Though rabbits generally shouldn’t be bathed as it can be traumatic for them, sometimes an occasion arises where you need to clean your furry friend up. When that happens, you want the best shampoo for rabbits available, one that will be gentle while still getting them squeaky clean and smelling great. There aren’t a ton of shampoos out there made specifically for rabbits, but there are a few (and a few made for other pets that will work well on your rabbit too).
It can be difficult deciding which shampoo will work best for you and your pet but taking a look at quick reviews like ours below can help you narrow down your choice. We’ve reviewed the 10 best rabbit shampoos below, so you can spend less time browsing shampoos and more time cuddling your favorite rabbit.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Kaytee Squeaky Clean Critter Small Animal Shampoo
pH balanced
Easy to rinse
Tearless
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Best Value
Kaytee Quick & Clean Small Animal Instant Shampoo
Waterless
Non-irritating
Deodorizing
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Premium Choice
Marshall Foaming Waterless Shampoo for Small Pets
Waterless
No residue left on coat
Conditions and detangles
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Espree Hypoallergenic Tear-Free Aloe Vera Shampoo
Hypoallergenic
Natural ingredients
Aloe vera to soothe skin
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Bodhi Dog Waterless Lavender Dog, Cat & Small Animal Dry Shampoo
Hypoallergenic
Plant-based
Won’t dry out skin and coat
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The 10 Best Rabbit Shampoos
As the best overall rabbit shampoo, Kaytee Squeaky Clean provides cleansing that is gentle enough not to irritate your rabbit’s skin yet strong enough to get them as squeaky clean as the name suggests. This shampoo gets rid of dirt and conditions your pet, making their coat smooth and soft. It also deodorizes, so your rabbit will smell nice and fresh after bathing. Most pet parents loved how great their pets smelled after this! Plus, this formula is pH balanced so that it won’t be harsh on the skin.
Size: 8 oz
Grooming Feature: Tearless
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Pros
pH balanced
Easy to rinse
Tearless
Cons
A few felt the baby powder scent was too strong
Extremely rare reports of animals having adverse reactions to shampoo
When you want the best rabbit shampoo for the money, you absolutely want to check out this Kaytee product. Besides the affordability, this shampoo offers a waterless way to keep your rabbit clean. This deodorizing shampoo is sprayed onto your pet, then massaged in, and finally brushed out when dry. Some rabbit owners found it also worked well when sprayed directly onto a brush instead of their rabbit. It knocks out dirt and makes your rabbit smell powder fresh, all without going through an actual bath’s time-consuming and possibly traumatic process. Plus, this shampoo is gentle enough that it won’t cause any irritation to your pet’s eyes or other sensitive areas.
pH balanced
Easy to rinse
Tearless
- pH balanced
- Easy to rinse
- Tearless
A few felt the baby powder scent was too strong
Extremely rare reports of animals having adverse reactions to shampoo
- A few felt the baby powder scent was too strong
- Extremely rare reports of animals having adverse reactions to shampoo
Size: 8 oz
Grooming Feature: Waterless
Pros
Waterless
Non-irritating
Deodorizing
Cons
A few pet owners felt this shampoo didn’t clean as well as it should
Several reports of product arriving damaged
If it’s a premium rabbit shampoo you’re after, we recommend this waterless shampoo by Marshall. With this shampoo, you can keep your rabbit out of the water they dread while still getting them incredibly clean and smelling great. Plus, unlike over-bathing, this shampoo won’t dry out your rabbit’s skin and coat. Not only does this shampoo get out dirt and grime, but it also conditions your pet’s fur, gets rid of tangles, and leaves your rabbit soft and smooth without any icky residue left behind.
Waterless
Non-irritating
Deodorizing
- Waterless
- Non-irritating
- Deodorizing
A few pet owners felt this shampoo didn’t clean as well as it should
Several reports of product arriving damaged
- A few pet owners felt this shampoo didn’t clean as well as it should
- Several reports of product arriving damaged
Size: 5 oz
Grooming Feature: Waterless
The Marshall Foaming Shampoo is easy to use as well—simply massage onto a dry or damp rabbit, dry them off with a towel, then brush them out!
