Rabbits are one of the cleanest animals, and they rarely need a bath. Rabbits are timid when it comes to getting them wet. Sometimes due to health reasons, it becomes necessary to bathe your rabbit.
Being a rabbit parent, many of you must be wondering which shampoo will suit your rabbit.
You cannot just go and buy a regular shampoo. and then there is always a question of how safe these shampoos are for your furry friends.
Shampoos that are all-natural and contain organic ingredients are safe for rabbits.
These shampoos are designed for cleaning their fur or coat. Rabbits tend to have delicate skin. These specific shampoos help in removing dirt clumps.
It also delicately removes all the unwanted build-up from their body. Best rabbit shampoos take care of their delicate skin without stripping away the essential natural oils.
What Shampoo is Safe for Rabbits?
If you’re looking for safe shampoos for rabbits, given below are some of the top brands:
J·R·LIGGETT’S Small Animal Liquid Shampoo
This shampoo from JR Liggets is specifically made for small animals (including rabbits).
It does not contain any detergent or tea tree oil (which is harmful to rabbits and other small animals)
It is mild and gentle on bunnies’ skin and fur and contains some fragrance from various natural oils (such as almond, rosemary, cedarwood, lavender, and lemongrass).
It’s also 100% hypoallergenic, which means even you wouldn’t have to worry about holding and playing with your bunnies after giving them a shampoo bath.
Fluppets Natural Pet Shampoo Natural
While in most cases. shampoos meant for dogs and cats won’t work for rabbits, the Fluppets natural pet shampoo is an exception.
It’s made with all-natural ingredients that can safely be used for rabbits. It’s certified by USDA and contains oils of Coconut, Olive, Jojoba. Lemongrass, Rosemary, and Aloe Vera.
It’s mild and safe for rabbit’s sensitive skin and fur. It’s also hypoallergenic, which means you can safely use it on your rabbits without worrying about any sneezing or wheezing.
And to top it all, for every bottle of this shampoo you purchase, the company donates 50 cents to Best Friends Animal Society.
Kaytee Squeaky Critter Shampoo
This shampoo is specially formulated for the sensitive skin of rabbits and other small animals.
It helps in soothing the dry skin and hydrating the coat and fur of your rabbit. It also has a nice baby powder fragrance that will keep the fur of your bunny smelling great.
Pet Silk Bright White Shampoo for Rabbits
Here is another one that can safely be used for rabbits as well as other pets (dogs and horses).
It contains no dye or bleach and is best suited for rabbits and dogs with light-colored fur. It works by removing any kind of stain and leaving the fur clean and shining.
In case you have a lot of dogs and bunnies at home, you can also buy their 2.5-gallon option.
| Shampoo | Major Ingredients | Price |
|---|---|---|
| J·R·LIGGETT’S Small Animal Liquid Shampoo | Almond, Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Lavender, and Rosemary oils. Contains no tea tree oil, sulfate, or detergents | Check Price |
| Fluppets Natural Pet Shampoo Natural | Saponified organic oils of Coconut, Olive, and Jojoba. Natural essential oil blend of Lemongrass & Rosemary, Organic Aloe Vera. | Check Price |
| Pet Silk Bright White Shampoo for Rabbits | Silk fibre is the main component. Does not contain any dye or bleach | Check Price |
What are the Properties to Look for in a Rabbit Shampoo?
Using a good rabbit shampoo is essential.
Before buying a safe shampoo, you must keep some of the following properties in mind:
- Try to use organic shampoos. Organic products are, no doubt, safer on the rabbit’s skin. They are environmentally-friendly and made under cruelty-free conditions.
- Rabbits have delicate skin. Hence, shampoos that contain some skin conditioning and smoothing emollients are advisable.
- Whichever rabbit shampoo you are choosing, that must be bunny-safe. The shampoo should not contain massive amounts of additives or harsh ingredients. Sometimes, it can irritate your rabbit’s skin leading to several health issues. Always go for the all-natural brand shampoos.
- Shampoos having plant extracts turn out to be harmful and toxic for your rabbit. Hence, look for products that are free from plant extracts such as pyrethrin.
Is Human Shampoo Safe for Rabbits?
It can often happen that you run out of rabbit shampoo but have the one that you use for yourself.
But it’s not recommended to use human shampoo on rabbits.
Human shampoos are harsh on rabbits. Always go for your pet-specific shampoos as they play a significant role in immunological defense.
Human shampoos tend to strip away the oil and the top protective layers from your rabbit’s skin.
Thereby, your rabbit becomes prone to infections. Consult your vet before you decide to bathe the rabbit.
Remember that your shampoo needs to be specifically for rabbits. This means that you shouldn’t use shampoo for dogs or cats on rabbits (unless it specifically mentions that it’s safe for bunnies). In most cases, the shampoo for guinea pigs can be used for rabbits.
Are Homemade Rabbit Shampoos Safe?
Yes, homemade shampoos are safe, but it is always safer to consult your vet before applying anything on your rabbit’s skin.
To make your rabbit’s homemade shampoo, you need an empty plastic bottle. Clean the bottle thoroughly and add ¼ cup apple cider vinegar and liquid dish detergent.
Add ½ distilled water to make a solution.
Apple vinegar acts as a great all-natural cleansing agent. You can also add two tablespoons of sweet almond oil and a few essential oil drops to get the fragrance.
How Often do Rabbits Need to be Bathed?
It is entirely unnecessary to bathe a rabbit daily. If your pet is suffering from any health problems, then you can only clean your rabbit.
Bunnies panic when they see the water. Their panic may lead to a limb or spine fracture. So when you’re bathing your rabbit, make sure you’re gentle and doing everything possible to make it a pleasant experience for your bunny
If you wash them, make sure that you are getting them completely dry.
If you leave them damp, they become prone to respiratory infections and hypothermia.
Rabbits do not require routine bathing or frequent washing.
Other articles you may also like: