Dry bathing a bunny

Question
Our bunny has a really messy butt (he's older with arthritis problems and has trouble grooming himself down there).  I read some information online about it, but wanted to check with you.  Can you use pure cornstarch or does it need to be cornstarch baby powder?  I was hesitant to use cornstarch baby powder, because it's scented and probably has various chemicals in it, while the pure cornstarch (the kind you bake with) seems more all-natural and wouldn't seem to be a problem if he ingested some of it (I don't know about inhalation, though).  Which do you think would be best?  Thanks!

Answer
Dear Bryan,

I use baby cornstarch, as per the article here:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/buttbath.html

but there's probably no reason you could not use regular cornstarch.  It might not be quite as sifty, since the baby cornstarch may have a tiny bit of silica added for extra lubrication and drying power.  It won't hurt if it's ingested--neither one will harm a bunny.  That's why it's considered safe.  :)

It's not great to inhale *any* type of small, particulate matter, even if it's cornstarch. So when you do the buttbath, do it in a well-ventilated area.  We've done this for years, and have had no apparent problems.

You might also ask your vet about analgesics to help with your bunny's arthritis, since this will help him keep himself clean.  You can find a good rabbit vet here:

www.rabbit.org/vets

Also please see:

www.bio.miami.edu/hare/poop.html

to be sure it's just arthritis, and not something more sinister (and treatable!).

Hope it works for you!

Dana