Bunnies are self-cleaning creatures. They are sophisticated animals that love to groom themselves. However, there can be conditions where your bunny fails to clean itself, and you need to jump in. In that case, the question is, what shampoo is safe for your rabbit?
Rabbits have sensitive furs that do not require a bath or shampoo. Their cleaning method keeps their coat shiny and smooth. However, if you must use shampoo, you should only use organic, non-alcoholic, chemical-free, and moisturizing natural shampoo.
Rabbits lick themselves clean like cats, but they are better at it. All those moments where you saw your furry baby licking its fur or licking its paw and cleaning its face? All moments of healthy cleanliness.
They take such care of themselves that we do not need to give them baths like dogs or cats. Let’s discuss other aspects when deciding if your bunny needs shampoo.
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When Should You Intervene In Your Bunny’s Cleaning Routine?
You should only think of bathing your pet bunny if you see some health issues. Even so, you do not need to wash the entire bunny. You can give a selected wash to the part of your bunny that requires cleaning.
The most common issue among bunnies is their back ends. Sometimes bunnies do not do well at eating their caecotrophs or cleaning their urine, which can lead to diseases and infections. In such a case, do not conclude shampooing your bunny. Your bunny needs a vet first.
An unclean back end is an indication of an unwell bunny. There could be many reasons for that:
- dental issues
- arthritic or spinal pain
- bladder stones
- overweight bunny
Taking your bunny to the vet is the best option. The expert will instruct you according to your bunny’s requirements for recovery. If you need to bathe your bunny, the vet will prescribe a medicated shampoo or encourage you on a homemade one.
What Type Of Shampoo Is Best For Your Bunny?
Rabbits have highly reactive skin and sensitive fur. Due to this, naturally, they do not need shampoo and baths. In case your bunny requires you to take care of its bathing time, here are types of shampoo that are safe for your precious pet:
Organic Shampoo
Organic shampoos are the least damaging for your bunny as they are paraben and chemical free. They are also cruelty-free, which makes them animal friendly.
Furthermore, organic shampoos have natural conditioning and moisturizing properties. These will benefit your bunny’s fur adjusting to the concept of an external bath other than the bunny’s efforts.
Chemical-Free Shampoo
It cannot be emphasized enough how a bunny’s skin is too sensitive. Your precious pet can get many skin diseases and health conditions if you do not care for what type of product you use on its skin. When it comes to shampoo, always ensure it is fully chemical-free and has no artificial elements as its contents.
Non-Plant-Based Shampoo
Plant-based shampoos can harm your furry baby’s skin. Plant extracts in these shampoos can react with your bunny’s skin and create blisters or start an itch. Your bunny can hurt itself to relieve that itch by biting or scratching itself.
Homemade Shampoo As An Alternative
If you do not want to use any store-bought shampoo for your precious furry baby, you can always make it at home. Remember to keep your vet in the loop and get his approval before applying your homemade shampoo to your pet rabbit.
It is a simple method to make the perfect mild shampoo for the highly fragile fur of your bunny. You would need the following to create the best shampoo:
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup distilled water
- 2 tbsp almond oil
- 3-4 drops of essential oil
Mix the apple cider vinegar and distilled water to make a solution. Add the almond oil for conditioning and essential for fragrance and soothing. This solution will leave your bunny’s fur calm, silky, and fragrant with a reduced chance of irritation.
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Baby Wipes Instead Of A Shampoo
Baby wipes are the most convenient way of cleaning your baby bunny. They can help you avoid giving a bath to your bunny, as bunnies are not fans of water.
When choosing baby wipes for your precious rabbit, ensure that they should be hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and alcohol-free. Wipes are the easiest way for spot cleaning your pet.
Gently hold your bunny in your lap or between your knees to wipe the dirty area. You can use a towel to keep your bunny in place. Use a soft hand while wiping your bunny to avoid any skin tearing.
Choosing a wipe will be less anxious for your bunny. It will not panic as it might in water, reducing its chances of spinal injuries or fractures.
Important Things To Consider While Bathing Your Bunny
Bathing a bunny is like bathing an infant. Before putting an infant in a bath, you need to check the water temperature, the soap quality, the shampoo contents, the towel, etc.
Think of your bunny as an infant because it will require the same energy, care, and attention from you when you wash it. Here are a few things you can do to keep your bunny calm through this unnatural process:
- Before introducing your bunny to the bath, spot clean it with dry shampoo or a damp towel.
- While bathing, do not put your bunny directly in the water. Gently ease your furry friend in because bunnies hate water.
- Try placing a wet towel under it and make your bunny sit on it. It will familiarize your bunny with the wetness before it goes into the water. Your bunny will be mentally prepared and not get startled.
- Only use an inch of water, no more than that. It will be more than sufficient for your little guy’s cleaning.
- The bath water should be warm. It should neither be cold nor hot. Check the water temperature with your elbow, as it has a similar sensitivity to your bunny’s skin.
- Use the shampoos mentioned above and vet-approved in a small quantity.
- Do not wash your bunny’s head and face. It will create a sense of fear for your precious little guy.
- After the bath, wrap your bunny in a soft towel carefully picked not to chaff it. It will keep your bunny warm till you start the drying process.
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Drying Your Bunny Friend
It will be a tricky, lengthy and intense process. When a rabbit’s fur is left wet, it clumps, which makes detangling it hard.
Dry your bunny with a towel with super soft hands. You have to ensure you do not tear the skin of your lovely pet. After dabbing the excess water, you can use a hair dryer.
Be careful with the hair dryer. The sound alone will make your pet anxious. Control the temperature. Keep the hair dryer warm with gentle throw settings. Give your bunny small breaks in between and keep it warm during those.
It is advised to place your fingers between the bunny and the dryer. This way, you can constantly check on the heat and create a barrier to stop direct contact.
Keep Your Bunny Warm For A Couple Of Days
If you have an outdoor bunny, you want to keep it inside for at least 24 hours. It is a preventive measure for your bunny from catching a cold if it has damp fur. On top of that, give it lots of cuddles, pets, and attention because it went through an unnatural process.
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Final Word
Keeping pets is a tough job and keeping bunnies is tougher. They require extra care and caution due to their fragile nature. Shampooing or bathing your bunny is not a natural process for them.
You should consider this and make it as easier for them as possible. Always check the contents of anything new you introduce to your pet bunny, and consult the vet before giving it.
After a tiring job like getting bathed and shampooed by their human, your bunny deserves a treat! Give your precious furry guy a food treat or extra head rubs. If you feel generous, you can get your bunny a new toy as a gesture of appreciation.