When Do You Need to Give Rats Baths?
WouterIf you have rats, you should know that not all rats enjoy baths, and some can react badly to baths. While some rats may be docile, others may bite or scratch during the bath. The important thing is to remember that rats are not scaly or hairless, and bathing them too often may strip their coats of natural oils and cause irritation.
When giving your rat a bath, start by filling a basin or plastic pan with warm water. Gently scrub the fur of your rat using your fingers, but make sure to keep soap away from the rat’s eyes or ears. After washing, wipe the rat’s fur dry with a towel.
After cleaning the rat’s fur, rinse it with clean, lukewarm water, and blot off any soap residue. Then, wrap a towel around it and pat it dry. When drying the rat’s fur, try to keep the dryer one foot away from its body to avoid drying the rat’s face. You can treat your rat after the bath, and your rat may cooperate with you next time.
Most rats don’t need a bath unless they smell bad or stink. However, there are a few situations in which you may need to give your rat a bath. The most common reason is because your rat isn’t able to groom itself properly, but in some cases you need to give your rat a bath for medical reasons.
