How To Bathe Your Pet Rat
Posted By: Stacyh;
Category: Pets;
November 26, 2008
Author StacyH;
Rats groome themselves and each other like cats do, but now and then they may become a little stinky and need a bath; especially musky males. Here's how to do it safely without traumatizing your pet.
1
Get your supplies together ahead of time.
2
Usa a gentle baby shampoo or a natural pet shampoo. Some pet stores even carry shampoos specifically for small rodents.
3
Fill a shallow sink or container with warm water. Running water near your rat will probably frighten it. Make sure the water is not too hot.
4
Have one or two small towels handy.
5
Hold your pet securely with both hands and carefully lower into the warm water. Do not immerse the rat's head or get water in its ears or nose.
6
Lift it out of the water and either hold it or set it on a towel and apply a small amount of shampoo. Lather and work the shampoo in all over except around the rat's face.
7
Dip the rat back into the water and gently rub and rinse the shampoo. If you can't thoroughly rinse with the one tub of water, let the rat stand on a towel (if it will) or wrap it up and hold it securely while you change the water.
8
Once your pet is thoroughly rinsed, wrap it in a dry towel to get it mostly dry and avoid chills.
9
Put your rat in a clean, dry cage for it to finish drying and grooming itself.
10
Don't bathe your rat frequently or it can cause irritation and dry skin. Don't bathe a rat with any signs of respiratory illness.
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