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- Could i give a bath in my hamster?
- Types of Hamster Baths:
- 1 - Dry bath
- 2 - Sand baths
- 3 - Bath with water
By nature, hamsters are very clean and hygienic animals. Like cats, they spend more than 20% of their day cleaning their skin. For them, it is part of their daily routine and the act of cleaning themselves is a sign that they feel good in every way.
The way hamsters clean themselves is so efficient that they don't need to be bathed. In fact, immersing them in water or "giving them a shower" is not very right and healthy for them.
However, if the animal is very dirty, there are special baths we can give it to remove the dirt. Do you have a hamster, whether long or short, and you think it needs a bath? So keep reading this PeritoAnimal article and learn how to bathe your hamster.
Could i give a bath in my hamster?
As I mentioned at the beginning, it is not very recommended to bathe your hamster regularly. This is because by submitting it to large amounts of water, you will be removing the natural oils that protect your skin and that also act as body temperature regulators.
In case it is very dirty or has residues stuck to your skin, you can give it a bath every 2 or 3 weeks. This will be a particular type of bath as it has several options. If your hamster is short haired you will have less problems with this as the fur change will not be as drastic, but if it is long fur you can try brushing its fur with a soft, natural bristle brush.
Types of Hamster Baths:
As hamsters are very delicate animals, there are three specific types of baths you can do. Discover the three options and decide which one is best for your pet:
1 - Dry bath
Go to a pet store and ask for a special dry shampoo for rodents. Do not use any product that comes in the supermarket, there is no substitute. Back home, take a small towel, the ones we use to dry your hands or a little bigger for example, and place your hamster carefully in it.
Spray the shampoo all over the body except for the head. Use a soft-bristled brush and give it a nice, gentle massage, which will help to expand the entire shampoo evenly. Do it both for and against the fur so that, little by little, remove all dirt residue and product.
There are also wet washcloths for rodents.
2 - Sand baths
This option is the simplest for you and the least stressful for your pet. It's the bubble bath version for hamsters. Place a large container of sand inside your pet's house (which you can buy at a pet store), it should be big enough for your pet to put inside and feel comfortable.
This is one of the reasons why you should provide a good home for your pet. Your hamster will love to roll in the sand and it will be a great way to remove any dirt on its skin. You can buy the container at any supermarket or use one you already have at home.
Don't forget that the sand must be specific for rodents (chinchilla sands can also work) and must be sterilized.
3 - Bath with water
This is the last option of all, which you will only turn to if your hamster is not interested in sand, is allergic to dry shampoo or is very nervous. To find out how to bathe your hamster, use the water bath:
Get a container that isn't too deep and pour in the warm water. Avoid getting your hamster's head wet and carry out the entire process as smoothly as possible, as this could be stressful for your pet.
You should buy a special shampoo or soap for hamsters or rodents. Don't leave it too long in the water, try to make the most of it. When the bath is over, immediately dry your hamster with a towel and make it comfortable and sheltered.
