There can be many reasons a rabbit would scratch excessively, but common reasons include parasites, allergies, or another skin irritation. Rabbits typically should not scratch more than humans. No matter the reason for the itching, it should be pretty easily treatable.
Why do Rabbits Itch and Scratch? When an Animal Experiences Severe Itching or Scratching it is Known as Pruritus. There can be Many Reasons for this When a Rabbit Experiences It. Common Reasons Include Parasites in the Fur, Skin, or Ears. Dry Skin or Allergies May Also be Bothering Your Pet. Infections are also Known to Cause Itching or Scratching. No Matter What the Cause, it is Important to Take Care of the Problem Right Away for Your Rabbit’s Health. Here are 15 Facts About Itching and Scratching You Should be Aware of in Your Pet Rabbit:
- Parasites
- A parasite is an organism who lives in or on another organism and benefits by taking nutrients at their host’s expense.
- As we already discussed, parasites can be present in the fur, skin, or ears of a rabbit and cause itching.
- Examples of parasites include; fleas, ticks, mites, and Cuterebra fly larvae/maggots.
- Fleas
- Signs of fleas in your pet include itching/scratching, hair loss, and skin irritation.
- There are medicines available for flea prevention, talk to your veterinarian about what will be right for your pet.
- Sterilize and disinfect the area your pet lives. Discard all organic materials to prevent reinfection or infestation. Freeze food if unable to buy new.
- Ticks
- Ticks are not very common in rabbits; however, it is possible for rabbits to get them if they are outdoors often.
- Ticks can be carriers of serious diseases, so if your pet is outside often it is vital to check for ticks regularly and remove them if found.
- If a tick is found, use a pair of pointed tweezers or another tick removal tool to firmly grasp the head, which is closest to the skin. Remove the tick using steady pressure then place in rubbing alcohol to kill it.
- Cuterebra Fly Larvae/Maggots
- Cuterebra flies typically lay their eggs in the grass, so if your pet is running around in the grass the larvae may attach themselves to your pet and burrow into the skin.
- If you notice a small circular hole or bump, DO NOT attempt to pull it out yourself or touch it. This can send your rabbit into shock, which can cause seizures or even death.
- Take your pet into your veterinarian’s office for removal. They will remove the maggot safely and prescribe an antibiotic for any potential issues caused by the parasite.
- Fur Mites
- Cheylettiella parasitivorax are microscopic mites who make a home in the fur of rabbits.
- These are blood-sucking parasites who feed by biting your pet; this causes your rabbit to itch and scratch.
- Fur mites are sometimes referred to as “walking dandruff,” because they can be seen moving around the dead skin on rabbits.
- The cause of these mites can happen outdoors as well as from food or bedding that is brought into the home.
- Itching and scratching, fur loss, as well as the presence of scabby lumps can be a signal of fur mites on your pet.
- To treat fur mites, take your rabbit to your veterinarian, where they will prescribe a topical gel or oral medication to treat the mites.
- Also, disinfect all grooming materials and sterilize the rabbit’s environment. Discard all organic materials to prevent reinfection.
- Lice
- Lice are not as common as some other parasites; however, they can still infect rabbits.
- Lice are species-specific in rabbits, so humans and other animals in the home will not be able to get them.
- Signs of lice in your pet rabbit include extreme itching and scratching.
- If you notice itching and scratching much more than usual, take your rabbit to your veterinarian where they can prescribe an antibiotic catered to your rabbit.
- DO NOT attempt to use human lice medication, or any over the counter medication, as this is too harsh for a rabbit.
- Dry Skin
- Your rabbit may develop dry skin as a result of being in a room with low humidity, too much dust, having a poor diet, or being bathed too often with the wrong products.
- Having dry skin can create an itch which is irritating and uncomfortable for the rabbit. Look at the environment your rabbit is in and the products you are using and make some adjustments if needed.
- Signs to look out for if your rabbit has dry skin include dandruff and excessive itching.
- Ear Mites
- Psoroptes cuniculis are ear mites who cause itching and scratching in the ears of their host.
- These parasites spread from rabbit to rabbit, so remember to wash your hands after handling a rabbit with ear mites.
- Signs of ear mites include hair loss around the ears, scabs around the ears, and the rabbit’s ears may look dirty. If your rabbit is tilting their head, flopping their ears, and shaking their head more frequently than usual, this may also be a sign of ear mites.
- If you notice these signs in your rabbit take them to your veterinarian. They will perform an exam to determine if ear mites are present, and they will prescribe antiparasitic drugs.
- During the treatment period make sure the rabbit’s environment is thoroughly cleaned and remove all organic material from the cage to prevent reinfection.
- Allergies
- Similar to humans, rabbits can be allergic to certain materials which cause them to itch and scratch. These are usually related to their environment and not in the food they are eating.
- Making changes to bedding, litter, cleaning solutions, and air purifiers should make your rabbit more comfortable in their environment.
- Common environmental allergens include the dust present in some litters or rabbit hay. Laundry softeners or detergents used on blankets may also irritate the skin of a rabbit.
