Is it possible to bathe a decorative rabbit at home
People often ask: is it possible to bathe decorative rabbits? Experienced breeders advise against this procedure. However, if the pet gets dirty, it will not be possible to do without it. It is important to understand that bathing is very stressful for the animal. Therefore, this procedure should be performed very carefully, carefully choosing the means. If possible, it is better to wash the rabbit partially.
Can a decorative rabbit be washed
Most often, experts do not advise bathing rabbits. In nature, these animals do not like reservoirs. Bathing is considered a rather unpleasant manipulation for them. In addition, the rabbit is a shy animal. This primarily applies to decorative species. Therefore, bathing is considered severe stress for them, which is very problematic to withstand.
It is important to keep in mind that animals are considered to be very clean. In addition, their fur is changed twice a year. Water and shampoo will wash the protective layer off the coat. As a result, it loses its appearance. Fur loss is often observed.
Another argument against bathing is that it can be very difficult to keep the animal during this procedure. He will try to break free and may harm himself. Rabbits also have a fluffy undercoat that is difficult to dry.
At the same time, there are situations in which it will not be possible to do without water procedures. These include the following:
- The animal is soiled with a greasy or sticky substance.
- The pet suffers from an upset stomach, which leads to contamination of the fur at the anus.
- The animal came into contact with hazardous substances, and they remained on the fur.
- The rabbit lived in unfavorable conditions. This could lead to the fact that the skin was saturated with the smell of urine, and the paws acquired a yellow tint.
How to wash your rabbit at home
It is recommended to use ordinary water to wash the animal. If this does not help, it is worth using special shampoos that are suitable for rodents. In the absence of such a substance, it is permissible to take formulations for kittens. In terms of pH, they almost coincide.
In some formulations that are intended for rodents, there is liquid paraffin. These include, in particular, Stepashka. This substance has a pronounced moisturizing effect and forms a protective film on the coat. It is also useful for furry pets as it makes brushing easier after bathing and helps to avoid tangles.
Shampoo "Shustrik" has a unique composition. It includes extracts of different cultures - rosemary, nettle, garlic, pine needles.Glycerin acts as a valuable addition to the product. Due to its varied composition, the substance helps to cope with pathogenic bacteria and stop inflammation. With its help, it is possible to maintain the immunity of the epithelium.
Many people use baby soap and other human cosmetics for bathing rabbits. However, this is prohibited. Such compositions have different pH parameters. In humans, this indicator is 5.2-5.5, and in rodents - 7.0-7.52. Therefore, the use of such products for bathing animals can lead to burns.
Animals are not allowed to be washed in the bath. It is recommended to do this in a basin or sink. It is not recommended to use too hot or cold water. To avoid injury to the rabbit, you should use the help of a second person. In this case, it is better to wash only dirty places. It is important to ensure that the liquid does not penetrate into the nose and ears of the animal.
In a basin
To wash your pet, you should choose a suitable basin. It is important that the animal feels comfortable. The container should be filled with water, the temperature of which is 30-37 degrees. Its level should not be more than 3 centimeters. It is recommended to pour a little shampoo into the liquid.
After that, the assistant should lower the rabbit into the basin. First, it is recommended to do this with the hind legs. Then lather the dirty wool with soapy water from the container. It is important to ensure that no liquid gets into your eyes. Also, it should not flow into the ears or nose.
Then you need to thoroughly rinse the detergent composition using clean water from a small container. After the procedure, the animal will lick itself. Therefore, it is important to exclude the penetration of the solution into the digestive system.
It is recommended to bring 2 towels in advance. One must absorb well - it is used for wiping. The second towel should be wrapped around the rabbit.
Under the tap
It is permissible to bathe your pet under the tap. This procedure is almost the same as washing in a basin. However, there are also a number of features. The water must be adjusted to a temperature regime of 35-40 degrees. You should also fill the sink with 3 centimeters of water.
To prevent the rabbit from facing stress, put a towel on the bottom. First, the wool needs to be slightly moistened with tap water, then squeeze a little shampoo onto it. Spread over the body in an even layer. Then rinse off the foam with running water, wipe and wrap the pet.
Partial wash
This method is suitable if the pet is partially dirty. In this case, you do not need to use a basin - it is enough to wash the contaminated parts of the body with ordinary water. If this fails, you should use shampoo.
Dry method
This method helps to cleanse the coat by applying waterless sprays or shampoos. It is recommended to apply an anhydrous shampoo to the fur, rub it with your hand or a towel, and then comb the fur. Spray should be sprayed carefully so that the substance does not get into the eyes or ears.
Such substances are often used before exhibitions. They can also be used if there is no water. However, these substances cannot become an alternative to standard bathing. In addition, the spray shampoo allows you to comb long-haired pets and remove tangles.
With the help of a spray containing mink oil, it is possible to retain moisture, smooth the coat, and protect the skin from dryness. Some substances become a reliable defense against parasites. Dry shampoo is considered another effective remedy. It is also acceptable to use cleaning powder. Such products are distinguished by pronounced cleansing, absorbing and deodorizing properties. It helps to make the coat shinier and fluffier.It needs to be poured onto the dirty area and combed out well.
Can a rabbit be dried with a hairdryer
To prevent the rabbit from catching a cold, it is important to dry it immediately. You can take a hairdryer for this. It is important to use the minimum heating mode. At the same time, it is recommended to install the device 50 centimeters from the animal. In addition, you can use a special brush. However, many experts advise against using this device for drying decorative rabbits. This device makes a lot of noise, which leads to stress.
Rabbit skin is sensitive to heat, so using a hair dryer can cause burns. Bathing a rabbit has a number of features. This should be done only as a last resort, if the pet is very dirty. It is important to follow the recommendations of experienced breeders. This will help minimize stress on your pet.