Pros
Waterless
No residue left on coat
Conditions and detangles
Cons
Some didn’t enjoy the pina colada scent
If you use too much at once, fur could clump
Made with organically grown aloe vera, this hypoallergenic shampoo promises to be gentle for even the most sensitive and allergy-prone of pets. It’s gentle enough not to cause irritation to your rabbit’s sensitive areas but tough enough to clean and condition them. Though the shampoo only says, “For dogs and cats”, several rabbit owners used this successfully on their pets.
Waterless
No residue left on coat
Conditions and detangles
- Waterless
- No residue left on coat
- Conditions and detangles
Some didn’t enjoy the pina colada scent
If you use too much at once, fur could clump
- Some didn’t enjoy the pina colada scent
- If you use too much at once, fur could clump
Size: 20 oz
Grooming Feature: Tearless, hypoallergenic
Espree also contains natural, globally-sourced ingredients such as coconut-based cleansers and jojoba and is made in the U.S. If your rabbit is being treated for fleas with a topical medication, follow the directions on that in regard to bathing with this shampoo.
Pros
Hypoallergenic
Natural ingredients
Aloe vera to soothe skin
Cons
Scent doesn’t last for long
Rare reports of pets getting itchy after use
- See Also: How to Get Rid of Fleas on Rabbits
5. Bodhi Dog Waterless Lavender Dog, Cat & Small Animal Dry Shampoo
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Size: 8 oz
Grooming Feature: Dry
Avoid getting your rabbit wet while still getting them clean with this dry shampoo! Bodhi has a pleasant lavender scent to help ease the stress of eliminating dirt and grime and is made from all-natural, plant-based ingredients. This non-toxic formula is non-irritating and free of any alcohol to prevent your fur baby’s coat and skin from drying out. It’s also specially formulated for pets with super-sensitive skin and allergies.
Hypoallergenic
Natural ingredients
Aloe vera to soothe skin
- Hypoallergenic
- Natural ingredients
- Aloe vera to soothe skin
Scent doesn’t last for long
Rare reports of pets getting itchy after use
- Scent doesn’t last for long
- Rare reports of pets getting itchy after use
To use, just spray onto the places on your rabbit that are dirty, let sit for one minute, then rub dry with a towel.
Pros
Hypoallergenic
Plant-based
Won’t dry out skin and coat
Cons
A few people had issues getting enough shampoo to come out of the bottle
Complaints of scent not lasting long enough
6. Mad About Organics Oatmeal Shampoo
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Size: 4 oz
Grooming Feature: Oatmeal
Mad About Organics Oatmeal Shampoo is formulated for small animals aged 4 weeks and older and is perfect for sensitive skin that’s gotten itchy and flaky. Containing oatmeal and a blend of organic, all-natural ingredients that have been pH balanced for your pet’s skin, this shampoo will not only leave your rabbit clean with a soft, smooth coat but smelling nice as well. Several pet owners commented on how pleasant the smell was and said it wasn’t overpowering.
Hypoallergenic
Plant-based
Won’t dry out skin and coat
- Hypoallergenic
- Plant-based
- Won’t dry out skin and coat
A few people had issues getting enough shampoo to come out of the bottle
Complaints of scent not lasting long enough
- A few people had issues getting enough shampoo to come out of the bottle
- Complaints of scent not lasting long enough
This shampoo is free of chemicals, synthetics, added colors, animal by-products, and petroleum. Mad About Organics is also hypoallergenic and safe to use on pets who are pregnant.
Pros
All-natural
Hypoallergenic
Safe for babies and pregnant animals
Cons
Doesn’t lather well
Bottle is very small
7. Citrus Magic Pet Foaming Pet Cleanser
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Size: 8 oz
Grooming Feature: Fragrance-free, waterless
Don’t let the “citrus” in the name fool you; this shampoo is fragrance-free, so you don’t have to worry about any overbearing scents. This product is made from vegetable enzymes and vegetable-derived surfactants that work to deodorize and clean in just seconds and contains no harsh chemicals. The shampoo’s foaming action also aids in cleaning and deodorizing your rabbit’s coat. Because Citrus Magic requires no water or rinsing, it’s simple to use—just spread some of the foam where your rabbit is dirtiest, let it sit for a minute or two, then wipe them dry!
