How to Bathe Your Pet Rabbit?

The way of the pet is full of happiness, especially for the younger ones. A few precautions, time, and effort will result in disease-free and joyous rabbits. Like cats, rabbits groom themselves, and each other clean rather well without needing water. Rabbits keep clean and do not need washing. Rarely will a rabbit need a bath. As gentle as doves, rabbits require careful handling. Routine bathing may be suitable for dogs but not so for rabbits. Frequent washing destroys the natural oils in rabbit fur and causes deep stress.

Rabbits are fussy and sensitive creatures, although some rabbits do like water and can even swim. In some situations, proper bathing in time would help escape sickness and infection through good hygiene. Be very careful not to get any water into the eyes and ears. Never immerse the rabbit in water. The result of too much water can be shock and hypothermia.

Read this tutorial to learn three different methods to bathe your pet rabbit.

Method 1: Bathing in Sink or Tub

Dogs and cats go through the conventional bathing routine. Use it as a last option for rabbits. With a body temperature of 38 degrees Celsius, too much water can cause a shallow temperature. Besides, rabbits get stressed and may kick about, resulting in injury.

A very dirty rabbit has to go through a regular bathing procedure. A safe sink or tub can have a warm wet towel at the bottom. The rabbit then has something to hold under the feet which keeps it calm.

Very little warm water in the tub will suffice, not more than an inch deep. Place the rabbit gently on the towel and the warm water, neither hot nor cold.

Use the specified shampoo meant for rabbits in the correct quantity. Make sure that the head and ears remain dry. Apply the shampoo mixed with water on the coat. Finish by washing away the shampoo.

Start drying the coat with a towel initially. Blow-drying will be necessary to get the skin completely dry.

Method 2: Dry Bathing

If the rabbit has collected mild dust and rubbish on the coat, why not decide in favor of a dry bath? It is so much simpler and the rabbit does not like water. A brushing regularly should suffice to dislodge debris and dust. The brush should have perfect teeth. Imagine a dirty wet spot primarily covered in mud that needs a solution.

Go for the dry bath that avoids the shock that wetness can cause! A little cornstarch on the affected area, followed by brushing will do it. If there are many patches of dirt over the body, proceed carefully and patiently. Each bit of dirt gets a little cornstarch, followed by brushing.

Method 3: Spot Cleaning

If the rabbit is getting quite dirty and smells bad, water can help with cleanliness and hygiene. Spot cleaning targets the areas that need cleaning and not the entire body.

A towel soaked in warm water can be applied to the dirty areas of the coat. Avoid excessive water that will reach the delicate skin. The wet fur takes a very long time to dry.

Avoid soaking the fur and the skin. Aim for dampness alone. A blow dryer on a warm low setting helps finish the drying process.

Precautions You Need to Take

Take the following precautions while cleaning your pet rabbit −

• Matted fur on the rabbit’s body requires a mat splitter. It loosens the mat gently and no harm comes to the rabbit. Avoid the use of scissors that might result in accidents.

• You need to trim the domesticated rabbit’s nails since they no longer need to dig the soil. Avoid declawing that might result in bacterial infection.

• The rabbit’s spacious home must be kept clean and dry for good foot health.

Tips for Maintenance

Some rabbits cannot hold their urine due to age or sickness. Dry urine on the fur can result in discomfort to the animal and a bad smell. Use cotton moistened in water to clean the dry urine. Dry the area with a hair dryer on warm but low. Consult the vet for treatment.

Trim the rabbit fur to avoid wetness and moisture. Trim the fur short and the drying time is so much less. Cleanliness follows.

Clean the scent glands around the anus with cotton soaked in water. Excretion may begin to smell. Remove the excreta. Repeat occasionally. If excess excretion builds up, soak the cotton in water with a few drops of baby shampoo. Wipe only the dirty area. Remove all traces of shampoo that may result in skin irritation. Make sure the water is warm to prevent shock from cold. Buy the rabbit-safe shampoo at a pet store. Avoid using regular soap for the occasional bathing.

Use the lowest setting for blow drying. Air drying is bad because the fur and skin remain wet for a long time. It is risky to wait so long. Pass the dryer around the body until dry. Avoid hot or cold settings and opt for the warm. If the rabbit gets very nervous, dry it with a soft towel.

Conclusion

Rabbits or a short time. Depending on the breed, rabbits live for 5 to 12 years. Yet, they bring so much happiness as sweet, cuddly creatures that seem to be very gentle always. Handle them carefully and avoid scaring them. It would help if you had a partner to carry out some of the procedures mentioned in this tutorial, because rabbits may get jumpy and thrash about. Please give them a little close attention and a proper diet in clean living quarters preferably outdoors.