How to Make a Shower for a Hamster

Hamsters are fun yet delicate pets.

The hamster is one of the most popular pet rodents. There are two types of hamsters; Syrian hamsters and dwarf hamsters. One thing all hamsters have in common is their lack of enthusiasm for water and the fact that exposing water to hamsters is not recommended. Hamsters are naturally provided with oils that are essential to keep their furs healthy. Water removes these oils, which can have a negative impact on your pet. If for any reason you need to give your hamster a shower, there are several things you need to consider to keep it safe.

Difficulty:

  

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Bowl
• Warm water
• Baby shampoo (if necessary)
• Towel
• Hairdryer

1. • 1
     Add 2 inches of warm water into a bowl. Test the temperature of the water with your elbow to ensure that it isn't too cool or too hot.
   • 2
     Wet the hamster with your hands using the water from the bowl. Rub gently any areas that are dirty and need cleansing. You can use mild baby shampoo if your hamster has sticky areas that can't be cut out from its fur and can't be cleaned with water only.
   • 3
     Use your hands to carefully rinse out the shampoo. Quickly place your hamster in a towel.
   • 4
     Dry your hamster in a gentle manner. Be careful with its legs.
   • 5
     Use the hairdryer on its lowest setting to finish drying your hamster. Position the hairdryer far from the hamster and place your hand between the hamster and hairdryer to control the amount of heat your pet is catching.
   • 6
     Touch your hamster to ensure that it is completely dry. This is important to protect it from catching a chill.

Tips & Warnings

• Prepare a shower for your hamster only if it has something toxic (such as paint, glue or varnish) on its fur that could harm it if it licks itself and ingests it. If your hamster looks dirty or smells bad, do not give it a shower, your pet will groom itself.
• If your hamster smells bad it may be sick. Monitor its behavior and take it to the vet if necessary.
• Don't allow water or shampoo to get close to your hamster's mouth, nose, eyes or ears.