All-natural
Hypoallergenic
Safe for babies and pregnant animals
- All-natural
- Hypoallergenic
- Safe for babies and pregnant animals
Doesn’t lather well
Bottle is very small
- Doesn’t lather well
- Bottle is very small
Pros
All-natural
Fragrance-free
Removes stains
Cons
Occasional report of rabbit’s fur getting matted after use
May leave fur stiff
A few complaints of pets smelling “gross” after being bathed
8. J·R·LIGGETT’S Small Animal Liquid Shampoo
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Size: 45 oz
Grooming Feature: Sensitive skin, hypoallergenic
This gentle cleanser is all-natural and made with virgin almond and coconut oils that relieve itchy skin, moisturize, and leave your rabbit’s coat silky and smooth. It also contains lavender, cedarwood, lemongrass, and rosemary oils to moisturize further and provide an extremely pleasant scent. A non-detergent shampoo, this product was specifically designed for small animals making it safe for your rabbit.
All-natural
Fragrance-free
Removes stains
- All-natural
- Fragrance-free
- Removes stains
Occasional report of rabbit’s fur getting matted after use
May leave fur stiff
A few complaints of pets smelling “gross” after being bathed
- Occasional report of rabbit’s fur getting matted after use
- May leave fur stiff
- A few complaints of pets smelling “gross” after being bathed
Made in the United States, J·R·LIGGETT’S contains no tea tree oil, sulfates, or GMOs. It also comes in bar form. As with all pet products containing essential oils, caution is advised when using.
Pros
Made for sensitive skin
Formulated for small animals
Smells great
Cons
Rare report of product leaving flakes
Occasional report of cap not closing correctly
Bar version seems to be quite small
9. Arm & Hammer Tearless Shampoo for Small Animals
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Size: 8 oz
Grooming Feature: Tearless
This tearless shampoo formulated especially for small animals comes from the trusted name of Arm & Hammer. pH balanced for rabbits and other small pets, this shampoo incorporates the well-known Arm & Hammer odor neutralization to get rid of any bad smells lingering on your pet, so they smell incredibly clean and fresh after their bath. Meanwhile, the gentle formula not only cleans away dirt and stains but also nourishes and moisturizes your rabbit’s coat and skin.
Made for sensitive skin
Formulated for small animals
Smells great
- Made for sensitive skin
- Formulated for small animals
- Smells great
Rare report of product leaving flakes
Occasional report of cap not closing correctly
Bar version seems to be quite small
- Rare report of product leaving flakes
- Occasional report of cap not closing correctly
- Bar version seems to be quite small
The easy-to-use Arm & Hammer shampoo won’t irritate your rabbit’s sensitive areas and can be safely used every few weeks.
Pros
pH balanced for small animals
Neutralizes odors
Non-irritating
Cons
Complaints that product didn’t lather well
Few people felt it could have controlled odor better
10. Johnson’s Veterinary Products Small Animal Cleansing Shampoo
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Size: 23 oz
Grooming Feature: Tearless
Johnson’s Small Animal Shampoo is formulated for small pets over the age of 12 weeks. pH balanced for those pets on the tinier side, this gentle shampoo cleans and deodorizes your rabbit without irritating its sensitive areas. Pet parents exclaimed over how well their pets smelled after using this shampoo, so no worries about any overwhelming chemical scents being used to cover up lingering odors on your pet. All you’ll smell is freshness and cleanliness. With Johnson’s Small Animal Shampoo, bath time should be a breeze!
pH balanced for small animals
Neutralizes odors
Non-irritating
- pH balanced for small animals
- Neutralizes odors
- Non-irritating
Complaints that product didn’t lather well
Few people felt it could have controlled odor better
- Complaints that product didn’t lather well
- Few people felt it could have controlled odor better
Pros
Non-irritating
Leaves pets smelling great
Cons
A few pet owners felt it could’ve cleaned better
Not suitable for those under 12 weeks of age
- See Also: Is Dawn Dish Soap Safe for Rabbits? Is It Effective for Cleaning?
Buyer’s Guide: selecting The Best Rabbit Shampoo
When you want to find the best shampoo for your rabbit, you’ll need to look at a few specific things to ensure you’re getting a product that’s safe for your furry friend.
Non-irritating
Leaves pets smelling great
- Non-irritating
- Leaves pets smelling great
A few pet owners felt it could’ve cleaned better
Not suitable for those under 12 weeks of age
- A few pet owners felt it could’ve cleaned better
- Not suitable for those under 12 weeks of age
Ingredients
What ingredients are used in a rabbit shampoo are, by far, the most important thing to look at. Because rabbits really shouldn’t be bathed regularly due to their sensitive skin and dislike of water, you need a shampoo made from extremely gentle ingredients. Look for shampoos that are free of harsh chemicals and alcohols that dry out skin, as well as additives. All-natural shampoos will usually be your best bet. Also, check to see if the shampoo offers any moisturizing or skin-conditioning ingredients to further prevent irritation to your rabbit.
