How to Bathe a Pet Hamster

Hamsters bathe themselves. If a hamster smells bad, odds are that either his cage needs cleaning more often or the hamster is sick and needs to see a vet. Bathing a hamster is a bad idea as hamsters can easily catch a chill and die. But if the hamster has gotten something toxic on his fur, he may require cleaning. Check with a vet first and if possible, have a professional bathe the hamster. If not possible, and bathing is absolutely necessary, then very carefully bathe the hamster. An adult with a gentle touch should bathe the hamster and not a child.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chinchilla sand
• Enclosed area
• Bowl
• Washcloth
• Towel
• Heat lamp
• (If necessary) Baby shampoo

Preferred Method to Bathe Hamster

1. Pour chinchilla sand in a small bowl and place the bowl in the cage. Make sure you get sand and not dust as dust can cause respiratory problems in hamsters.

2. Place the hamster in the bowl. He should roll around in the sand, similar to what birds do. You can even find scented pet sand at some pet stores.

3. Remove the bowl of sand. You can leave it in the cage, but if you do, check the bowl frequently to make sure the hamster has not started using it as a litter box.

Using Water If Necessary to Bathe Hamster

4. Set up an enclosed area in the bathroom. Position a heat lamp over the area to make a warm environment for the bathing area. Have a bowl of warm water. Test the water with your elbow to make sure it is warm and not hot.

5. Wring out the washcloth in the warm water. This is to bathe the hamster with as little water as possible.

6. Gently cup the hamster in your hand. Using the damp washcloth, very gently rub his fur. Avoid washing anywhere near his face as his eyes and nose are very vulnerable. Be careful of his fragile legs too. Try to remove the toxin with just the damp cloth.

7. If necessary, use more water only if the toxin won't come off. If the toxin still won't come off, you may need to use a very small amount of shampoo. Use either a baby shampoo or get a gentle pet shampoo designed for a small animal, such as rabbit shampoo, available at some pet stores. Use as little shampoo as possible to remove the toxin. Remove the shampoo with the cloth. Continue rinsing and wringing out the cloth and cleaning the hamster with the damp cloth to minimize the amount of water.

8. Place the hamster on the dry towel and very gently rub him dry. Again, avoid the face area and be mindful of his delicate legs. Keep the hamster in the enclosed area, under the heat lamp, until his fur is thoroughly dry. Do not return him to his cage until he is completely dry.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have a heat lamp, some bathrooms have a heat bulb you can turn on for added warmth in the room. If your hamster has gum (or something else sticky) in his fur, you may need to cut it very carefully out of his fur.
• Don't soak the hamster in water. Remember that hamsters can catch a chill easily and die. Make sure you truly have to bathe the hamster. If so, make sure he is thoroughly dry before putting him back in the cage.

References

• Giving a hamster a bath