- Some rabbits may even be allergic to mites, which makes infestations even more aggressive.
- Skin Irritants
- Similar to allergies, rabbits can be irritated by products which are not meant for their skin.
- Examples of these include shampoos, conditioners, sprays, and air fresheners.
- If your rabbit begins itching or scratching, pay attention to the time they do it. If you used a new shampoo, and the next day they are itching, this may be a signal they are irritated by the shampoo.
- This is a common occurrence when people try to use products designed for other animals on their pet rabbits.
- Ringworm
- Ringworm is caused by two main types of organisms; Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Microsporum canis.
- Ringworm is a fungal infection that can result in hair loss, itching or scratching, and red “ringworm” marks on rabbits.
- People are also able to contract ringworm from their pet rabbits.
- The main cause of ringworm is direct contact with another infected animal. To prevent your rabbit from getting ringworm, keep it away from other rabbits until you are sure there is no infection present.
- Rabbits can also get ringworm from dirty environments and brushes that were used on an infected rabbit.
- When it comes to treatment of ringworm, the infection will typically go away on its own as long as the proper measures are being taken at home. If the problem is getting worse even after changes, veterinary help should be sought.
- Factors of nutrition must be resolved
- The environment must be sanitized and sterilized to prevent reinfection
- Skin must not be irritated
- Any grooming products must be sterilized
- Skin Infections
- Skin infections can occur in a rabbit when urine scald and feces have remained in prolonged contact with their skin.
- Generally unsanitary or unclean environments may cause your rabbit to develop a skin infection as well.
- The infected area may become red, inflamed, and very itchy.
- This should be treated right away with a prescription medication, and the environment should be treated to prevent the problem from reoccurring.
- Skin Tumors
- Tumors on a rabbit’s skin can be caused from a variety of reasons but can also cause itching and scratching.
- One reason a rabbit may get a skin tumor is from a papilloma virus causing a wart. Malignant skin cancer which may be an indicator of another more serious cancer may also be present in a pet rabbit, although uncommon.
- Skin tumors can range from benign and something which is not serious, to cancerous and potentially life threatening.
- If you notice your pet itching or scratching in an area where a lump is present, keep an eye out for change in size, shape, or color.
- If the area is changing, seek your veterinarian for a medical exam.
- Rabbit Syphilis
- Treponema cuniculi is a bacterium similar to the bacteria which causes syphilis in humans.
- This bacterium causes crusty, irritated skin primarily around the genitals or nose of a rabbit. This can spread to the face and eyes in severe cases.
- Rabbit syphilis is resistant to most topical treatments, so if it is present in your pet it will need to be treated through injection.
- Pododermatitis
- Pododermatitis which is also known as “sore hock,” is seen most often seen in rabbits who are housed on wire or other rough, wet, or hard surfaces.
- Heavy-bodied breeds, obese rabbits, and those with fur that is thin on the bottom of their feet are at the greatest risk for this problem.
- Irritated feet can cause itching or scratching as well as pain for your pet.
- Ways to prevent this problem include providing a soft resting surface such as cotton toweling, or artificial fleece if your rabbit will not chew them. Also, clean the underside of the foot and apply a padded wrap until sores begin to clear up.
- Reducing the weight in your rabbit will alleviate the symptoms they are experiencing as well.
How Can You Prevent Your Rabbit from Itching and Scratching? While There are so Many Factors that can be Responsible for a Rabbit’s Itching and Scratching, there are Also Plenty of Preventative Measures You Can Take to Ensure Your Pet Does Not Suffer. First and Foremost, you can Take a New Pet to the Vet to Make Sure they are not Already Suffering from a Condition Causing Itching and Scratching. This Way They can be Tested for Parasites Which is a Major Contributor to Itching. From There, you can Begin to Take Other Preventative Measures in Your Home.
After you have taken your pet to the vet to be tested for parasites, it is important to take preventative measures to ensure they stay parasite-free. One way to do this is to keep your rabbit indoors. Many pests who will cause your rabbit discomfort are contracted outdoors, such as ticks and fly larvae. Once you have established a permanent residency for your pet indoors, make sure you keep that area clean and sanitized. Set up a regular cleaning schedule, and only use products which are compatible with your rabbit. This goes for the habitat of your rabbit, as well as their body.
Keep fresh, clean food, water, and hay available for your pet. If food or water has been contaminated with feces or has been sitting out for more than a few hours, give your rabbit a fresh replacement. On top of providing your pet with suitable food, make sure you are regularly grooming them, and checking for parasites regularly. Annual check-ups are also important to make sure your pet is staying healthy in any ways that may not be outwardly visible. Consult with your veterinarian if anything about your pet is concerning you, do not make a habit of waiting.
While it is true that there are many factors contributing to the itching and scratching of your pet, there are plenty of solutions and preventative measures. Practicing good hygiene, routine, and care for your pet will help them to stay as itch-free and comfortable as possible. Living a life free of irritation and discomfort will allow your pet to live the fullest, happiest life possible.
