How to Bathe Your Pet Rat

Co-authored by Brian Starr

Last Updated: November 3, 2024 Approved

Rats are very clean animals and usually do not require a bath at all, and even if they do get dirty most times a sponge bath or quick wipe off is all that is needed. However, from time to time you may need to give your rat a full bath if they're stinky or filthy or if they're elderly or ill and unable to clean themselves properly.

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Do not force your rat to go into the water.
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So they can jump out and shake off the water.
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Have the shampoo in the other. Dog shampoo, preferably oatmeal shampoo is recommended for its soothing and hydrating properties. Do not use flea and tick shampoo.
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Just enough to get them wet. Make sure you don't get water in their eyes or ears, this can lead to a respiratory infection. ^{[2]
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Research source} They might not like this much so talk to them, reassure them, pet/stroke them.
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Place it on towel and scrub the shampoo into the fur. Don't use too much and don't get any on its face or head. ^{[3]
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Rinse off the shampoo.
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10
Use a towel to dry your rat. ^{[4]
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Research source}
- Find a small animal shampoo with natural oils, especially if you have to bathe them more than once a month. It's important to clean your rat more than once a month if your rat has been ill or is elderly. However, be careful not to bathe your rat too often. If you bathe your rat too often, the supply of natural oils on your rat's skin and fur may become depleted, causing your rat's skin to get too dry. Be sure that you use baby shampoo or animal shampoo. ^{[5]
 X
 Research source} Regular shampoo used for humans can cause serious skin problems.
EXPERT TIP

Brian Starr
Rat Specialist & Breeder
Brian Starr is a Rat Specialist and Breeder and the Owner of OC Dumbos out of Central Florida. As America’s only breeder of pet Roof Rats, Brian and OC Dumbos specialize in rat breeding, training, and care. Years of experience and several generations of careful breeding have allowed Brian and OC Dumbos to create a line of tame Roof Rats, bred to make friendly, fun pets. In addition to offering rat accessories and training resources, OC Dumbos also offers free Roof Rat adoptions.

Brian Starr
Rat Specialist & Breeder

Be careful when bathing rats. Avoid fully bathing rats unnecessarily, since they both self-groom and find water stressful. If submerged, they may panic, ingest fluid into lungs, or develop respiratory issues from inhaling water. If your rat is consistently dirty or has a parasite of some kind, seek care from a vet instead.

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Question

Can I bathe rats without using shampoo?

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Just use a damp cloth if the rat isn't particularly dirty (rats are very clean animals anyway). This is the preferred method of bathing.

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My rat is afraid of water. Is there any other way to do it?

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You can use a warm, wet towel or sponge; they tend to be less scared of that. Just make sure to clean the tail and paws very well!

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Can I wash baby rats?

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No. Baby rats are cleaned by their mother. If they do not have a mother, you can clean them with a wet paper towel, avoiding the nose and mouth. Keep them warm afterward; if they catch cold, they will likely die.

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Tips

Be ready for them to poop. ^{[6]
X
Research source} It flies out of them like a rocket in a bath!

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Helpful 9 Not Helpful 1
If you have a group of rats try bathing them all together. Everything is less stressful when you have your buddies around.

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Helpful 20 Not Helpful 0
If your rat is scared of bathing, instead of the usual dunking, try enticing him with his favorite treat to willingly enter the water.

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Helpful 19 Not Helpful 1

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Warnings

You may end up getting scratched, bitten, soaking wet, or all three if your rat isn't very well behaved. A rat can climb your arm like a squirrel climbs a tree.

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Helpful 67 Not Helpful 9
If you wash your rat on a regular basis only use shampoo every other time. Too much shampoo can be damaging to its coat and skin.

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Helpful 73 Not Helpful 11
All rats will be a bit frightened on their first bath day, but if your rat is truly terrified stop . If its first experience with water is a horrible one filled with dunking and showering, it'll probably scar it for life and they'll never enjoy the water. Rats have excellent memories and they will remember if you ever try to bathe them again. A bad first bath experience creates a vicious cycle of biting, scratching, and soaking.

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Helpful 15 Not Helpful 2
Never use people's shampoo on your rat. It is much too harsh and can cause serious skin problems. Only use baby shampoo or small animal shampoo.

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