How to Wash a Hairless Rat

Hairless rats are friendly, sociable animals that make excellent pets and companions. However, they do require some special care because of their unique condition, which leaves them with sparse hair around the face and feet, a patchy coat, or no coat at all. Hairless rats need extremely clean environments to protect them from skin problems they are prone to developing. Habitats, accessories, and the rat itself should be kept clean to ensure a healthy pet. Washing these rats should be a part of routine care provided by the owner.

Things You'll Need

  • Warm water
  • Baby shampoo
  • Soft toothbrush
  • Lintless towel
  • Heat lamp
  • Olive oil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put the hairless rat in a secure, comfortable location. Use your hand to gently wet the rat's body with warm water, avoiding the face, eyes, and ears. Begin at the neck and work down to the tip of the tail.

    • 2

      Use a very small amount of baby shampoo -- about half of a dime-size amount -- and carefully rub the shampoo over the rat's skin and tail. Take a soft toothbrush and very gently scrub the tail.

    • 3

      Rinse the rat with warm water using your hand. Continue to rinse until all soap is removed from the skin and tail. Use lintless towels to pat the rat dry. Remove as much water as possible with the towels before placing the rat in a clean habitat. Use a heat lamp to keep the animal warm. Turn off the heat lamp when the rat is completely dry.

    • 4

      Take a very small drop of olive oil and rub it between your hands before applying it to the rat's skin. This will help the skin from becoming dry. After the oil is absorbed, return the rat to its clean habitat.