How to groom mice

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How to groom mice

Mice are incredibly clean animals, and they usually do a great job of keeping themselves well-groomed. However, there are times when owners may need to step in to assist with their grooming, especially for mice who are elderly or physically compromised. Read on for some tips on how to wash your mouse and trim their nails.

RSPCA Australia
Monday, 9 December 2024

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Mice are incredibly clean animals, and they usually do a great job of keeping themselves well-groomed. However, there are times when owners may need to step in to assist with their grooming, especially for mice who are elderly or physically compromised. Read on for some tips on how to wash your mouse and trim their nails.

Washing Your Mouse

Bathing mice isn’t usually necessary unless there are specific reasons, such as mice being unable to clean themselves due to old age or arthritis, or if they’ve gotten into something that they cannot groom off themselves (or would be dangerous for them to groom off).

If you find that your mouse does need a wash, keep in mind that they rely heavily on their sense of smell, and new or unfamiliar scents—like those from shampoos—can be alarming to them. Placing your mouse back into their enclosure after a wash could be stressful to them and your other mice, leading them to isolate the ‘clean’ mouse, or become aggressive towards them.

If you do have to wash your mouse, try to avoid using shampoos unless absolutely necessary. A gentle sponge bath with warm water is often enough. If a shampoo is required, you could use unscented or baby shampoos. Ensure that all traces of shampoo are thoroughly rinsed out and that your mouse is completely dry before returning them to their enclosure.

The basics of trimming

Mice have nails that can sometimes grow too long. Long nails can be uncomfortable for their human companions and can also pose a risk to the mouse itself. Elderly or less mobile mice often develop thick, curled nails, which can easily get caught on fabric, bedding, or other items in their enclosure. If left untrimmed, the nails can become snagged and even torn off, which is painful and can lead to bleeding.

If you notice that your mouse's nails are getting too long or snagging frequently, it may be time to trim them. However, trimming your mouse’s nails can be a delicate process. Mice generally dislike having their nails trimmed, and the experience can be stressful for them. If you don’t feel confident doing it yourself, a veterinarian can assist with trimming.

If you do decide to trim your mouse’s nails at home, there are a few tools you can use, such as baby nail clippers, small pet nail clippers, or a soft emery board. When trimming, only cut the transparent tip of the nail, leaving a tiny amount left in front of the quick. If you try to get too close to the quick, you risk cutting it, which will cause it to bleed.

You may need to take breaks and clip only one or two nails at a time.

With both trimming nails and bathing - pay attention to the comfort level of your mouse and any protests. Use a calm voice during and reward them with treats throughout the process. Stop if they become stressed. If you are having trouble, ask your veterinarian for advice.

It’s important to note that you should never trim the whiskers of your mice. Their whiskers are highly sensitive and vital to help your mice know where they are, where objects are and to help them to maintain their balance and get around objects safely.

Understanding your mouse’s grooming needs will help you keep your mouse happy and healthy. With the right care and attention, your mouse can enjoy a comfortable and happy life.

For more information visit the RSPCA Knowledgebase.

This piece was originally published in Australian Community Media newspapers.

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