Splashy splashy (Source: http://ift.tt/1TO6YS0)
Unfortunately this is not merely an @awwww-cute moment; this can cause numerous health concerns for rabbits. Rabbits do not need to be bathed, and it is strongly recommended to avoid soaking them.
Rabbits naturally do not sweat or bathe, and are meticulous groomers. Rabbit fur consists of a slick top coat and dense undercoat that
constantly sheds, making the fur self-cleaning.
By bathing a rabbit, both the undercoat and the skin are inevitably soaked.
Due to how dense a rabbit’s undercoat is, even when towelled off, it will trap water against
the skin. This makes the already sensitive rabbit skin even weaker and more prone to
abrasion and dander issues. The now damp rabbit may also become
hypothermic after the bath, just as walking around in damp clothes all
day will make a person cold. Therefore, bathing a rabbit, even with great care,
should be avoided whenever possible.
Furthermore, the process of bathing and drying off the rabbit can cause stress, which can cause the digestive tract to shut down (called GI Stasis). Rabbit digestive systems (and rabbits themselves) are quite fragile, and unless GI Stasis is treated in the
first few days, it is usually fatal. Sadly, it can take a day
or two to be certain that a rabbit is in GI stasis, so rabbits are typically beyond help by the time the problem is addressed. Domestic rabbits die from GI
Stasis more than any other cause.
If a rabbit truly needs to be cleaned by a person, wiping only the dirty parts with a damp towel should be sufficient. Please do not do as this video does!
source: I work with exotics at a vet clinic, but the house rabbit society is a great place to learn more about taking care of rabbits if you’re interested.
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