Rabbit Bottom Cleaning
Unlike dogs, rabbits rarely need to be bathed. Rabbits, much like cats, are adept at keeping their fur clean and tidy. However, as your rabbit ages you may find that an occasion extra cleaning or grooming session is in order. Rabbit bottom cleaning, also known as rabbit butt baths, are bathing sessions that occasion when a rabbit needs extra support with keeping their rear ends free of feces and caked urine. These specialty grooming sessions are needed most often by senior rabbits who have incontinence issues or “poopy bottoms,” overweight rabbits who have a hard time eating their caecotrophs, or rabbits with neurological or mobility issues.
Bottom Cleaning Made Easy
Bottom Cleanings can be broken down in 5 different steps. Depending on your particular rabbit, you may find one handling technique more efficient than another.
The Set Up
Place a towel in the sink or litter box. Fill with 1-2 inches of warm water. This is enough for their bottom to touch the water but not too much to get the rabbit soaking wet.
Position 1
With the rabbit sitting on all fours, use a neutral, hypoallergenic soap. We use Earthbath Hypoallergenic Shampoo. Lather and massage into soiled fur. This is a standard position.
Position 2
Resting on arm. This position is great for rabbits with neurological conditions, rabbits who wiggle, or rabbits who are harder to handle.
Position 3
Bidet method. This position is best for accessing urine scald and checking for irritated skin.
Dry Time
Set a blowdryer to low and either cool or warm setting. The hot setting may burn your rabbit’s sensitive skin. Additional microfiber towels help speed the drying process.*
* A note about drying. Rabbits are prone to hypothermia so it is important to be sure to dry their coat thoroughly. Using a comb or towel to separate the hairs with help speed up dry time. Prolonged wetness can also lead to matting.
Bottom Cleaning Tutorial Video
Sometimes its easy to see a bottom cleaning in progress. Check out our Rabbit Bottom Cleaning Tutorial for more handling techniques, advices and recommendations.