With the right maintenance, domestic rats rarely need bathing, especially since most animals are stressed during this process. However, in some circumstances, such a need may arise. How to properly bathe a pet rat?
It is necessary
- - basin, bath or kitchen sink;
- - shampoo for kittens or puppies;
- - towel;
- - low-power hair dryer.
Instructions
Step 1
You can bathe a rat no more than once a month. Since animals catch colds easily, close windows and doors in the room to avoid drafts. Do not bathe a sick animal. If the skin of a rat has damage, wounds, inflammation, water can worsen its condition.
Step 2
For bathing, you can use a small basin or bath, but it is most convenient to do this in the kitchen sink. Fill both shells with lukewarm water so that the level is not higher than the animal's throat. Dip the rat into the water, but do not let go, otherwise it will run away.
Step 3
Since there are no special products for bathing rodents, use a kitten or puppy shampoo. Do not use simple detergents or soaps - they can cause allergies in animals, and contribute to dryness and flaking of the skin.
Step 4
Place a few drops of shampoo on the back of the animal's body. Massage the coat with your fingertips. Do not use a brush, you could accidentally injure the rat. Make sure that water and soap do not get into the eyes and ears of the animal.
Step 5
Place the rat in a sink of clean water. Rinse. You can hold the animal under running water. Blot your pet's fur with a designated towel.
Step 6
Dry the fur of the animal with a low-power hair dryer. In this case, the temperature of the air stream should not exceed 40 degrees. Do not bring the hair dryer too close so as not to burn or dry out the delicate skin of the rat. To determine the correct distance, first direct the air stream to the inside of the elbow of your arm. At the same time, your sensations should be neutral - the jet of air does not burn or cold the skin. Continue blow-drying until the fur of the rat looks dry and fluffy. It should remain slightly damp to the touch. Then let the rat finish its toilet itself.
Step 7
For males with greasy hair, in the interval between bathing, carry out additional water procedures. Dampen a soft terrycloth towel with water. Rub it over the fur of the animal.
