Bathing rabbits

Rabbits are self-cleaning animals, much like cats. Typically, they are very well groomed, and most rabbits will only need an occasional brushing out to remove loose fur and prevent matting. Some rabbits, typically older or obese rabbits, may not keep their bottom well groomed, and the fur may be come matted with fecal matter. If they stand in a dirty litter box too long, their paws may be urine-stained, and that will need to be washed off. Otherwise, a rabbit should be clean and have no need for a bath.

If your rabbit needs a bath, something is wrong. You should find the cause of the problem, or it will consistently reoccur.

Dangers

 * Bathing with water can upset or stress a rabbit, causing him to panic and inadvertently injure himself. Any time you take a rabbit out of his comfort zone, your bun may go into shock which is potentially deadly.
 * If the rabbit struggles, because his hind legs are extremely powerful and the spine comparatively brittle and weak, he can break his back trying to get free.
 * Improper soaps and shampoos may irritate a rabbit's sensitive skin and lead to infection.
 * If water gets in the ears, the bun can get an ear infection, resulting in pain and medical bills and possibly even death.
 * Most importantly, wet rabbit fur takes a long time to dry, and if left wet, the rabbit can easily get hypothermia, even on warm days. Also, when trying to dry fur, you may inadvertently burn the skin with the hair dryer.

By all means, a rabbit will not immediately die in the case that he gets wet to the skin for whatever reason, but it is important to understand why it can be very dangerous to a rabbit's health.

Directions
If a rabbit does need a wet bath, it is important to follow proper procedures. If the problem is feces becoming matted in fur, then only the affected area should be spot cleaned.

Use a hypoallergenic, non-medicated shampoo to wash your rabbit with. Dana Krempels writes, "Most popular shampoos for humans--including baby shampoos--are not recommended for use on rabbits, as they can contain harsh ingredients that are rough on delicate rabbit skin. Pet shampoos containing pyrethrins and other 'herbal' or 'natural' insect-killing ingredients are not recommended, either. Plants make toxic compounds to kill their herbivore pests, and just because something is 'herbal' or 'all natural' doesn't mean it's safe for a bunny! The best shampoo (for you or your bunny) is an organic, environmentally-friendly (and cruelty-free) product with emollients to soothe the skin, with as few additives as possible. (Bunny-safe shampoos are easy to find at natural food stores or other vendors that sell environmentally friendly products. Read the label and be a smart consumer.)" Read the instructions on the shampoo before starting to give the rabbit a bath.

Use a small sink with around 2.5 inches of lukewarm water to bathe a bun. Have the water ready before placing the rabbit in so that he will not have to deal with the additional stress of seeing or hearing the water run with nowhere to go.

Do not get water on their heads or in their ears. Rabbits are not going to get dirty up there, and ear infections are a serious danger that may permanently effect your rabbit if he gets one.

Be very gentle with them and speak softly.

Try to keep the baths as short as possible to minimize stress.

Drying a Rabbit
If you use a hair dryer, use it on low to medium heat so you don't overheat the bunny, and keep it at least 12 inches from her body. Don't use it on her head, ears or privates.