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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS DO I NEED TO BATHE MY PET RABBIT? An emphatic no. Rabbits are very clean animals, and are perfectly capable of keeping themselves tidy. Do not bathe your rabbit or spray your rabbit with so-called “rabbit shampoos” that you may find in a pet store. Placing a rabbit in water will also subject it to unnecessary stress; in fact, some rabbits may die from the shock. If your rabbit has feces stuck to its bottom, gently remove it with a damp towel, or if absolutely necessary, carefully dip its hind end in tepid water. Towel dry your rabbit thoroughly and check its diet. Rabbits who eat too little hay, too many pellets, or too much junk food (granola, yogurt chips, nuts, etc.) may develop soft feces which are sticky! WHAT DO I DO WITH MY RABBIT WHEN I LEAVE FOR VACATIONS? You can probably leave your rabbit at home if you will be away for a short (2-3 days) vacation. Make sure, of course, to leave plenty of fresh water, food and toys. Have a trusted neighbor or friend check in on your rabbit each day to provide some companionship, change your rabbit's water and litter, and make sure everything is in order. For a longer vacation (if you cannot find someone to rabbit-sit), you can consider placing your rabbit with an experienced rabbit veterinarian. Make sure that the veterinarian has housed rabbits before. Some vets are only experienced with dogs and cats and assume that rabbits can be kept in their cages for days on end! Be sure that the vet will change the water and litter on a regular basis; will allow your bunny plenty of play time; is sensitive to rabbit illnesses; and will provide immediate medical attention if necessary. You should also consider having your rabbit vaccinated first. Unless absolutely necessary, you should not bring your rabbit along with you on your trip. Rabbits are generally uncomfortable in cars and airplanes. The motion of these vehicles are foreign and frightening for your rabbit, and the loud noises of the engines and traffic can be particularly unsettling.