There’s a good reason why hamsters are among the most well-liked rodents kept as pets everywhere in the world. They are adorable, lovable, and can be cared for with minimal effort. Yet, just like with any other type of pet, owners of hamsters need to be aware of a few specific things to maintain their furry companions’ physical and mental well-being. The subject of whether or not their hamsters can get wet is asked by many people who own hamsters.
So, can hamsters get wet? You shouldn’t expose your hamster to water or bathe it. If the temperature suddenly drops, it doesn’t take long for a hamster to enter hypothermia.
Why Can’t Hamsters Get Wet?
There are a few key reasons why you should make every effort to keep your hamster dry at all times. To begin, hamsters are not born with the ability to swim, and their fur does not repel water like the fur of animals such as otters and beavers. When a hamster’s fur becomes too wet, it can get thick and matted, which makes it difficult for the animal to move about or keep itself warm.
Second, moist fur can easily cause hamsters to develop a variety of health concerns. It is possible for their body temperature to drop if their fur is wet for an extended period of time, which makes them more susceptible to ailments such as respiratory infections. If their fur is allowed to remain dirty or wet for an extended period, hamsters risk developing skin diseases such as dermatitis or fungal infections.
Finally, exposing your hamster to moist conditions might be a traumatic experience for them. Hamsters are naturally nervous animals, so they are prone to becoming overawed or scared whenever they encounter something new. It is possible for your hamster to suffer a traumatic experience if they get excessively wet. As a result, they may develop an increased level of dread or anxiety in the future.
How to Keep Hamsters Clean and Dry?
It is essential for your hamster’s health and well-being to be kept clean and dry at all times. Here are some suggestions that can assist you in maintaining a clean environment for your hamster:
- It is important to maintain dry and clean living conditions for your hamster. This means that the cage should be cleaned regularly, and the bedding should be replaced regularly to ensure that the cage is dry and odor-free.
- It is important to provide a sand bath for certain kinds of hamsters, including the dwarf hamster, as they take pleasure in sand bathing. You should provide them with a tiny container full of chinchilla sand or dust so they can roll around in it. This will assist with the removal of any excess oils that may be present on their fur and will keep them clean.
- Gently brush your hamster with a soft bristles brush to remove dirt, debris, and loose fur. This will assist in maintaining the cleanliness and luster of their coat.
- If your hamster has any apparent stains on their fur, you can use a wet cloth or a pet wipe to clean those specific areas. Be sure only to use lukewarm water, and refrain from getting water in their ears, eyes, or nose.
- Stay away from giving your hamster a bath in water. Exposure to water can be stressful and harmful to them. Unless instructed to do so by your vet, you shouldn’t give your hamster a wash in water.
Following these guidelines can lessen the likelihood of your hamster developing health issues related to improper care.
How Can We Stop Hamsters From Getting Wet?
Hamsters can become wet in other ways besides taking a bath. They might also be exposed to water or excess moisture in a few additional ways, which might be stressful or hazardous. Consider these options if you don’t want your hamster to get wet.
- Choose the Right Bedding
Much consideration and research must go into selecting your hamster’s cage’s bedding and nesting material. Changing the bedding in your hamster’s cage at least once a week minimizes any moisture and avoids foul odors. Since some bedding and nesting items can hold in water, leading to dampness and even fungal spores, your hamster may smell up.
- Feed Them Water From a Bottle
Instead of providing water in a bowl, use a water bottle to keep your hamster hydrated. This is because your hamster may soak their fur if they tumble into the bowl of water or tip it over on the cage or itself. They won’t choke on a water bottle and will quickly master using one. They can use the bottle to protect their water supply from dirt and contaminants.
- Keep Children Under Supervision
Under no circumstances should a hamster be left in the care of a child younger than 12 years of age. It’s possible they are unaware of the critical nature of maintaining a dry environment for a hamster. Even though you’ll be watching the kids as they play with their hamsters, you must still tell them why it’s essential to keep the little critter dry at all times.
- Remove the Moisture Traps
Hiding places in their cages provide hamsters with a sense of security. Nonetheless, caution must be used in selecting a hiding place for the hamster. Hiding places tend to be damper in warmer, more humid areas. Your hamster may become stressed out if the humidity in its cage causes its fur to become damp or if the temperature drops. Wood is superior to other options for a hiding place since it does not attract dampness and can both absorb and release water.
- Keep Them Close to the Cage
Because hamsters are so small and agile, you risk losing them if you try to handle them outside their cage. In fact, they might escape your grasp before you even realize what’s happening. When you take your hamster out of its cage for any reason, whether to play with it or clean it, make sure to keep it close by. Also, avoid handling or holding your hamster near any water since it is possible that it will leap away from your hands and fall into the water.
What Are the Problems Associated If Hamsters Get Wet?
The effects of water on a hamster can be rather negative.
- Hamsters, like other mammals, are susceptible to hypothermia, which happens whenever the body lacks heat faster than it can create it while wet. For hamsters, this can be fatal if they aren’t kept in a safe, dry, and warm space.
- Hamsters are more susceptible to pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses if they spend an extended period of time submerged in water. This is because germs like bacteria and viruses thrive in moist environments.
- Fungal infections, dermatitis, and hot spots are just a few of the skin issues that can arise when a hamster’s fur gets wet. For the hamster, these are all potentially unpleasant and even painful situations.
- Being wet is stressful for hamsters because they are usually neat and tidy. Problems with behavior, like biting and aggression, may result.
- Water can cause harm to the fur, and wet fur is more likely to mat. Grooming can become tough, and other skin issues may arise.
- Hamsters can get dangerously dehydrated if they ingest the moisture that accumulates on their fur. This is because there is a risk that germs and other contaminants are present in the water that has accumulated on their fur.
These issues can be avoided by always providing a dry, warm, and comfortable environment for your hamster. Dry your hamster off just as promptly as possible if it gets wet, and keep an eye out for any symptoms of disease or distress.
FAQ
How do hamsters get wet?
Wet tails can develop in hamsters when they are not given adequate sanitation. The accumulation of microorganisms in the cage from stale food and feces might make your hamster sick with a damp tail.
Can you bathe the hamster?
Unless absolutely necessary, you should avoid bathing your hamster. Hamsters have a high cleanliness standard and can maintain it with regular grooming. But a moist towel or a tiny bit of water can be used to gently clean your hamster if it gets into something nasty or sticky.
Can hamsters drink water off their fur?
It is not recommended that hamsters sip water from their fur since it may be contaminated with bacteria or other dangerous elements. Your hamster will benefit from having access to clean water at all times.
Conclusion
To conclude, hamsters can become wet. However, it is not advisable to purposefully expose them to water. Hamsters can get wet accidentally. Keep in mind that hamsters are not built to swim. Therefore, it is better to keep them away from any bodies of water whenever it is practical to do so.
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