Can I Give My Rabbit a Bath
Rabbits, like guinea pigs, ferrets and cats, don’t really need baths.
Their skins are already dry and washing regularly will make their skin
even more dry, which would be very uncomfortable for them.
Rabbits are clean animals by nature. They groom themselves pretty
often. Besides regular brushing to prevent hairball formation, house
rabbits would not normally require frequent bathing. However, some
owners, particularly those who have sensitive sense of smell or those
who intend to show their pets, may want to bathe their rabbits more
regularly.
Can I Give My Rabbit a Bath?
Yes, but only if it’s really necessary.
Rabbits have their own version of bathing. They often lick their fur
the way a cat would. So you would really need not to give your pet a
bath that often. Moreover, bunnies have extremely fine, dense fur and it
would take quite a long time to dry out on its own. So whenever your
rabbit gets wet, he must be dried off as soon as you can. However, your
beloved pet is also extremely sensitive to heat, and using a hot blow
dryer may cause some serious problems.
But if there comes a time that bathing would be really necessary then you have to be extra careful.
Bathe your pet with a partner as much as possible. Most rabbits don’t
want to take a bath. You would need someone to assist you to ensure
that your rabbit remains safe in case he panics or reacts violently.
Your partner should hold the rabbit in place so he won’t slip and slide
around, while you focus on bathing your pet using an old washcloth or
soft brush. Remember to use plain water.
For serious rabbit mess you may have to bathe him in a small sink
with lukewarm water. A regular bathtub is not recommended as the large
size and slippery surface might cause your pet to panic. Besides, the
tall sides of a bathtub will prevent you from holding the bunny
securely.
Do not, at all cost, immerse the entire rabbit in water. The
suggested water level should lower than his belly. Let you pet stand on
hind feet as you support his upper body from the front. Wait until your
rabbit is comfortable with the water. Then you can use a cup to soak and
rinse his body.
Remember to rinse your pet thoroughly. It is important to rinse all
the shampoo out of your bunny’s coat as he might ingest the shampoo
chemicals when he licks his fur. Never use shampoos that are meant for
humans. Even baby shampoos can harm your pet’s much sensitive skin. Only
use quality shampoos specially formulated for rabbits or cats.
You should consider trimming your rabbit’s nails. It is important to
check your pet’s nails at least once a week. Rabbits have sensitive
skin, and clipping his nails will ensure that he won’t injure himself or
hurt anybody with his long, sharp nails.
Also clean your bunny’s ears regularly. You can use some ear cleaning
solutions that are available in pet stores. Such solution will help
dissolve wax build up. Ensure to clean his ears carefully yet
thoroughly.
Flea baths however, are not recommended unless your pet is still
living in an infected area or with other animals with fleas. More
importantly, flea baths should only be administered by a veterinarian.
In drying your rabbit, using a towel is much preferred than a hair
dryer. The dryers can be dangerous if not used properly. It can burn
your pet or stress him out and put him into shock. If ever you’ll need
to use a hair dryer, ensure to only use the basic settings – just warm
and not hot. Also, the dryer must be at least 12 to 15 inches away from
your bunny.
Keeping your rabbit’s cage clean is likewise essential. Proper
hygiene is not just about giving him baths or brushing his fur.
Maintaining a clean habitat is also part of it. Regularly clean the
litter box as the urine of a rabbit usually has a very strong odor.
And since your pet’s urine has a strong odor, do not forget to clean
his genital scent glands as well. Ensure to keep his genital glands
clean and fresh to prevent any prevent infections. Thoroughly clean the
genital glands particularly if you see urine scalding.
Caring for your beloved rabbit entails knowing the proper hygiene
procedures for him. Bathe your bunny only when really necessary to
ensure a happy, healthy and safe pet.
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