pickle-bun:

Before someone else shares a rabbit in a bath/pool video or tags me in one of those posts again just know rabbits should never be bathed by being submerged in water. Those videos of a rabbit relaxing in a sink, splashing in a tub or swimming in a pool all promote dangerous misinformation. Knowledgeable rabbit owners would consider this animal abuse. I’ll explain why.

Rabbits are meticulous groomers and clean themselves nearly all of the time. In proper, clean living conditions a rabbit should almost never be dirty thus never requiring a bath. The only reason a rabbit would need any help is if it’s sick, old or immobile and even then only requires a spot clean with a bowl of water and a cloth. To add to that rabbits aren’t like dogs and are ill equipped to regulate their body temperatures. A rabbit’s coat dries so incredibly slowly the risk of hypothermia is high. Since rabbits are prey animals they can go into shock when they are scared. Anyone knowledgeable with bunnies knows that shock can kill a rabbit. Furthermore a rabbit that breathes in water, gets water in its ears, etc will get a cold, get an infection, develop head tilt or harm itself - all of which can be debilitating, disabling or fatal to domesticated rabbits. Not to mention drowning is always a risk when bathing rabbits.

The videos seem cute at first, I definitely get that, but shouldn’t be shared without a disclaimer of animal misinformation if not animal harm/neglect/abuse.

Thanks!