How to Wash a Pet Mouse

How to Wash a Pet Mouse. A mouse is an inexpensive pet that takes up little space and is simple to care for. As with most rodents, a mouse is self cleaning and therefore requires very little grooming from its owner. If the pet mouse's environment is kept tidy and the mouse is healthy, it should never need a bath. At times, however, a mouse owner may wish to reduce the naturally strong smell of the rodent or help clean a mouse after an illness or delivery.

Things Needed

• Wipe
• Scoop
• Rags or scrub brush
• Mild disinfectant
• Clean bedding

Step 1

Wipe the mouse carefully with a warm damp wipe or washcloth. Do not immerse the pet mouse or otherwise drench it. Use caution to avoid getting water in the mouse's nose, eyes or ears. Stroke the mouse very gently with the wipe or washcloth because its skin is sensitive. Place the mouse in a warm, clean cage away from drafts.

Step 2

Tidy the mouse cage daily by removing urine, feces, spilled food and wet bedding, which will help the pet mouse remain dry and clean, reducing the need for washing from the owner.

Step 3

Clean and disinfect the mouse cage thoroughly at least once every week, replacing the bedding. This clean environment allows the pet mouse's self bathing to remain effective, keeping any smelly material away from the mouse's fur.

Step 4

Consult a veterinarian if the mouse's coat looks untidy, since this could indicate an illness in an otherwise well-groomed animal, according to Simple Pet Care.

Warnings

• A male mouse has a stronger smell than a female mouse. A male may require its cage cleaned more often than a female.
• Rather than washing a mouse when you think it smells, first try cleaning and disinfecting the cage more often. An animal kept in a clean cage can clean itself well, although it cannot remove its natural odor.

References

• ASPCA: Mouse Care
• Pet Education: Cleaning Small Pet Cages
• AFRMA: Care of Pet Rats and Mice
• Simple Pet Care: Mice and Rat Pet Care