Rabbits rarely need a shower because they take care of their own cleaning
The rabbit is a naturally clean animal. He spends most of the day licking to keep his hygiene up, just as cats do. That’s why bathing is the ultimate concern of anyone who has a rodent. However, over time, it begins to exude bad smell and accumulate dirt between the hairs.
To prevent it from reaching this state, it is up to the owner to be aware of the cleaning of the animal. Therefore, know the correct methods of hygiene and keep your rabbit always clean and scented.
Hair brushing
A simple way to keep your hairs clean longer is to brush them regularly. This helps eliminate dust and remove dead hair, preventing the animal from swallowing excess hair and balls of hair from forming in the stomach. Buy a specific brush for rabbits, preferably with soft bristles.
Carry out the task once or twice a week until everything is loose. If you have some knots, brush very carefully or use a cleat. In the end, thoroughly wipe the brush with soap and water.
Never cut rabbit’s hair. If you are very embarrassed and think it needs trimming, take it to the vet and leave it to a professional.
Shower
If your rabbit is not completely soiled, clean only the affected area. Put cornstarch in place and brush. Repeat until all is clean. Even if the rodent is filthy, it is recommended to use this method dry, as it may have hypothermia or go into shock if it is dipped in water.
However, if the cornstarch does not resolve, moisten a cloth with warm water and gently rub the dirty region. Take care that the liquid does not get your skin wet. Then dry very well.
If even this method does not solve, the exit is to bathe. Use lukewarm water and a rabbit-specific shampoo – if not found, the product with neutral pH for babies serves. Do not wet your face to prevent soap from coming in contact with eyes, ear, nose or mouth. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a towel. Use a hair dryer at cold temperature and keep the jet away.
Remember to bathe only during periods of heat and do not strain if the rodent is reluctant. This practice should be performed at most twice a year as it causes a lot of stress and destroys the natural layer of protection.
Cleansing odor glands
Near the anus, there are odoriferous glands that produce a foul smell. To clean the area, soak a cotton ball or cotton swab in warm water. Rub calmly to remove any secretion. The rabbit may become nervous during cleaning, so ask someone to help you and hold you. If the odoriferous glands are cleaned regularly, the rodent will hardly be stinky and dirty.
If you have too much secretion accumulated, only water will not solve. Then put a few drops of shampoo into rabbits in a bowl of warm water. Soak the cotton and gently rub the dirty area.
Eyes, ears, and teeth
To remove dry or moist eye patches, use a sterile gauze and moisten with water or serum. Wipe gently so the area does not get irritated. Do not forget to clean hands beforehand, preventing germs from being transmitted. The ears are cleaned the same way as the eyes: moisten a gauze and pass gently.
The teeth do not need cleaning. They just have to be worn out so they do not grow too big. Offer plenty of hay as it helps to prevent deviations. Finally, if you notice any abnormality in any part of the body, take the rabbit immediately to the veterinarian.
