As every commercial about Dawn Dish Soap says, “Dawn Helps Save Wildlife.” So, the question is, is Dawn dish soap safe for Rabbits? Well, there isn’t an easy answer. You can wash your rabbit with Dawn, but as long as they don’t eat it. Dawn dish soap is excellent for removing sticky, greasy, and oily substances embedded in the rabbit’s fur. It is highly effective as long as you rinse the bun thoroughly and avoid their eyes and mouth.
It is also good to clean any of your rabbits’ bowls, toys, or litter boxes. It is not entirely harmful to your pet, but you need to be sure to rinse anything used with Dawn thoroughly, or it can be detrimental. You need to know a few more things before cleaning anything that has to do with your rabbit with Dawn Dish Soap.
Also, many believe that Dawn Dish soap can prevent fleas; that is not true. There is no use for Dawn to the right against a flea infestation. There are better solutions out there to help take care of those issues for your rabbit. There are a few more effortless and healthier, better, and chemical-free cleaning products to use on your pet. Here are a few tips and tricks on what to use and how to clean your rabbit.
Is Dawn Dish Soap Safe for my Rabbit’s Cage?
Yes, you can, but it is not a disinfectant. It will not get rid of bacteria or any other virus that could harm your friend. Unless it is antibacterial soap, it will just make the cage look clean. It does nothing special. Dawn dish soap can help get oily, greasy substances out of animals’ fur, but that is about it. It shouldn’t be used to clean your rabbits’ cage. Because your rabbit is so sensitive towards bacteria and virus, you want to use something efficient.
Most use water and vinegar. It is the most popular way to clean a rabbit’s cage and items like toys, bowls, etc. Vinegar is highly effective due to its use to kill harmful germs and bacteria. Most rabbit owners tend to wash their furry friends’ cage with a little of both mixed. Using the two, you are making a chemical-free and safe solution to disinfect. Here are some ways to efficient ways to ensure that your rabbits’ cage is appropriately cleaned.
How to Clean your Rabbit’s Cage
There is a proper way to clean your rabbit’s cage. Just removing a few dirty bundles of bedding shreds isn’t going to do it. Many built-up bacteria, fleas, and other dirt need to be efficiently cleaned to ensure your furry friend’s health. Cleaning your rabbits’ cage should be a weekly routine. Your rabbit can create a lot of bacteria and dirt within a week.
Things like bowls and litter boxes should be washed and cleaned every day, but they need a thorough cleaning once a week. It will kill bacteria and get rid of stains if done correctly. Everyone tends to do it differently, but here are a few tricks, tips, and specific steps to take while cleaning your rabbit cage.
Empty the Cage
Be sure to place your rabbit in a safe place before cleaning out the cage. You want to keep a trash bag handy for any feces, uneaten food, etc. Also, be sure to empty any water bowls or bottles. Wash them, of course, before filling them with fresh water. Set aside any toys, litter boxes, and food bowls or water bottles/bowls.
Cleaning the Cage Walls
You want to start with cleaning the cage walls. Mix vinegar and water and disinfect the walls. It is harmless and chemical-free to your rabbit. Way better Once every wall is cleaned, disinfect the floor next. You want to scrub until any stains are gone. You don’t want to leave any residue or bacteria behind. Lastly, be sure to let the cage dry before putting any of the items you set aside back. This step is preferred when it is sunny; it will help prevent any other bacteria growth.
Wash the Bedding
If any of your rabbits’ bedding is fabric, throw it in the washer. It will make your life a lot easier if you do. Just remember to use unscented detergent and hot water. This will prevent your rabbit from becoming affected by any harsh chemicals. After it is washed, be sure to dry it properly. Bacteria can grow if not done correctly.
Clean Food and Water Bowls
Your rabbit’s food and water bowls should be cleaned daily, but extra cleaning never hurts. Especially a thorough cleaning. Dirty water and food bowls are a breeding ground for bacteria that you don’t know your rabbit is ingesting. You want to wash your bowls with hot soapy water. You can also stick them in your dishwasher. Doing so will sterilize your bowls and wipe away any mildew, mold, or fungi. Be sure to let them dry completely.
Soaking the Litter Box
This is another item that you should be cleaning every day. Of course, one thorough weekly cleaning is excellent too. Soak your little box in some water and vinegar. This will thoroughly disinfect it. Litter boxes can grow bacteria quickly. Washing it this way will also get rid of any stains.
Clean or Replace Toys
You want to inspect your rabbit’s toys. Be sure that none of the toys are broken or harmful in any way to your friend. If so, throw them out. The rest can be washed. Soak them in vinegar and water to ensure they are entirely disinfected.
Clean Around the Cage
Be sure to clean around the cage. Vacuum any mess left by torn-up paper, litter, etc. Also, give the outside of the cage a good wipe down as well.
What can I use to Clean my Rabbit’s Cage?
