How to Bathe Your Pet Rat

Last Updated: June 29, 2021 References Approved

Rats are very clean animals and usually do not require a bath at all, and even if they do get dirty most times a sponge bath or quick wipe off is all that is needed. However, from time to time you may need to give your rat a full bath if they're stinky or filthy or if they're elderly or ill and unable to clean themselves properly.

Steps

1
Ensure your rat is comfortable being semi submerged in water. Do not force your rat to go into the water.
2
Fill a sink about halfway with warm water.^{[1]
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3
Lay a towel down next to the sink. So they can jump out and shake off the water.
4
Hold your rat in one hand. Have the shampoo in the other. Dog shampoo, preferably oatmeal shampoo is recommended for its soothing and hydrating properties. Do not use flea and tick shampoo.
5
Gently place your rat in the sink. Just enough to get them wet. Make sure you don't get water in their eyes or ears, this can lead to a respiratory infection. ^{[2]
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Research source} They might not like this much so talk to them, reassure them, pet/stroke them.
6
Remove the rat from the water. Place it on towel and scrub the shampoo into the fur. Don't use too much and don't get any on its face or head. ^{[3]
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7
Place your rat in the sink again. Rinse off the shampoo.
8
Continue as necessary.
9
Let your rat jump out of the sink and shake off.
10
Use a towel to dry your rat.^{[4]
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- Find a small animal shampoo with natural oils, especially if you have to bathe them more than once a month. It's important to clean your rat more than once a month if your rat has been ill or is elderly. However, be careful not to bathe your rat too often. If you bathe your rat too often, the supply of natural oils on your rat's skin and fur may become depleted, causing your rat's skin to get too dry. Be sure that you use baby shampoo or animal shampoo.^{[5]
  X
  Research source} Regular shampoo used for humans can cause serious skin problems.
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I bathe rats without using shampoo?

Community Answer

Just use a damp cloth if the rat isn't particularly dirty (rats are very clean animals anyway). This is the preferred method of bathing.
Question

My rat is afraid of water. Is there any other way to do it?

Community Answer

You can use a warm, wet towel or sponge; they tend to be less scared of that. Just make sure to clean the tail and paws very well!
Question

Can I wash baby rats?

Community Answer

No. Baby rats are cleaned by their mother. If they do not have a mother, you can clean them with a wet paper towel, avoiding the nose and mouth. Keep them warm afterward; if they catch cold, they will likely die.
Question

Will it kill my pet rat if I bathe him in winter?

Community Answer

No. Have a warm towel ready to let him snuggle in it once bathing in done.
Question

Is it okay to use baby shampoo?

Community Answer

Yes, that is great to use with rats, as it is very mild.
Question

How often should rats be bathed?

Community Answer

Use a damp cloth or sponge as often as you like; however, do not use shampoo more than once a month.
Question

What can I expect when giving my rats a bath for the first time?

Community Answer

The rats will most likely be scared of the water and will be very jumpy, so be sure to not soak them. Get them wet gradually.
Question

Can you bathe your rat with human shampoo?

Community Answer

It is not recommended, due to the types of ingredients in them that could strip your rats of their natural oils. Use baby shampoo, as that is very mild and safe.
Question

My rats tend to pee in their bed and always end up smelling awful after a week. Can I bathe them once every week or every two weeks?

Community Answer

No. The soap should only be used once a month. You don't want to strip their coats of the oils they need. If the smell bothers you too much, rinse them with lukewarm water or wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Question

How can I get my rat used to the water?

Community Answer

Gently stroke him with a damp towel in the temperature water you will be using. Don't plop him right into the water; gradually lower him in. While he is in the water, feed him treats to encourage him to stay in the water. DO NOT EVER fill your sink or "bathtub" so your rat has to swim. NEVER fill it past his legs and NEVER, EVER, EVER, dunk him in the water. This can not only traumatize him about water forever, but it can also drown him.

Warnings

Never use people shampoo on your rat. It is much too harsh and can cause serious skin problems. Only use baby shampoo or small animal shampoo.

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Helpful 64 Not Helpful 5
You may end up getting scratched, bitten, soaking wet, or all three if your rat isn't very well behaved. A rat can climb your arm like a squirrel climbs a tree.

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If you wash your rat on a regular basis only use shampoo every other time. Too much shampoo can be damaging to its coat and skin.

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All rats will be a bit frightened on their first bath day, but if your rat is truly terrified stop. If its first experience with water is a horrible one filled with dunking and showering, it'll probably scar it for life and they'll never enjoy the water. Rats have excellent memories and they will remember if you ever try to bathe them again. A bad first bath experience creates a vicious cycle of biting, scratching, and soaking.

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