How to Give a Pet Opossum a Dust Bath

Bathing a pet opossum can be tricky. Opossums aren't used to baths in water, and prefer to keep themselves clean in dust, much like chinchillas. Preparing a dust bath will allow your opossum to freshen its fur on its own. If it still looks oily, you can try giving it a traditional bath to get its natural cleanliness back on track.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Bathing Your Pet Opossum

1. Know that pet opossums do not smell bad naturally. You will need to seek a vet's guidance if your opossum has an odor problem.
2. Remember that opossums will take dust baths to protect their skin and hair. Providing a dust bath container will allow your opossum to groom itself naturally.
3. Give your opossum a bath when the fur seems more oily than usual.

Give Your Pet Opossum a Dust Bath

4. Provide dust for your opossum to groom itself regularly. Opossums can keep clean between baths without much help from you.
5. Pour a few inches of special bath dust, which you can order from a pet supply shop, in a shallow container.
6. Place the dust dish or container in your opossum's cage. Your pet will choose when to take a dust bath and keep its fur and skin oil free.

Give Your Pet Opossum a Bath in Water

7. Fill a sink or bathtub with a few inches of warm water.
8. Put on a pair of gloves to keep you safe while you give your opossum a bath.
9. Place your opossum in the water slowly.
10. Splash a little water gently on your opossum.
11. Lather your hands with shampoo and apply it to your opossum.
12. Rinse your opossum with fresh water.

Tips & Warnings

• After a bath, your opossum will want to roll in its litter. Be sure to clean the cage before giving your pet a bath.