Water and Vinegar are the most effective way to clean your rabbit cage. It is a non-chemical, harmless solution that disinfects, cleans, and washes away stains. And it is cheap. Chemical solutions are not only harmful to your pet but also can be expensive.
Dawn Soap can be used too, but it is not recommended to clean your cages’ walls and floors. These need a deeper clean. It can be used to clean your pet’s bowls, when you clean then once a day when changing out water or food, but once a week they should be thoroughly cleaned with a disinfected. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly, though. Your rabbit shouldn’t consume the dish soap. It can be harmful to their health.
What Kind of Soap can I use on a Bunny?
Wet baths are not recommended for cleaning rabbits. First, rabbits don’t like water. When in a tub, they become highly stressed, which is not suitable for sensitive and skittish animals like rabbits. Stress can take a toll on rabbits. It can cause medical conditions, digestive issues, etc.
Second, when a rabbit is entirely wet, they are more likely to catch a cold, or worse. When rabbits get cold, it can become a fatal cold. Again, rabbits are sensitive creatures. They need to be cared for properly. If you want to wash your rabbit, you can use unscented baby shampoo, but it is not recommended again.
Third, rabbits are like cats, and they clean themselves unless they need help with feces caught on their fur or their fur starts to turn yellow. That’s where you, as the owner, steps in. You shouldn’t have to bathe your rabbit unless it is needed. Even then, it should be done by a professional, like a vet. So, if it is not recommended to wet rabbits down, how should you wash your rabbit? Well, here is the proper way to ensure your rabbit is clean and stress-free.
How to Properly Wash a Bunny
Well, the only time you should be washing your rabbit is when they have feces caught in their fur. They will clean the rest of their body; of course, at this point, they need your help. This should be done in what is called a dry bath. A dry bath is less stressful for you as the owner, and the rabbit doesn’t cause a mess. So, say good-bye to dirty water, unwanted floods, and continuously damp while trying to clean your rabbit. This is where you hold your bun carefully but firmly, and remove the attached clumps with a small amount of cornstarch, and gently rubbing it into the soiled area.
Be sure only to use cornstarch, not baby powder. You may be more cornstarch as you keep massaging it into the fur, but gradually you will see dirt and feces start to come off your bunny effectively.
Is Baby Shampoo Safe for Rabbits?
Baby shampoo, unscented is recommended, is safe for your rabbit. But it can still cause harm to your pet. They have chemicals that could cause issues with your bunny’s health. It is also not a good idea to wash your bun with water. I understand all animals need a bath, but rabbits are different. They can become affected by water. Because they take a while to dry, they are more likely to get a cold.
How do I get the Yellow Out of my Rabbit’s Fur?
Because your rabbit tends to sit in the litter box after they are finished urinating, it can cause your rabbit to turn yellow. No one is sure why domestic rabbits do this, but they can cause discoloration in their fur.
The most effective way to remove any yellow stains from your rabbit’s fur is to use cornflour powder and tease the fur with a comb. After cleaning the fur, your bun will need a wet bath because of the stains being urine stains, but it is recommended to have a trusted vet do so. If done at home, your rabbit could catch a cold if they stay wet too long.
Conclusion
Dawn dish soap is highly recommended if you are looking to get any greasy residue off your bunny’s fur or washing their bowls, but other than that. It is not effective at all. There are safer, more effective ways to clean your rabbit and clean your rabbits’ cage. You want to be sure that you are using chemical-free and harmless products for your furry friends. Rabbits are finicky animals; they are sensitive to many things, their care is tedious, and you will feel like you are always cleaning, but it is well worth it in the end.
FAQ
Why is my white rabbit’s fur turning yellow?
Your rabbit’s fur is turning yellow due to your rabbit sitting in their litter box after urine. Many don’t know why domestic rabbits tend to have this nasty habit, but it is the reason their fur is discoloring.
Can dog shampoo be used on rabbits?
No, many dogs, human, cat, etc. used shampoos contain toxic chemicals towards rabbits. You want to use shampoo, only if you have to give your rabbit a wet bath that is safe for them. Other types of shampoos can only be fatal towards their sensitive bodies.
Can I use cat flea treatment on my rabbit?
Cat flea treatment products like Advantage or Revolution are safe for rabbits. Using those two products can give your rabbit relief for 30 days.
Why do rabbits die when they get wet?
Your rabbit can die if they catch a cold due to being wet too long. That is why soaking baths are not recommended for rabbits. Due to their thick fur, they tend to stay wet for long periods. This will result in getting sick, and since rabbits are sensitive, they could potentially die.
Can you use baby powder on rabbits?
Yes, cornstarch baby powder can be used on your rabbit. It can be used to gently give them a dry bath and removed clumped feces attached to their fur along their rear. These works efficiently. After gently massaging the powder into their fur, you will start to see the dirt come off.