How Often Should Rats Take a Bath?
WouterThe first thing to know about bathing rats is how often they should take one. If you bathe your rat too often, the water will strip the natural oils out of their coats. This may cause your rat to suffer from skin irritation. However, some rats do like bathing once a month or so. You can use the bath as an opportunity to clean out the rat’s cage and make him feel fresh and clean.
Rats’ tails are often caked with debris and dirt, causing them to smell and cause bacterial growth. You can help keep their tail area clean by wiping it with a mild soap solution. Avoid pulling the tail as this may cause pain to the rat. If you do decide to give your rat a bath, make sure to do it properly to avoid injuring yourself or your rat.
To bathe your rat, first prepare the bath water. You should have a cup or a plastic container ready. Next, you should prepare the soap for small animals. You should start with the hind legs and move up to the head. When applying the soap, make sure not to get the water into the rat’s eyes or ears. Afterward, rinse the water with lukewarm water. After the bath, make sure you dry the rat thoroughly before allowing it to go back in its cage.
If your rat is clean and doesn’t smell, then he won’t need a bath. However, if he has a bad smell, or is sick or elderly, he might need a full bath. To clean a dirty rat, try rinsing it or using oatmeal shampoo. Be careful not to over-bathe, though, as this will strip the rat’s natural oils.
