Can You Wash Rats With Human Shampoo?
Lots of questions that many rat owners may have wondered about at some point or another such as can you wash rats with human shampoo. Many pet owners tend to use human shampoos instead of purchasing a rat shampoo. In this article, you’ll see if you can wash rats with human shampoo, how to properly bath your pet rat, and the safety precautions to keep in mind when bathing them.
Rats are very clean animals and seldom require a bath, and even if they do get filthy, a sponge bath or brief wipe down is usually sufficient. However, if your rat is stinky or filthy, or if he or she is elderly or ill and unable to clean himself/herself properly, you may need to give him/her a full bath from time to time.
Can You Wash Rats With Human Shampoo?
When it comes to rats, there are a lot of myths and old wives’ tales out there. One of these is whether or not you can wash rats with human shampoo. The answer is no – you should never use human shampoo on your rat as it can be harmful to his health. Instead, you can find specialized rodent shampoo at most pet stores.
Just make sure you use a very small amount, as rats can ingest the shampoo when they groom themselves. You should also be careful to use warm water and rinse all of the shampoos out of your rat’s fur to avoid irritation. And remember, don’t allow your rat to become wet for extended periods of time as this can make him ill. If you have any concerns about bathing your rat, consult with your veterinarian beforehand.
Bathing Your Pet Rat
Purchase Shampoo For Rats
You will need soapy water to completely clean your rat. If you use shampoo for humans on your pet rat, this could be damaging to his health; thus, have him washed using such a rat shampoo from a store to ensure that he is properly and safely cleaned.
If you use a small bit of the shampoo to clean your pet rat after he has cleansed itself through licking its paws and combing his fur, he may consume some of it. Check to see if the shampoo is safe for your pet rat.
If the local pet store does not sell rat shampoo, check for something suitable for your pet rat online or in a specialty store. Because you only need a small amount of shampoo for every wash, a bottle will last you a lot longer.
Fill Basin With Warm Water
Fill the bowl halfway with warm water that is close to your pet rat’s body temperature. Pour the sink with water until it is roughly 1 inch deep around its body to produce a 1-inch thick barrier of water enclosing him.
Keep the water at 36.9 to 38.1°C if you want rats to drink it comfortably, based on body temperatures of around 100°F (38°C).
Check that the water was not too cool and that you should have a bucket to store it in. If you choose not to use your sinks, load a plastic container halfway with water to create a miniature tub. Ensure sure that the water isn’t quite so cold, as this could injure your rat.
Lay Two Clean Towels
Your pet rat would become ill if it is soaked for a lengthy period of time. As a result, try drying your pet rat as soon as possible. It’s better to place two washcloths on the workstation, one next to the sink wherein your pet rat may relax and the other beside it in which you can dry off your pet rat after bathing.
It could be easier to close the room door where you’re washing your rat so it doesn’t run while it’s still damp.
Rinse With Warm Water
To prevent washing your pet rat with its filthy bathwater, fill a large jar with approximately 470 ml of 100 °F (38 °C) water. Keep this beside the sink to wash the shampoo off your pet rat. You can also rinse your rat with the tap on your sink; however, you may have less power over the relative water pressure. Ensure to wash your rat thoroughly with warm water.
Use the jug of clean water to rinse all of the shampoos from your rat’s fur. Pour water over him until it runs clear and there is no more soap residue on his fur.
If you’re using a container, you can dump the dirty water and refill it with clean water for rinsing. If you’re using the sink, you can turn on the faucet and hold your rat under the stream of water.
Make sure you rinse all of the shampoos out of his fur to avoid irritation.
Dry With A Clean Towel
Use a clean towel to dry your rat as much as possible, being careful not to scrub too hard. You can also use a hairdryer set on low to help him dry if it’s cold in your home.
Place Your rat In His Cage
Once your rat is mostly dry, you can put him back in his cage. He may want to groom himself further, so give him some time to do that before handling him again. Make sure his cage is warm and has plenty of bedding for him to burrow in.
Safety Precautions When Bathing A Rat
Never use human shampoo on your rat. This can be harmful to his health. Use only a tiny amount of rodent shampoo, as rats can ingest this when they groom themselves. Make sure the water you use is not too cold, as this can harm your rat. Be sure to rinse all of the shampoos out of your rat’s fur to avoid irritation. Do not allow your rat to become wet for extended periods of time, as this can make him ill. If you have any concerns about bathing your rat, consult with a veterinarian beforehand.
Importance Of Bath To Rats
Rats need regular bathing to keep their fur clean and healthy. Rats can become very dirty, especially if they live in a dirty environment. Bathing can help remove dirt, oil, and fleas from their fur. It can also help prevent skin infections. Rats should be bathed about once a week or as needed. Consult with a veterinarian if your rat has any special bathing needs.
Final Thoughts
Bathing your rat is a necessary part of owning one. It can help keep their fur clean and healthy, and can also prevent skin infections. Be sure to use only rodent shampoo on your rat, as human shampoo can be harmful. Rinse all of the shampoos out of their fur to avoid irritation, and make sure they are dried off well afterward. Do not allow your rat to become wet for extended periods of time, as this can make him ill. If you have any concerns about bathing your rat, consult with a veterinarian beforehand.