Regular Or Dry
While full baths can be damaging or traumatic for your rabbit, occasions do arise where they need to be cleaned up some. Typically, this will be on their bottom halves, such as when they get dirty feet or a poopy butt. When you need to bathe parts of your rabbit, you’ll need to decide if you want to go with a regular shampoo that will involve the use of water or a dry shampoo that will avoid water altogether. Since rabbits aren’t fond of water, many rabbit owners go with dry shampoos, but these won’t always necessarily get the job done (though many do!). Weigh whether the use of a regular shampoo that will need to be rinsed will be better than a dry shampoo that might not get your rabbit quite as clean.
Specially Formulated
Shampoos that have been specially formulated for rabbits or small animals in general or those designed for animals with sensitive skin will be better for your pet. Shampoos made with your rabbit’s needs in mind will keep their skin irritation-free and their coats moisturized and healthy. Avoid dog, cat, and human shampoos for the most part, as they contain chemicals that will be overly harsh for your pet (all-natural, organic, hypoallergenic, or those made for sensitive skin should be okay, though).
Price
As with all products, shampoos for rabbits will come in a range of prices. Thankfully, they are mostly on the more affordable side, but you’ll find a few pricier ones. Be sure to price-check different websites to find a shampoo that not only fits your needs but also fits your budget.
Reviews
It’s always essential to read reviews from other pet owners to get the full idea of how a product works, but that’s even more true when it comes to shampoos for rabbits. Just because a product claims it’s safe for use on small animals doesn’t necessarily mean it will be. Checking reviews from other owners of rabbits will help you decide whether a product is right for your pet.
Tips For Bathing Your Rabbit
If you’re new to being a rabbit owner, you might want a few tips on how to bathe your rabbit safely.
Try to spot-clean with a dry shampoo or damp cloth first.
If you must do a regular bath, don’t simply stick your rabbit into the tub or sink. Wet a towel and put it on the bottom first, so your rabbit will have traction. This will help them not to panic.
Only use about one inch of water for a regular bath and make sure it’s warm instead of cold or hot.
Don’t wash your rabbit’s face or head area unless you absolutely must.
Go for a shampoo made for rabbits or small animals first; if you can’t find a suitable one, go with one made for pets with sensitive skin.
- Related Read: How To Bathe Your Rabbit – 4 Easy Ways (With Pictures)
Conclusion
When you want the best overall shampoo for your pet rabbit, it’s Kaytee Squeaky Clean Critter Small Animal Shampoo you’ll want, as it is pH balanced for small pets and conditions as well as cleans. For the best shampoo for rabbits for the money, consider Kaytee Quick & Clean Small Animal Instant Shampoo because of its fabulous price and the lack of water needed. Finally, when you want a premium shampoo for your rabbit, take a look at Marshall’s Foam Waterless Shampoo For Small Pets since it cleans, conditions, and detangles without requiring a rinse.
Try to spot-clean with a dry shampoo or damp cloth first.
If you must do a regular bath, don’t simply stick your rabbit into the tub or sink. Wet a towel and put it on the bottom first, so your rabbit will have traction. This will help them not to panic.
Only use about one inch of water for a regular bath and make sure it’s warm instead of cold or hot.
Don’t wash your rabbit’s face or head area unless you absolutely must.
Go for a shampoo made for rabbits or small animals first; if you can’t find a suitable one, go with one made for pets with sensitive skin.
- Try to spot-clean with a dry shampoo or damp cloth first.
- If you must do a regular bath, don’t simply stick your rabbit into the tub or sink. Wet a towel and put it on the bottom first, so your rabbit will have traction. This will help them not to panic.
- Only use about one inch of water for a regular bath and make sure it’s warm instead of cold or hot.
- Don’t wash your rabbit’s face or head area unless you absolutely must.
- Go for a shampoo made for rabbits or small animals first; if you can’t find a suitable one, go with one made for pets with sensitive skin.
Featured Image Credit: Ligfo, Shutterstock
