminated from rabbits using insecticides provided by your veterinarian. The insecticide requires several applications, and the manufacturer's instructions for use must be followed exactly to ensure effectiveness.

    Treating the Environment

    • Treating your rabbit for lice also involves treating its hutch/cage. Anti-mite disinfectants designed for animal cages eliminate mites from your rabbit's living area.