Help! My bunny's been sprayed by a skunk!

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This topic has 2sd replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 9 years, 11 months ago by jerseygirl.

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- 05/31/2016 at 12:31 AM
  BlackCoffee
  Participant
  2 posts
  I lost my bunny for a couple of months and I just got him back. However, I found out that he has been sprayed by a skunk and now I don’t know how to clean him. I know giving baths to rabbits are bad so what should I do to get this scent off him? I put him back in his cage and my whole room smells like skunk as well. Any suggestions as to what I can do?
  
  P.S. My bunny is very healthy. People has been feeding him so he is rather fat. So don’t worry about his health!
- 05/31/2016 at 1:40 AM
  Deleted User
  Participant
  22064 posts
  So happy you got your rabbit back, sorry about the smell!
  
  Although it isn’t generally recommended there are circumstances under which rabbits will need to be bathed. This article has some really excellent detailed instructions on how to go about it: http://www.bio.miami.edu:80/hare/buttbath.html
  
  I doubt it will solve the problem but before you start anything more complicated you could try giving him a dry bath with plain cornstarch, or maybe cornstarch mixed with a little baking soda (sodium bicarbinate). Sprinkle it on generously and brush it through and out of his fur.
  
  Do Not use tomato juice. It was a remedy at one time but tomatoes have had the key chemical in them that helped control and remove the skunk smell bred out of them and they really don’t work now. So aside from anything else you’d be stressing the poor boy with nothing positive to show.
  
  There is an effective mix you can make yourself, I don’t remember it off the top of my head but google will help you find it, its main ingredients are liquid dish soap and baking soda. I’d think of it as a last resort since I don’t think a detergent on a rabbit’s delicate skin is a good idea.
  
  Please do Not give into the temptation of trying to mask or remove the scent using fragrances or essential oils. Neither will help and essential oils can be surprisingly damaging.
  
  Sorry my advice is general, hopefully others with real experience will help. I did have a dog sprayed once (lovely, memorable), but a rabbit’s needs are more specific.
  
  Good luck and I hope you are able to clean him up soon for both your sakes!
- 05/31/2016 at 1:46 AM
  jerseygirl
  Moderator
  22356 posts
  Thanks Grey Dove!
  I agree, I think it is one of those times a rabbit has to be bathed.
  
  I also came across a shampoo formula I think you’re referring too.
  This one is: mix together
  1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 teaspoon of a gentle pet shampoo. Apply to coat then rinse thoroughly. The hydrogen peroxide is what neutralises the smell.
  You could probably use Dawn dish soap in place of shampoo in that formula.
  
  Black Coffee, do be sure to check your rabbit over for ticks and mites.
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