How to Wash a Hamster?

Hamsters are naturally very clean and hygienic animals. Like cats, they spend more than 20% of their days grooming their skin. For them, this is part of their daily routine, and grooming indicates that they feel good at all levels.

The way in which hamsters clean themselves is so effective that there is really no need to bathe them. Moreover, immersing them in the water or "showering them" is neither appropriate nor healthy for them. Today, we will tell you.

Wash or not wash your hamster?

As mentioned above, it is not recommended to bathe your hamster regularly. By dipping it in large quantities of water, you would remove the natural oils that protect your skin and act as regulators of your body temperature. Nature is very wise!

If he is very dirty or has residues hanging on his skin, you can give him a bath every 2 or 3 weeks. It should be a particular type of bath, for which you have several options. If your hamster has short hair, the process will be simpler. In addition, molting will not be so dramatic. On the other hand, if you have a long-haired hamster, try brushing it with a soft bristled brush.

Three types of bath for hamster

1 - Dry bath

Go to a hamster supplies store and ask for a special dry shampoo for rodents. Do not use any product available in the supermarket, there is no substitute. Back home, grab a small towel, such as those used to dry your hands or a little larger, and gently place your hamster.

Spread the shampoo all over his body except the head, pay attention to his eyes, his nose, his ears and his mouth. Use a soft brush and give it a nice and gentle massage, to help spread all the shampoo evenly. Brush as well in the direction of the hair as against-hair, little by little, eliminate all traces of dirt and product.

2 - Sand baths

This option is the easiest for you and the least stressful for your pet. This is the version of the bubble bath for hamsters. Place in your pet's shelter a large container filled with sand (you can buy it at a pet store). It will have to be big enough so that your hamster can get in and feel comfortable, but not too much, to fit in his shelter.

This is one of the reasons why you need to provide a suitable environment for your pet. Your hamster will love to roll in the sand and it will be a great way to remove any dirt on your skin. You can buy the container in any supermarket.

Remember that the sand must be specifically designed for rodents (the chinchilla sand will work very well) and must be sterilized.

3 - Bath with water

Choose a shallow container and always use warm water. Avoid wetting the head of your hamster and do the process as gently as possible. Indeed, the bath could be stressful for your pet.

In soap or shampoo, buy a special for hamsters or rodents. Do not leave a lot of time in the water, try to be fast and efficient. Once the bath is over, immediately dry your hamster with a towel and keep it warm and comfortable.