How to Bathe a Mini Lop Bunny

Like cats, rabbits normally keep themselves perfectly clean and you will rarely need to wash one. The only times a mini lop owner is likely to need to bathe their pet is if the rabbit stumbles into something sticky, or if the animal is so ill it cannot keep itself clean. Rabbits don't take at all well to water; so don't bathe your pet unless it is necessary. Sponging often works just as well as a full bath.

Things You'll Need

  • Baby bath
  • Jug
  • Cup
  • Small-animal shampoo
  • Towel
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Instructions

    • 1

      Assemble a baby bath or other large plastic bowl a little bigger than the rabbit, a jug, a plastic cup, a bottle of small-animal shampoo and a soft towel. Check to ensure the shampoo label specifically states the product is safe for use on rabbits.

    • 2

      Fill the jug with lukewarm, not hot, water.

    • 3

      Place the rabbit in the baby bath and talk quietly and reassuringly. Support the rabbit's front legs or let it rest them on the side of the bath. You want the rabbit's head to be as far away from the water as practical.

    • 4

      Pour a few inches of water into the dishpan. Don't let the water rise higher than the rabbit's belly.

    • 5

      Dampen the fur on the rabbit's back and sides with the aid of the cup.

    • 6

      Massage a little shampoo into the rabbit's fur and rinse with more water, being careful not to let any suds get into the eyes, nose, mouth or ears. The long, relatively immobile ears of lops mean you may need to take special care.

    • 7

      Take the rabbit out of the dishpan, dispose of the soapy water, and rinse again with more lukewarm water.

    • 8

      Pat the rabbit with a soft towel to remove the excess water. Keep the rabbit in a warm room until the fur is completely dry.