Why Does My Rabbit Itch And Scratch So Much?

Can you see particles of dead skin moving around on your rabbit?

On closer inspection can you see small insects crawling or jumping on your rabbit?

Do you notice any hair loss around the ears?

Did you use any products not specified for rabbits like shampoos, conditioners, sprays, and air fresheners on your pet or in his environment?

Besides itching and scratching, is there an apparent hair loss, and red "ringworm" lesions on your pet's skin?

Does your rabbit live in an unclean environment?

Cheyletiella mites are microscopic mites that bite your rabbit to feed, which causes it to itch and scratch. Fur mites are also referred to as "walking dandruff," because they're often seen moving the dead skin around on rabbits, creating the appearance of mobile skin cells. If your exotics vet diagnoses your rabbit with mites, he will most likely prescribe a medication such as Selamectin, which will kill the infestation without harming your rabbit.

Rabbits can get infested with lice and fleas. If you find fleas or lice on your rabbit, treat your rabbit and all the other furry pets in the household with a safe medication prescribed by your exotics vet. You will also need to clean and treat the environment. Some rabbit owners use a boric acid powder in their carpeting and various flea sprays and bombs sold at pet stores. If you choose to use these products, make sure your rabbit is out of the room you're treating for at least 24 hours.

Psoroptes cuniculiis are ear mites that cause itching and scratching. You may notice hair loss around the ears and/or scabs, or the rabbit's ears may look especially dirty. A head tilt flopped ear, and head shaking are also signs of an ear mite infestation, which doesn't always affect both ears. If you notice any of these signs, take your rabbit to see the veterinarian.

Shampoos, conditioners, sprays, and air fresheners may all cause skin irritation in your rabbit. If you use a new product, such as a shampoo, and the next day your rabbit is itching, it may be because it was too harsh for your rabbit's skin. This is often the case with products meant for dogs that are used on rabbits.

Ringworm is a fungal infection that causes hair loss, itching, and red "ringworm" lesions in rabbits. The main cause of ringworm is in direct contact with an infected rabbit. Rabbits can also contract ringworm from dirty environments and brushes that were used on an infected rabbit. Ringworm is usually treated with topical ointments or oral medication prescribed by your exotics vet.

Urine scald and feces that have remained in prolonged contact with your rabbit's skin and generally unclean environments may cause your rabbit to develop a skin infection. The infected area may become red, inflamed, and very itchy and should be treated right away. Skin infections typically require prescription medications. An anti-itch spray is available that's safe to use on rabbits, but if the root of the problem isn't addressed, the spray merely provides temporary relief.

Your rabbit may develop dry skin, which can make it itch and scratch. Rooms with very low humidity, dusty environments, poor diets, and bathing your rabbit too often or using inappropriate shampoos can all contribute to dry skin in your pet. If you can determine the cause of the dry skin, then you should be able to reverse it. For temporary relief, ask your vet to recommend a rabbit-safe spray product.