Parasites can cause infections that severely affect the pet’s health, which could even die. Not only they can affect cats and dogs, but they can affect even a rabbit. The external ones can be removed by any user. While the internal ones will be more than recommended to leave them in the vet’s hands.
Both field and city rabbits are prone to parasite infections that target their species. The types of parasites that affect them may not be as well known as those that are more common in dogs or cats. For this reason, it is important to learn to distinguish them in order to deworm your rabbit. If you have a puppy that you’d want to deworm as well, feel free to check this out.
Internal or intestinal parasites
Parasites can affect animals internally, that is, they affect organs such as the intestine or spleen. Or externally, which nest under the dermis or in the external ear of the animal. Both the symptoms and the severity of the infection vary depending on the part affected.
The most common internal parasites are what affect the intestine. Among them, you may find you’re done with the coccidiosis. This disease can affect both animals and humans, especially immunosuppressed individuals.
Among the most common symptoms of coccidiosis are diarrhea and the weight loss coupled with reduced appetite. If not treated in time, this disease can dehydrate your rabbit. And, make it more prone to bacterial infections with deadly consequences.
Another known intestinal parasite is the nematode or roundworm, which at first glance does not cause symptoms. Earthworms can also affect the stomach or any other part of the digestive system since they access their host orally. If your rabbit begins to lose weight or suddenly stops gaining it, it could be that they have worms.
External parasites
It is likely that you already know how to identify this type of parasite. And even how to deworm your pet if it is affected by this type of parasite.
Fleas are the most common in virtually all mammals. They produce itching, stinging, and skin irritation, so we only have to look at the frequency with which our rabbit scratches to know if it is affected or not. Most of the products that we apply to our cats or dogs serve to deworm your rabbit if it has a flea.
The ticks are less common in rabbits, but they are often exposed to them. Especially if they live in a rural environment. The main problem with this type of parasite is that they are carriers of various diseases, so it is important that you check their fur regularly and learn to remove them safely.
The Cuterebra fly larva is more common in dogs, but if it affects your rabbit it can have serious consequences for its health. They usually live in the wild and can access your rabbit if it rubs itself, for example, against the stem of a plant colonized by the larva. They creep under the animal’s skin and form a circular lump that is usually visible.
In the event that your rabbit is infected by the larva, it is very important that you do not try to remove it yourself. If you try to squeeze the lump to get the parasite out, your rabbit may go into shock. See your vet as soon as possible if you think you may be affected, without trying anything at home.
Most effective methods to deworm your rabbit
Deworming methods vary according to the type of parasite that affects our pet.
- In the case of intestinal parasites or those that affect the digestive system, since they usually infect your rabbit orally, it is essential that you check the presence of larvae in their feces and that you obtain a definitive diagnosis from your veterinarian. To get rid of them, there are various medications. Such as Fenbendazole, that you can supply to your rabbit in syrup.
- In the case of fleas, you can use a special comb to remove fleas, as well as insecticidal powders or sprays. To remove ticks, it is recommended to apply oil on the tick to make removing the head easier. If you don’t do this, it is likely to get under your rabbit’s skin and could lead to infection.
