The good news is that if you have a pet rabbit or guinea pig, washing won’t be part of your regular routine.
However, there are some differences between rabbits and guinea pigs, so it’s important to get their grooming needs right.
Should you wash your pet rabbit?
Chances are you’ve seen your rabbit licking its fur. And companion rabbits bond by keeping each other clean (awwh!).
In short, rabbits are self-cleaning, and as such, they don’t need to be washed.
In fact. the UK’s Rabbit Welfare Association says there are many reasons NOT to bath your rabbit. They include:
- Bathing rabbits strips their fur of natural oils, essential to keeping their coats in good condition.
- As prey animals, wet rabbits will feel vulnerable, panic, and possibly hurt themselves.
- Fully drying a wet rabbit is a difficult task.
- A damp rabbit can be prone to respiratory infections and hypothermia.
Are there any instances where I should wash my rabbit?
Healthy rabbits eat their own poop. If they’re not doing this, the tell-tale smelly remains will be evident on their bottoms and back legs. This might warrant a trip to the vet instead of a bath.
In exceptional circumstances, your vet might recommend you wash your rabbit.
If so, make this a two-person job. Bathe in a shallow sink with warm, but not hot, water so that your rabbit doesn’t panic. Don’t get water or shampoo in your rabbit’s eyes or ears. For full instructions, check out this guide on the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund website.
Should you wash guinea pigs?
Like rabbits, guinea pigs are self-cleaning. According to the UK’s Blue Cross, guinea pigs only need a wash once or twice a year.
However, Guinea Pigs Australia recommends a bath once every three months for long-haired guinea pigs. This ensures their coats don’t become matted, which can cause skin and other problems.
