Bathing

[BelarusianBunny]

First of all, let me say that I know giving a rabbit a full bath is not a good idea. However, with my elderly rabbit on “hutch rest” for his pelvic fracture, he has poopy bum and he’s starting to smell less than usually fresh.

The water “sponge baths” aren’t doing the job anymore. He’s stained and smelly. I need something stronger to use once in awhile to keep him fresh. I know there is a well respected rabbit shampoo on the market but it isn’t available locally. I’m sure it would take 3 weeks to get here too! So, I’ve looked around and fellow rabbit owners say to find something mild and all natural. I asked our vet and she said it doesn’t sound like a bad idea; maybe just dilute it more than usual. I’m about to go to the health food/natural store to see what they have.

My question is if anyone has gone down this path and has it turned out well? Any tips?

Thanks!

[Sarita]

I think that would be fine and honestly he might find a warm bath soothing and he’d probably feel better.

I would just try to find something fragrance free and gentle – your vet may have something for dogs that could be suitable as well…I would ask about that. Maybe an oatmeal type which is supposed to be soothing.

[Sarita]

What you might want to do too is to lay him on a towel in the tub or bowl that you use to he’s comfortable and cannot slip on the slick surface.

Sometimes you just have to do something that is not conventional wisdom for elderly or disabled rabbits because you do have to think outside the box.

[LongEaredLions]

http://shop.gorgeousguineas.com/
Here are some natural shampoos that may work. They are for guinea pigs, but they work fine for bunnies too. Shipping may depend on where you are. I have also seen people make homemade shampoo just out of baking soda and water, so that might work too, maybe ask the vet.
If you hold his front feet, he may feel more comfortable and less likely to jump.

[Deleted User]

Another member on this forum mentioned a while back that you can make a very gentle “soap” by mixing a spoonful of water into an egg yolk. That might help wash the worse out.

You may also find some helpful suggestions (for the entire process, as well as the shampoo) at this link: http://www.bio.miami.edu:80/hare/buttbath.html.

Best of luck and I do hope he is feeling better soon.

[LittlePuffyTail]

Poor bub. If he’s a bit wet and smelly between baths, you can also try dusting his bum with some cornstarch. It will absorb the wetness. I think it’s mentioned in the article linked by Grey Dove.

[Author]

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