Can you bathe teddy bear hamsters

How to Bathe a Hamster Hamsters stay clean by grooming themselves, but since they live in a cage with shredded paper and other materials for bedding, they can get particles and feces stuck in their fur from time to time. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful?

Yes No. Share this article. What did you find helpful? What was not helpful? Say more Sign me up for the PetMD Newsletter. Submit Feedback. Still have questions? Hamsters are very sensitive to temperature shifts You see, a wet hamster is not used to being wet, so he will panic.

Hamsters are terrible stress-managers, and can develop a series of illnesses because they get so stressed. Please do not bathe your hamster with water. As a safe alternative, please give your hammy a sand bath. Only bathe the hamster if there is something toxic is his fur. It depends on who you ask. Dry your hamster. Remove your hamster from the bowl with a warm, dry towel. You can gently stroke your hamster with the towel, but be careful not to rub too hard. If your hamster won't stop squirming, you do not want to risk injuring him.

In this case, the best course of action may be wet bathing. However, you should never submerge a hamster in a bowl of water. Instead, spot clean the area. First, take a soft-bristled tooth brush.

Add a little warm water and brush around the infected area. Detangle any matted fur. Then, take a small bit of cotton wool. Add warm water and gently rub out the material from the hamster's fur. Make sure you clean out all the material before finishing. Never use shampoo on a hamster's fur unless it was specifically recommended by a veterinarian. As hamsters are not typically bathed, few pet shampoos are made with their safety in mind.

Shampoo can be potentially toxic to hamsters. Dry the hamster completely before returning him to his cage. Long-haired hamsters rely on their fur to keep them warm. You should never return a hamster to his cage without drying him first. Take a clean, dry rag and rub the wet area of your hamster's fur until it's fully dry.

This may take a few minutes. Check the area with your fingers to make sure it's dry before returning your hamster to his cage. Method 3. Take your hamster to the vet if he stops cleaning himself. It's uncharacteristic for long-haired hamsters to stop cleaning themselves. Grooming is necessary for their health and well-being.

If your long-haired hamster suddenly stops grooming, this is a sign something is wrong. You should make an appointment with your vet for professional evaluation. Clean your hamster's cage regularly. Hamsters are relatively tidy animals that do not need cleaning often. However, if your hamster's cage is dirty your hamster may end up with dirt and debris stuck in his fur. The best way to keep a longhaired hamster clean is to regularly wash his cage.

You should clean and disinfect your hamster's cage at least once a week. Remove your hamster from his cage before washing. Place him in a safe enclosure where he cannot escape.

Remove all his toys, food and water bowls, and exercise equipment from the cage. Throw out old bedding and any toys that cannot be washed or disinfected. Sprays for hamster cage cleaning specifically can be purchased at a pet store. You can also use water and white vinegar if you're worried about chemicals. Spray down the cage with your disinfectant and rub it clean with a rag. Spray the bars of the cage, as well as the floor. You should also disinfect the items you removed, like toys and bowls.

Allow the cage and toys to air dry completely before returning your hamster to the cage. Add new bedding and saw dust when you finish cleaning. If you're cleaning your hamster or his cage, how you handle him is important.

Hamsters can be social animals but they may be skittish especially if they don't know you well. Take care when interacting with your hamster to avoid making bath time stressful.

Always try to get a hamster to come to you first. Reach your hand into his cage and hold out your palm. Allow your hamster to sniff you first before trying to pick him up or handle him. This will help him develop positive associations with you.