bunny bath

[alyssac]

I know that it’s usually unneccesary and not very prudent to bathe a rabbit, but one of my boy’s has been sprayed with urine and he’s a bit stinky. “Spot cleaning” might be useless at this point.  I don’t want to have to resort to a full on bath, but if I have to, I know they make powdered “bunny shampoo” as well as liquid. Has anyone ever done this before, and if they have, do you have any words of wisdom to impart?

 

Thanks in advance.

[bunnyfofo]

I had to bath my lion head before, what i did was put just a little bit of water in the tub and let him splash around in it. I used kitten shampoo but diluted it with water. After his bath i put him on a towl on my bed put the hair dryer on low and got him some what dry (he actually really loved the hair dryer just make sure it doesn’t get too hot or too cold) you want to keep him in a nice warm place that is draft free untill he drys completely so he doesn’t get sick.

[MooBunnay]

One of my bunnies got pee sprayed as well *boo* poor little bunnies. For mine, the water didn’t even really do much and I eventually had to trim out the sticky parts. This is a very difficult task that needs to be done very carefully, and probably with two people if you do decide to trim off the big clumps. I have not done a bath before, but be very that the water is not too warm because bunny skin is very delicate. Also, if you decide to use a blow dryer (I don’t know if you are supposed to or not) – make sure it is not on any heat settings (just air dry with no heat) because you can burn the bun pretty easy.

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Definitely done it a few times…THE most important aspect is keeping them warm afterwards. If you are going to bathe them make sure you are going to be home for several hours afterwards!!

Ok, here’s my instructions

First get your supplies ready:

1) A partner! It’s best to have someone help you, even if it’s just to pass the shampoo and towel!

2) Animal shampoo-NEVER use your own shampoo or plain old soap. Use a shampoo specifically designed for pets. I prefer the tearless formula just in case! (does not have to be rabbit shampoo, just pet shampoo!)

3) Two old towels

4) A tub or a sink. Whatever works best for your comfort.

5) A hairdryer that has a low setting

6) A rabbit brush

7) A blanket

Fill the bottom with about two inches of very warm water. Rabbits have warmer internal temperatures then we do so they can get chilled fast in a cool bath. The water should be comfortable on your skin and not cause redness-rabbits’ also have very sensitive skin. Check the water-you should be able to submerge your hands comfortably in it-not too hot!

Put your rabbit in the tub and get him wet. If there is a lot of material (poop, dirt, etc) on him give him a few minutes to soak. Rub shampoo in and get a nice lather. Rinse completely-remember they lick themselves to groom so you don’t want them ingesting dried shampoo.

Take your bunny out and ‘towel dry’ with the first towel vigously getting as much water out as you can. Then bundle your rabbit up in the second dry towel and if he’ll let you cuddle up under the blanket you put aside. Rabbits get very cold when they’re wet. If you let him just hop off after a bath, you will find him haunched up chattering in a few minutes time.

When almost dry, use the blowdrier on a cool setting and blowdry. Use your fingers in the fur to ensure the temperature is not too warm. If your fingers hurt, turn it down!

Give your bunny a brushing after the bath, especially on longer furred breeds-they’ll be prone to tangles after a bath!

Good luck!!

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