Although hamsters are excellent first pets, they still need a lot of commitment and care to ensure that they lead the happiest and healthiest lives possible.
In terms of hamster grooming and, more especially, hamster habitat cleaning and upkeep, new hamster parents may not be very knowledgeable. Here are some things every hamster owner should know about how to bathe hamsters and how to keep their friend clean and secure environment to live in.
Do Hamsters Need to Be Bathed?
Do hamsters still require a bath even though their grooming requirements are different from those of their larger animal friends?
Animals like hamsters are naturally clean animals that are odorless and clean. Additionally, they frequently devote up to 20% of their time to grooming. Therefore, unless required, there is no reason to bathe them.
Read More: When Can You Give Your Hamster A Bathe
How To Bathe A Hamster?
Understanding how to bathe a hamster properly is a crucial aspect of hamster care. About once per month, or more frequently if they grow soiled, hamsters should be bathed.
- To avoid hypothermia or sunburn, keep the water temperature just below body temperature. Before entering, feel it with your inner wrist or elbow to ensure that it is lukewarm and comfortable, not too hot or cold.
- Put their hamster in a room with no drafts and maintain a temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit to keep it warm.
- Start by adding warm water to a small bowl or sink before washing the hamster. Put a little pet shampoo, preferably unscented pet shampoo or soap, in the water before adding the hamster. With your hands, gently scrub the hamster’s body and fur with the mild pet shampoo, making careful to remove all the grime and debris. Avoid getting water in the hamster’s nose or ears.
- After cleaning, give the hamster a warm water rinse. He should then be wrapped in a towel and carefully dried.
- It’s essential to look after your hamster, especially if it’s cold or rainy outside. Unless it’s freezing and mild outside, avoid leaving them in their enclosure overnight.
- After that, re-cage the hamster and give him some new food and water. You’ve just mastered the art of washing a hamster; congrats.
Alternative To Bathing A Hamster
Animals that enjoy playing in the water include the adorable and cuddly hamster. Here are some alternative cleaning methods because bathing your hamster can be harmful to them.
Frequent Brushing
You must routinely brush or comb your hamster’s fur because they enjoy taking care of themselves. A hamster brush and combs are available. If they have longer hair than the average human, brushes will require more care to avoid tangles; if at all feasible, use one every other day rather than every day, as these types also need to take more care to groom themselves. While removing most dirt, feces, and other debris, brushing keeps your hamster dry.
Read More: What Tricks Can You Teach Your Hamster
Sand Bath
Hamsters enjoy taking baths in chinchilla sand and water because it keeps their coats clean. Because it can be done frequently without running the danger of injury or shock from harsh chemicals, sand bathing is a fantastic method for pet owners with hamster pets.
Trimming Their Fur Is Required
Trimming the fur around your hamster’s delicate body parts, such as its ears and eyes, is easy with a set of small dog grooming scissors is a way to keep your Hamster Clean. They don’t cause any straining or soreness in their skin while eliminating dead cells because they have rounded edges that stop them from cutting too deeply.
On-the-Spot Cleaning
For hamsters, spot cleaning is the last choice, but it works well to get rid of certain stains from your pet’s body. When all else fails, the method, which involves spraying water directly onto the injured area, should be carried out.
Read More: Can Hamsters Swim?
Hamsters’ Sand Baths
Although hamsters are known for their enjoyment of bathing, they don’t always take pleasure in one. Your hamster could prefer to take an occasional dip in the sand, though, if you have a dwarf breed.
However, even though these animals may not need traditional “baths” as we do here at home – especially since most types will get rid of any excess dirt anyway through rolling around or playing – they still greatly benefit from having smooth surfaces nearby for so long.
In the wild, this would occur because it’s easier on their skin and fur when there isn’t any water around. Knowing which breed is suitable for each animal is crucial before purchasing either one. For example, some animals enjoy digging holes.
In My Hamster’s Cage, How Frequently Should I Replace The Sand Bath?
Depending on the breed of your hamster, you may need to change his sand bath more frequently. You must keep track of how frequently this is required because certain breeds use it less than others to prevent them from becoming very filthy or overloaded with trash.
Read More: Why Do Hamsters Fight
Needs For Hamster Grooming
In addition to the odd spot or dust bath, your hamster will need some additional maintenance. These include:
Brushing
Weekly brushing is beneficial for long-haired Syrian hamsters (also known as Teddy Bear Hamsters) to help get rid of wood shavings, food, and debris that could become lodged in their coat. Use a soft, delicate toothbrush or a specialized small animal comb.
Nail checks
Although most hamsters don’t need to have their nails cut, you should talk to a veterinarian about what to do if you find your hamster scratching itself when self-grooming or if its nails have begun to curl.
Teeth Examinations
The condition of your hamster’s teeth is crucial because they are always growing. To help your hamster’s continually developing teeth wear down, give them lots of chew toys and sticks. If a tooth ever becomes enlarged, damaged, or chipped, a trip to the vet is very necessary.
Skincare
If you own a hairless hamster, you should know that to prevent dryness and maintain healthy skin, these animals frequently need a small amount of coconut oil or unscented baby oil massaged into their skin. Natural oils on the skin are preserved by hair.
Read More: How Long Can A Hamster Live?
