Question:
Sometimes after petting our new rabbit, I get itchy and wonder if I am allergic to him. I get little red dots. He doesn't scratch, so it's not fleas.
What do you suggest? Right now, I wear a long-sleeved shirt that seems to help a bit.
May 08, 2012
Answer:
Even though your rabbit is not scratching himself, he could still have fur mites (Cheyletiella). These pests are commonly called "walking dandruff" because they resemble large, mobile flakes of dandruff. Their eggs adhere to the hair shafts in the animal's coat. Sometimes, as with your rabbit, there is no evident dermatitis or patchy loss of fur from scratching, though these are common clinical signs of infestation.
These mites can infest people, cats and dogs, causing itching and discomfort. Have a veterinarian examine your rabbit. Ivermectin is the usual treatment choice, along with removing all bedding material and disinfecting the rabbit's enclosure.
Rabbits can also become infected with other kinds of mites, including those that cause mange in dogs and cats; they can also harbor fleas.
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