How to bathe a small animal

If handled correctly, bath time can be an opportunity to bond with your pet, and they with you as they learn to trust.

If your rat or small animal is too afraid to be placed in a regular bath tub, take the steps below allowing him time outside of the water to calm down before proceeding to the next step.

For the actual bath, I would suggest to

• Have all necessary supplies close at hand prior to adding your pet to the mix!
• Stay calm no matter what. Soothing sounds and conversation will help you both relax.
• Use a plastic tub (like what you would use for soaking your feet). Wrap a warm wet soapy towel around him, and place one in the tub to make him more comfortable. (the main reason for using the tub is to avoid water puddling on the floor or soaking you).
• While wrapped in the towel, place your small pet in the small plastic tub on a counter top where you will be as close to him as possible. They can also be bathed in a sink.
• Gently soak him with the wet soapy towel. You can also use a sink. If your little one is not tolerating the water well, take him out and hold him in the towel until he calms down. They will not be so afraid knowing that he will be taken out of the tub periodically during the bath.
• Rinse the soap well by using a wet cloth in the same way that you did while bathing.
• Be sure that the place where you allow your little one to dry off is warm and dry (even if that happens to be in your lap). A blow dryer is not recommended for these little guys since they are so small and could get overheated or burned easily. Bundling them up in a towel cuddling with you is best.

If possible, it is helpful to take it slow over a period of time getting your small animal used to one step in the process at a time. Some ideas follow:

• Let them play in the tub without water. You could even grab a toy and play with that in the water.
• Add a little bit of water and a toy allowing them to approach it on his own.
• Slowly pour some water on them while they are in the tub.
• Hold them in a warm damp towel to help him get used to the feeling of being wet.
• Always be calm, gentle, soft spoken, yet firm and in control during the training process.

If you take each step slowly over days or even weeks, your pet should come to no longer feel threatened by a bath. It will also give you confidence knowing that you helped your baby through something difficult for them.

Steps to take when it is time to bathe your small animal

• Be sure to have all the necessary supplies ready and close at hand prior to bringing your pet into the bath or the area where you will be bathing them.

Other things to keep in mind:

• Start with a gentle massage from head to tail.

You will be able to tell if they are more sensitive to touch in one area than another.

• Wet them thoroughly with warm water preferably using a small towel or cloth
• Soap up the cloth or towel with a shampoo made specifically for pets.

Remember to thoroughly wash every area from face to tail, not neglecting the inside of their legs, etc. Due to their very small size, be especially careful of every move that is made. Squeeze the wet cloth gently around them allowing the soapy water to wash over them.

• Rinse thoroughly with warm water until there is no longer a trace of shampoo
• Hand dry with a small blanket or towel. Use of a heated dryer is not recommended.

Don't be afraid to ask for help. It is better to have two of you to get the job done rather than getting frustrated, hurting yourself or your pet.

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