Are you supposed to bathe pet rats?
Are you supposed to bathe pet rats?
Rats are very clean animals and usually do not require a bath at all, and even if they do get dirty most times a sponge bath or quick wipe off is all that is needed.
What soap can I use to wash my rat?
If your rats are particularly "nasty" you might want to use some no-tears baby soap. So soak your ratties good, then rub a tiny bit of soap in your hands into a lather and then lather your ratties up.
Is dog shampoo safe for rats?
Yes, you can use a puppy shampoo or an oatmeal based dog shampoo to bathe your rats. It's still contraversial among rat-keepers as to whether or not cat/kitten shampoos are ok. Use them if you will.
Do rats like dust baths?
As others have said, dust baths would probably not be good for them. But they do love digging, so you can make them a digging box using sterile potting soil (and even plant some seeds or grasses for them to dig up and chew).