{"id":72,"date":"2020-03-22T08:39:43","date_gmt":"2020-03-22T08:39:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bunnyparents.com\/?p=72"},"modified":"2024-01-07T15:34:55","modified_gmt":"2024-01-07T15:34:55","slug":"can-you-bathe-your-bunny","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bunnyparents.com\/can-you-bathe-your-bunny\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Bathe Your Bunny?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When we first met our baby Groot at the pet store, we asked what we needed to make sure we had everything to look after her. We were sold on rodent shampoo so we could clean and bathe our new baby bunny. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, we noticed she always smelled fresh and cleaned herself regularly. We asked ourselves, why would we need to shampoo her if she is always clean?! Since we\u2019ve had Groot, we haven\u2019t bathed or cleaned her or found the need to. Is this something that will always be the case?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bathing your bunny is not necessary. Bunnies are self-cleaning animals and\nare meticulous about it. Occasional brushing to remove loose fur and prevent\nmatting is all that will be needed for most bunnies. In some special\ncircumstances, bathing may be necessary such as a messy bottom (AKA poopy\nbutt).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dangers of Bathing for Bunnies<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Bathing a bunny can cause them to go into shock as bunnies tend to panic when in water. This could be potentially deadly. They are a prey species so bunnies do not like to feel vulnerable. You don\u2019t want to have your bunny panic in the water, make a mess and potentially hurt themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never force your bunny to do something as a bunny can thrash around and if you aren\u2019t holding them correctly, it can lead to serious injury. A bunnies legs are much stronger than their small spines and a surprise hard kick can break their back when holding your bunny.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bunny fur takes a long time to get wet and an even longer time to get dry. If left wet, a bunny can easily get hypothermia, even on hot days as bunnies can\u2019t regulate their body temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure to use a hairdryer on low to medium heat about 12 inches away from his\/her body and don\u2019t use it on your bunny\u2019s head, ears or private area. Be careful not to accidentally burn the bunny\u2019s skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Bathe Your Bunny<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Only bathe your bunny if it is a necessity either from your vet or if your bunny has poopy butt. <\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Before doing so, handle your bunny firmly but gently, ready to release your bunny safely if they start to struggle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spot bathing extremely dirty areas is the best way to start as it will cause the least amount of stress to your bun. Simply wipe the area with unscented baby wipes or a warm, damp cloth. If that doesn\u2019t do the trick, then you have two other options for cleaning poopy butt or other soiled areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dry Bath<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"rabbit<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Bunnies generally don\u2019t mind a\ndry bath. This should be your first resort for cleaning poopy butt or urine\nstains which can cause a stinging pain for your bunny. It is very easy and all\nyou need is baby cornstarch.<\/strong> You can\nbuy this in the baby section of your supermarket either scented or unscented\n(maybe you want your bun to smell like lavender when he\/she poops?). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

IMPORTANT:<\/strong> Baby powder that contains talc = a BIG NO NO.<\/strong> Talc is a respiratory irritant to bunnies and potentially carcinogenic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Commercial flea powder and other\npesticides = DO NOT USE.<\/strong> Your bunny\nhas sensitive skin so stick with the baby cornstarch powder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1:<\/strong> It has been recommended to place your bunny in a comfortable, belly-up position so that the dirty parts are easy to get to. This will not be easy and bunnies really don’t like being put on their back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is often seen as abusive to bunnies so we wouldn’t recommend this technique. Instead, in our experience, it\u2019s easier to leave our bun on all four paws and clean Groot in that position. The only time she goes on her back is when she flops!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2:<\/strong> Apply a generous amount of cornstarch to the dirty areas and softly work the powder around into the fur and onto the skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pro Tip:<\/strong> if you have someone to assist you (husband\/wife, boy\/girlfriend), have that person use a hand-held vacuum to suck up floating powder so the bunny doesn\u2019t inhale a bunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3<\/strong>: Work the powder through any stubborn clumps of dirt or poop gently. It should come free from the fur easily once it has been coated with the powder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4:<\/strong> If necessary, use a fine-toothed flea comb to gently comb away dried poop or other dirt. Don\u2019t pull too hard as a bunny\u2019s skin is sensitive and easy to tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 5:<\/strong> Pat the powdered areas down to remove any loose powder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your bunny should be clean and\ndry within a few minutes and will likely lie quietly as the powder takes away\nthe burning sensation from the urine stains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wet Bath<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is your last resort if the\ndry bath didn\u2019t get rid of very stubborn stains and mess. Things you will need:<\/p>\n\n\n\n