Can You Use Baby Shampoo on Rats?
WouterOne of the first things to do when bringing a rat home is to give it a bath. While it may seem disgusting at first, rats actually enjoy having baths. Although they may fight over it at first, eventually they will learn that bathing is not that bad. Besides, rats in the wild often swim to reach their destinations.
However, you must be extra careful not to injure your rat by applying too much shampoo. You should also rinse the rat well after applying the shampoo. The skin of a rat is sensitive and can be easily affected by the shampoo. It is best to use mild shampoo such as baby shampoo to avoid any irritation.
Generally, rats can be bathed once a month. However, it is best to clean them more frequently if they are elderly or in poor health. In addition, avoid bathing them too often because too much bathing can deplete their natural oils. Moreover, regular human shampoo may cause serious skin problems in your rat.
If you want to give your rat a bath, first you must first ensure that the water is warm. The water should be warm enough to submerge the rat. You should also avoid adding soap to the water because it can irritate their eyes and upset their stomach. Then, gently massage the shampoo into the rat’s fur, avoiding its face and eyes. Once you are finished, dry your rat thoroughly and apply a towel to dry it.
