can hamsters take baths in water?

Question

can hamsters take baths in water?

Answer 1

Hamsters don't get dirty...and if it smells (not the cage, the hamster) it has problems that require vet attention. Hamsters are form the DESERT, so usually they groom their selves, like a cat.

Answer 2

Technically, yes. If you're very, very careful to dry them completely. If your hamster is looking dirty or if it smells, it would be a better idea to take a damp paper towel and rub it over the hamster's fur. Dunking them in water or giving them a normal bath could cause them to become sick and die. Another alternative is a sand bath. Get a bowl and some chinchilla sand from the pet store (be sure you get the SAND and not the dust, as the dust catches in the hamster's lungs and can cause breathing difficulty!) Fill the bowl with a little of the sand and let the hamster roll in it a bit to clean its fur. It should come out looking like new. Sand baths should be limited to once a week, and the sand and bowl should be taken out of the cage once the bath is done.

Answer 3

As hamsters spend a large amount of time grooming themselves, a human-style bath is usually not necessary. If you wish to give your hamster a wet bath, you should buy a hamster/small animal shampoo instead of sharing your own or your other pet's shampoo with your hamster. These shampoos may contain toxic ingredients that are harmful to hamsters and perfumed products may also interfere with the hamster's own natural scent gland odours. Bath your hamster as quickly as possible and dry them with a towel to avoid your pet catching a cold.

Some hamster owners also like to give hamsters a dry bath using dust powder (usually for rabbits). Sprinkle the dust powder over the hamster's body and dust them off, avoiding the eye area.

Answer 4

I used to give my hamster a bubble bath with Johnsons baby shampoo - mmmm he smelled so good :) Put a little on a washcloth add some water and scrub the little hammy up!

Answer 5

I bath my hamster every time I change her cage, she just runs around and then she loves to be dryed off in a towel. She's been alive for more than two years so . . .

Answer 6

My friend and I are breeders, and we have discovered that in general, it is not a good idea to bath them. (like in a hammie sized tub or anything) They have an underlying oil in the bottom parts of their fur that acts as an insulator and every time you get them fully wet, it breaches this barrier. This makes them go into a kind of hammie hypothermic shock, if you may. However, it is ok to wet a rag or towel and rub them down to get rid of a smell or any dirt. Do not use soap if you don't have to. It tends to get in their eyes and mouth and make them sick. Just make sure to dry them off after you rub them down.

Hope this helps.

Answer 7

if their in the sink yah but not in the bath tub