Why Do Rats Need Baths?
WouterTo give your rat a bath, you’ll first need to gather your supplies. For starters, you’ll need tepid water, a plastic cup, and some soap for small animals. Once you’ve assembled these items, you’ll be ready to begin. Once you’ve prepared the water, you’ll need to add your rat. Start by soaking the rat’s hind legs, and work your way up toward the head. After soaking the rat, you’ll need to massage the soap into the water and rinse it thoroughly. After the bath, place the rat in a towel to dry off.
Rats have a unique attitude toward water. Some rats will not go near it, while others will jump right in. This behavior is largely determined by their exposure to water play in their early years. Therefore, introducing your rat to water play at a young age will make bathing easier.
Before you begin bathing your rat, it is important to remember that most rats are very clean animals. However, some breeders may choose to bathe their rat before a show. Bathing a rat can be harmful for its health, as it removes the natural oils from its skin. Additionally, it can be drying, so bathing your rat should be a last resort, and only be done on occasion.
When your rat gets old, he may suffer from paralysis of the hind legs. You may be able to give him a medicine to help with the symptoms. If left untreated, this condition may lead to a more serious illness. If you’ve neglected to bathe your rat, you may notice that your rat will have a difficult time climbing. He may also drag his hind legs and use his forelegs to push him forward. To avoid this symptom, you can offer your rat a bath once a week.
