Hamsters are as cute as a button! They are fun to watch and play with; they can also be a fantastic addition to your family. It is truly astonishing how much joy these small critters can bring in such little time.

If you have ever owned a hamster, you may have heard the rumor that hamsters cannot get wet or that it simply is not a good idea for them to get wet. However, you might be asking yourself: is this a rumor? If not, why is it?

The rumor that “hamsters cannot get wet” is true. If a hamster gets wet, it is not suitable for their health. It can cause them great stress and upset them to the point where they may bite you. Doing so can cause concerns for both you and your hamster.

Here, we will discuss many questions and answer them one by one. For example, we will explore why hamsters should not get wet and if they should be allowed to bathe. Not only that, but we will talk about the alternatives so you can keep your little fur baby as clean as possible. Continue reading for more information!

 

Why Should Hamsters Not Get Wet?

 

Hamsters should not get wet because they have a protective coat of oil covering their entire bodies. This coat helps block moisture and serves as a blanket to keep excessive dirt and other problematic debris from collecting on them.

When a hamster gets wet, this protective oil can become damaged, blotched, or washed away, opening the hamster up to dirt accumulating heavily on its fur or skin, which can cause immense complications down the line.

As a small critter that doesn’t frequently immerse itself in water, getting a bath can be slightly traumatizing and dangerous. Their internal temperatures can plummet dramatically, putting them at risk of going into shock or getting sick.

 

Do Hamsters Take Baths?

 

Hamsters do not take traditional baths like we do, but they enjoy something very similar in the form of a “sand bath.” Now, this may seem a little redundant, but for them, it’s a very relaxing, calming, and enjoyable experience because the sand granules interact with the oil on their fur in a unique way. They essentially scrub off any unwelcome filth and leave your little friend feeling happy and energetic.

The entire process involves your hamster rolling around the sand and having a good time, to begin with, but it takes on new meaning when you add in the health benefits associated with having clean fur and a good mental state, so buying some of this sterilized and safe sand may be something you should look into as a future or current hamster owner.

 

Should You Bathe Your Hamster?

 

As noted above, you should not bathe your hamster because it can remove the protective oils on its fur. However, if your little friend is extremely filthy for some reason and a small sand bath simply won’t do it, you can try a few different alternatives that might just do the trick.

1. Wet Wipes

 

One of these alternatives would be to utilize wet wipes. Now, everyone with a baby already knows what wet wipes are and how they work, but for those who are unfamiliar, they are like soft paper towels that are slightly damp and can be used to clean bottoms (or hamsters). Bear in mind there are specific wet wipes made just for rodents, and you’ll want to invest in those to keep your little friend safe!

Note: Make sure these wet wipes are fragrance-free. More specifically, get wipes made for animals.

2. Dry Shampoo

 

Another choice you have is utilizing dry shampoo specifically for rodents. Minimizing the mess from using some is as simple as placing out a tower or rag and then dabbing some on your hamster, using a simple brush in all directions to get it distributed evenly and get rid of any dirt clinging to your soon-to-be-sheen hamster.

 

How Often Should Hamsters Bathe?

 

Once again, hamsters should not be bathed traditionally at all. Still, if we assume a sand bath several times a week would suffice, we should lean more towards three and stop there to keep it from becoming an expectation and remaining a treat.

It’s worth noting, however, that hamsters tend to collect fecal matter and urine around their rear ends. As such, they may require the help of their owner to remain clean and healthy. To that end, using one of the rodent wet wipes we spoke of earlier will easily do the trick.

 

Are Baby Wipes Safe for Hamsters?

 

No, baby wipes usually contain scents, fragrances, oils, or other things that can be harmful to hamsters’ skin, fur, eyes, or digestion if they happen to get some in there for any reason. Several companies sell “rodent wipes” explicitly made for hamsters that are safe to use on them.

It is imperative that you refrain from settling and using what you have. In much the same way we can have allergic reactions, hamsters can as well. However, due to their size, overexposure to something can be fatal for them, so please be careful.

 

How Do You Clean a Dirty Hamster?

 

Indeed, we have drilled home by now that you don’t “clean” them routinely. However, if you want to give your fluffy friend the once-over just to give yourself some peace of mind, getting the rodent wipes and rubbing your hamster down once every two to three weeks isn’t a bad idea, specifically taking care of their rear end. Also, ensure they have plenty of time to take a sand bath as they will bathe themselves.

 

Do Hamsters Like Being in Water?

 

Hamsters innately do not know how to swim. As such, being placed in an environment they are not comfortable with can give them immense amounts of stress. This stress can, in turn, cause them to become less social, aggravated, and display unwanted behaviors like biting, for example.

It is highly recommended that you do not place your hamster into water for safety reasons. Still, there have been some cases where hamsters enjoy walking in water only to experience something new. This should not be taken as a reason to get your hamster wet.

When a hamster does get wet, you’ll need to dedicate the appropriate time to ensure it is completely dry and warm afterward. This will ensure your hamster is happy and healthy, as dampness or cold can cause serious health issues if left unattended.

 

How to Properly Give Your Hamster a Bath

 

The safest way to give your hamster a bath (assuming it is absolutely caked in filth or some other similar event has occurred to merit breaking this simple understanding) is to gently get the entirety of its body wet, excluding its neck and above, as it can panic, inhale water, or get something in its eyes.

Instead of using soap like we would, there are some water-soluble rodent cleaners available that you can use to guarantee your hamster achieves the pristine clean you are going for. Above all, though, read through the reviews, experiences, claims, and even ingredients on what is included in these products, as your fluffy friend’s well-being is on the line.

 

Final Thoughts

 

While bathing your hamster isn’t ideal, it can become necessary under certain extreme events. Short of these, though, simple sand bathing or utilizing rodent wipes will keep your hamster in an ideal state and ready for whatever the day can throw at it, much to your nostril’s delight.