Shampoos for bunnies

[iGroom]

I acquired a rabbit awhile ago and he is an awesome and sweet rabbit. No idea what breed Ollie is. I had some rabbits growing up but havent had one as an adult until this one. I am by no means a rabbit expert but I would describe his hair as medium length. His hair is definitely causing some sanitary and grooming issues. Nothing I cant handle as I am a pet groomer by profession. Typically I give him a "sanitary trim" so he doesnt get poop collecting on his bottom. I am under the impression that rabbits should not be given frequent baths. However, I am looking for advice and general rules for shampoo for when he does need one. My FAVORITE shampoo to use on dogs and cats that are shedding is Furminator. Does anyone know if this is safe for rabbits as well? It is hypoallergenic. If not, I am willing and open to suggestions. Thank you!

 

[Nancy McClelland]

We've had to give a "butt" bath once in awhile and used baby shampoo. the whole rabbit didn't go in, just the nether region.

 

[Korr_and_Sophie]

It is really not advised to bathe a rabbit unless absolutely necessary. Situations where the rabbit has gotten something toxic on itself or is in a situation where it is unable to properly groom are really the only ones where a bath is necessary. For those who can't groom themselves (especially around the bum), a butt bath can be used to clean the area, usually only water is needed. Only if the rabbit is covered in something toxic should be be given a full bath.
I am not really sure what is best as far as shampoo goes. Something mild is better, so I would stick to a puppy or kitten shampoo. Shampoos for other purposes can be too harsh on the delicate skin of a rabbit and may leave a residue that could be toxic to them if they lick it.

For shedding or moulting rabbits, a furminator or other similar tool can be used. You do need to be careful to avoid bald spots and irritating the skin.
Wetting your hands and running them through the fur can be very helpful to get rid of the loose fur. Some people even use lint rollers.

 

[iGroom]

Lint rollers! That is awesome! I never thought of that! I do have a furminator that I can use on him. And I dont have the patience to brush him long enough to give him brush burn
So I will just use a basic tearless shampoo on his bum when I clean him up this weekend.

 

[Watermelons]

If you MUST bath a rabbit.... (IMO)
Johnson and Johnson has a Hypoallergenic tear free baby shampoo for sensitive skin. No puppy or kitten shampoo can beat this stuff for safety if youre worried about scents or residue or ingestion
http://www.johnsonsbaby.ca/en/productdetails.asp?product_id=9
I have used this stuff on my parrots which are much more sensitive then bunnys and it works great, gets out the yuckies and doesnt leave any residue behind.

 

[Bunnylova4eva]

I've used bunny shampoo from Petsmart, but I'm thinking what Watermelons (one post up) said, is probably a good one.
Just be sure that the poop collecting on bunny's butt isn't like cecals, and there isn't something going on.

 

[naturestee]

Just checking, have you tried figuring out what is causing the poop to stick in the first place? It's often dietary- some rabbits are sensitive to too much protein, fat, or certain (or too much) veggies. I usually find reducing the protein of pellets and feeding grass hay, no alfalfa or clover, helps many buns.

I'm also a big fan of dry butt baths- rub cornstarch in, brush/fluff out. I do it a lot with dirty shelter buns. It's surprising how well it works.

 

[tonyshuman]

I use No More Tears for babies and have used plain dish soap with a very good rinse. If they use Dawn on wildlife after oil spills, it's probably ok for bunnies I figure. If the area already has a sanitary trim done, you probably don't have to worry too much about soap getting trapped in the fur close to the skin and causing irritation.