How To Bathe A Hamster?

Unlike other animals, hamsters are naturally clean ones. You may have seen hamsters swimming. But they don’t do so unless it is an extreme situation. That’s because hamsters have a layer of natural oils on their fur to protect themselves from rain and cold, just like a waterproof jacket.

Is your hamster looking dirty? If yes, you might want to give your little pet furball a good bath. But do you know how to bathe a hamster?

Bathing hamsters in water is the easiest way to clean them. But don’t even imagine doing so unless it’s essential. Water will remove some essential oils from their fur and cause the hamsters to get easily sick or dirty in the future. So you should choose options like a sand bath or dust bath.

All these processes have different steps to follow. So let’s get to know how to bathe a hamster in detail.

Table of Contents

When To Bathe A Hamster?

The first thing you need to do is determining if a bath is necessary for your pet. You can decide to bathe your hamster in any of these situations.

If your hamster has tripped into something dirty or dangerous
If something irritates the hamster’s skin
If there’s something on your hamster’s fur, swallowing which can upset its stomach

Ways To Bathe a Hamster

There are various ways to bathe a hamster. However, as we recommend you not wash your hamster with water, you can go with the other methods.

Going for a sand bath or dust bath are both excellent options. You can choose any one of them based on your amenities and preference. Only choose a wet bath for your hamster when it’s indispensable.

Sand Bath

The most popular option available for you to bathe their hamster is a sand bath. It’s exactly what it says on the label. A sand bath is enough for your hamster if it is not dirty to the level of life-threatening.

Grab A Container

Choose a container or tray that has enough space for your hamster to move around. In that container, your hamster should be able to tumble around freely without facing too much obstruction.

Collect Sand

Collect a suitable amount of the normal grainy sand that’s available everywhere. If you want a better or upgraded bathing experience for your pet, you can buy chinchilla sand from your local pet shop. You can also go for children’s play sand available in your local hardware shop.

All three types of sand are suitable for your little hamster. To sterilize the sand, you can use your oven.

Fill The Container With Sand

After collecting the suitable sand, fill your container with enough amounts of it so that your hamster can roll around.

Leave The Container Inside The Cage

Then place the sand-filled container on the cage. Make sure to put your hamster on top of the sand, too, if you see that it’s not getting in on its own. Then, as your hamster tumbles around in the sand, all the dirt and unnecessary grease will fall off from its fur.

Dwarf hamsters prefer to roll around. On the other hand, Syrians and Chinese hamsters prefer to dig and slide their body on the sand.

Dust-Off The Sand

After the bathing is complete, dust off the sand using a comb. If your tiny pet friend is trained well enough, it can do that itself too.

Change The Sand

You can keep the container in the cage for a week. But for sanitary reasons, you should change the sand in the container every week. The sand can be used again after removing the waste using a sieve. It will save both your time and money.

Dust Bath

A dust bath is just the same as a sand bath. The only difference is that we use dust in this method instead of sand. It is more helpful for dwarf hamsters.

Collect A Tray Or Bowl

Collect a big enough bowl or tray in which your hamster can tumble around easily.

Buy Small Animal Dust

Buy small animal dust available in your local pet shops.

Fill The Bowl With Dust

After collecting the container and dust, fill up the container with a suitable amount. However, do remember that you don’t need dust as much sand you required for a sand bath.

Put It On The Cage

Then put the bowl on the cage. Your hamster will tumble around on the dust. And the dirt and additional oil will come off its fur in a while.

Take The Bowl Out

You can keep the bowl in the cage for 12 hours at best. After that, you should take it out. Because overuse of dust can cause some respiratory problems to your hamster. Like sand, you cannot use the dust twice. It needs to be discarded and changed.

Wet Bath

If you think your hamster is in a life-threatening situation, then the last option available to you is a wet bath.

Though it is harmful to hamsters, in some cases, it is the only way to go. For example, if something toxic is on its fur, which can take its life if consumed, or it stings so badly that your hamster can’t tolerate it anymore, you can choose this way.

Take A Toothbrush

Select a soft used or brand-new toothbrush for bathing your hamster.

Make It Wet

Wet the toothbrush with water. You can use a little shampoo in the water, too, to remove the odor. Don’t overdo it, though.

Brush Out The Dirt

Take your hamster in your palm. Then, using the toothbrush, brush out all the dirt from the hamster’s body. Do it gently.

Dry The Hamster

After that, dry off your hamster using a soft towel by wiping off the water. Or You can let your hamster do that itself. Just place your furry little friend in a well-ventilated place to dry naturally.

Final Words

Hamsters are fast learners and require low maintenance. If the hamster is trained well enough, then let it clean itself using a sand bath. Hamsters can also play around the sand. So it’s also a great way to make your pet active and keep it entertained.

However, giving your hamster a water bath is not always recommended. We hope you could find out various ways of how to bathe a hamster after going through our take on the matter. Have fun with your little pet friend!

Author
Recent Posts

John Thompson

John Thompson is a passionate writer and devoted hamster enthusiast who has dedicated her life to the well-being and happiness of these adorable little creatures. With years of experience as a hamster owner,John possesses a deep understanding of their unique needs and behaviors, which she shares with the world through her captivating writing.

Known for her engaging storytelling and insightful articles,John's hamster blog has become a go-to resource for hamster lovers everywhere. Her ability to blend knowledge, creativity, and a touch of humor has earned her a loyal following of readers who eagerly anticipate her next post.

John's love for hamsters began in her childhood when she received her first pet hamster, Whiskers. Ever since that fateful day, her fascination with these tiny furballs has grown into a full-fledged obsession. She spends countless hours researching, experimenting, and observing hamster behavior to ensure that her writing is always backed by solid knowledge and firsthand experiences.

Through her blog,John strives to educate fellow hamster owners on the importance of providing proper care and a nurturing environment for these small creatures. She covers a wide range of topics, from choosing the right hamster species and setting up the perfect habitat to nutrition, health, and behavior training. Her tips and tricks are practical and easy to follow, ensuring that every hamster owner can give their pet the love and care it deserves.

John's writing not only caters to hamster enthusiasts but also serves as a valuable resource for those considering bringing a hamster into their lives. Her articles provide an in-depth understanding of the responsibilities and Joys of hamster ownership, helping prospective owners make informed decisions.

WhenJohn isn't busy writing or tending to her furry companions, she can often be found volunteering at local animal shelters and hamster rescue organizations. She firmly believes in the power of community and hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of as many hamsters as possible.

John's dedication to the well-being of hamsters and her ability to communicate her knowledge with passion and clarity have made her a respected authority in the hamster community. Her blog continues to inspire and educate, creating a stronger bond between humans and their adorable hamster friends.

FollowJohn on her hamster blog to embark on an exciting Journey into the world of hamsters, where love, care, and happiness come together to create unforgettable experiences.