How to Clean a Smelly Bunny

Rabbits generally do a good job of keeping themselves as clean and odor-free as possible, but when they encounter ambient odors from their cages, such as urine, the occasion may call for an intervention from you. If regular brushing doesn̵7;t help, a smelly bunny may need his coat washed or his anal scent glands cleaned. In any event, never immerse the rabbit in water ̵1; that can cause the animal to go into shock.

Things You'll Need

  • Tub
  • 2 towels
  • Baby shampoo or bath soap
  • Blow dryer
  • Cotton balls
Show More

Instructions

  1. Cleaning the Coat

    • 1

      Place a towel onto the inside bottom of a tub. Add about 1 inch of lukewarm water, which will soak the towel and provide a firm surface for the bunny to stand on.

    • 2

      Swirl a few drops of baby shampoo or bath soap into the water until you see a slight foamy lather.

    • 3

      Pick up the bunny with one hand under its front legs and the other hand supporting its bottom.

    • 4

      Lower the bunny into the tub, bottom first. If possible, keep the animal̵7;s front end elevated out of the water with your other hand.

    • 5

      Massage the soapy water into the coat with small, gentle strokes. Avoid getting water into the bunny̵7;s eyes or ears.

    • 6

      Remove the bunny and place it on a firm, enclosed surface. Tip the soapy water out of the tub and replace it with clean, lukewarm water.

    • 7

      Lift the bunny back into the tub. Hold it steady with one hand, and smooth the clean water over the coat with the other hand until the soapy residue is rinsed clean.

    • 8

      Remove the bunny from the tub and gently pat it dry with a soft towel. Hold a blow dryer in the direction of the animal̵7;s body and direct a stream of warm, but not hot, air to complete the drying.

    Cleaning the Anal Scent Glands

    • 9

      Wet a cotton ball with warm water.

    • 10

      Place the bunny on its back on a clean, flat surface. You may need an assistant to hold the animal still.

    • 11

      Swab the cotton balls at the scent glands. You should see some discharge appear on the cotton ball or the surrounding skin.