How to Treat Dry Skin on a Rabbit

When rabbits have dry skin, there is usually a medical reason---fur mites or mange, ringworm or Cheyletiella. See your veterinarian at the first sign of discomfort and follow these steps to treat your rabbit.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Medication prescribed by your veterinarian Rabbit shampoo or waterless bath for rabbit

Treating a Rabbit for Dry Skin

1. See your vet for any skin irritation on a rabbit. After doing a skin scraping to confirm that the dryness is caused by a parasite, the vet might prescribe medication to clear up the problem.

2. Use the medication on your rabbit's skin as directed. Follow up promptly with the vet if you see no improvement.

3. If your rabbit's dry skin is not caused by a parasite, your vet might recommend a bath. He will either give you a nonmedicated, hypoallergenic shampoo from his office or recommend one from the pet store. A rabbit shampoo or a waterless bath shampoo will keep the rabbit dry while treating her skin.

4. Follow label directions when you shampoo your rabbit, making sure to towel dry thoroughly so no trace of shampoo remains on the skin. With a waterless bath, a shampoo that removes flakes while moisturizing skin, apply the shampoo and let it dry according to directions.

5. You can also brush your rabbit with a rabbit brush. This will not only increase circulation, but will make her coat feel better.

6. Follow up with your veterinarian to ensure the skin problem has been eliminated completely.

Tips & Warnings

• Encrusted skin that is swollen, red or odorous indicates something more serious than dry skin. Discuss recommended medication with your vet or read more about it before administering it. Some rabbits have had allergic reactions to Ivermectin.
• Rabbit skin is more delicate than ours. Never use commercial flea powder or baby powder on a rabbit. Also avoid any type of oil because it can be lethal if ingested.