What to do when a rabbit is bitten by a tick? - briefly
Remove the tick with fine tweezers, pulling straight out without squeezing its body, then clean the wound with a mild antiseptic and monitor the rabbit for fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite; if any abnormal signs develop, contact a veterinarian immediately.
What to do when a rabbit is bitten by a tick? - in detail
If a rabbit has a tick attached, act promptly to reduce the risk of disease transmission. First, restrain the animal gently but securely; a soft towel or a small carrier can prevent sudden movements. Examine the fur closely, especially around the ears, neck, and underbelly, where ticks commonly embed.
To extract the parasite, use fine‑pointed tweezers or a specialized tick‑removal tool. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible, avoiding compression of the body. Pull upward with steady, even pressure until the mouthparts detach. Do not twist or jerk, which can leave fragments embedded.
After removal, cleanse the bite site with a mild antiseptic solution such as diluted chlorhexidine or povidone‑iodine. Rinse with sterile water and pat dry with a clean cloth. Dispose of the tick by placing it in a sealed container with alcohol; this allows identification if illness later develops.
Monitor the rabbit for at least two weeks. Record any of the following signs: reduced appetite, lethargy, fever, swollen lymph nodes, skin lesions, or abnormal discharge. If any symptom appears, contact a veterinarian without delay. The clinician may recommend blood tests for tick‑borne pathogens (e.g., Babesia, Anaplasma, or Ehrlichia) and prescribe appropriate medication.
Prevent future infestations by maintaining a clean habitat. Regularly trim grass and vegetation surrounding the enclosure, and use a veterinarian‑approved ectoparasite prevention product (topical, oral, or environmental). Conduct weekly inspections during peak tick season to catch new attachments early.
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