Rat with a Nose Bleed

[RAWR]

I have a 7 or 8 month old lab rat named Lucky. Today I gave him his first bath, used Dawn and a Whitening Shampoo on him. Bathed him in the sink, in warm water. anyway, when i was drying him off, i noticed some blood on the wash cloth. So i look him over, and his nose was pinker then usual. so i dabbed his nose with my finger, and there was speck of blood on my finger. Do rats get nose bleeds? Is that okay?

 

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

I doubt it was an actual nose bleed it was probably their stress release. I believe its called porphyrin.

 

[RAWR]

okay

that makes me feel better

 

[thebritt]

MomtoSyd&Emma :

I doubt it was an actual nose bleed it was probably their stress release. I believe its called porphyrin.

I didn't realize there was a name for that - we've seen that almost every time we've washed a rat, but the rat always seems OK.​

 

[bock]

You wash rats.

 

[sourland]

Why would you wash a rat? My daughter's rat Henrietta live to be over three years old and never had a bath. Her cage was cleaned regularly, and she had absolutely no odor. Why would you bathe a rat? It is highly stressful to them.

 

[OccamsTazer]

I agree with others, why bathe a rat?
It stresses them out, and there is always the possibility that they'll ingest soap later when grooming themselves.

 

[ladycrotalus]

I have washed bucks when their buck grease gets thick. Males also like to pee where they sleep.
I have also bathed rats if i want to introduce them. It removes their smell and there is no fighting.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Bathing rats doesn't stress them anymore than bathing a dog. Some even like playing in the water!

 

[MomtoSyd&Emma]

Quote:
But if one isnt used to or ever had a bath, it can stress them out. I had 2 rats that LOVED water, 2 that would scream if you put a bowl of water and peas in their cage. I guess it depends on the individual.

Heck we had a basset hound that would try to kill you if you bathed her, and we have a Chihuahua that will get in the bathtub with you! lol