How do you (DO you?) bathe a hamster?

[missypie]

DD got a hamster. It smells like it needs a bath. Are we supposed to be bathing this hamster? I saw some stuff for $9.99 at Petco that you're supposed to spray on them...does that work? Is it worth $9.99? This is a serious post - we've never had a hamster!

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://www.hammyworld.de/ca_bath.html

 

[caitycaity]

the smell is probably from a dirty cage. clean out the cage really well (with soap and water) and you'll probably see an improvement.

 

[always quiet]

I used to use baby wipes!

Getting ready to buy a box for Thumper!!

 

[grinningghost]

When our hamster started to smell, I would totally dismantle his cage and clean the whole thing out, piece by piece with hot, soapy water. Put in some fresh bedding, and I bet your little furball will smell all pretty.

 

[disneyatl]

That cracked me up!

I've never heard of giving a hamster a bath!!!

 

[Pembo]

As a former hamster owner, they give themselves a bath. Just keep the cage clean.

 

[barbeml]

Gee, my hamsters always smelled terrific!

Hamsters are generally very good about keeping themselves clean.

I second the "keep the cage clean" advice. If that doesn't work, try "Bunny Bath" (powder that you sprinkle on and brush off).

 

[totalia]

Theres no need to bath your hamster. They do it themselves. Just clean the cage often.

Btw, lol.That site is totally cute.

 

[theSurlyMermaid]

This thread title made me beam.

Thanks for the smile.

 

[Sherlee]

We have two very grooming obsessed hamsters. I believe it's all in the bedding. Since switching to the pine chips, it has really made a difference.

 

[LScot]

While our baby is not a hamster but a rat, we give Stitch a bath occasionally. Just because it is fun. Hunter likes watching her swim around! Rat are the same way though--always giving themselves a bath.

 

[Tuffcookie]

If you keep the cage clean (change the litter weekly) a healthy hamster should not have any odors. Does your hamster have wet tail?

TC

 

[Lisa62064]

I know what I'd do with a hamster that needed a bath, I'd give him a swirly.....heehee j/k really!

 

[Boots]

Many years ago DS who is now 25 had a teddy bear hamster with extremely long fur. His name was Lazy and he lived up to his name. Extremely docile and loved to be brushed. He lived almost four years. Old in hamster age I think; and he loved to take a bath in a bowl bought special for him. I would also blow dry him with a hair dryer. Never ever seemed to bother him and he acted like he loved it. Lazy was always out of his cage riding around on DS's shoulder or in his pocket. DD had a hampster who was named Ninja and she lived up to her name. We never tried to pet her without being bit, she hated water and was everything a normal hampster was suppose to be. Also had one named Tiger Lily. Wasn't as tame as Lazy, but wasn't as vicious as Ninja either.

 

[Ellen aka Snow White]

I second the idea of keeping a clean cage, however, if you take the hamster away from the cage and it still smells it could have wettail. Usually the tail end is wet (hence the name!), carries an odor and has diarrhea. You can buy over the counter medicine called DRYTAIL - but unfortunately it isn't always effective. Good Luck!

 

[FreshTressa]

We put cornstarch on ours to 'freshen' him up a bit. Seemed to work...absorbed the oils.

 

[MizlurksaLot]

Originally posted by disneyatl
That cracked me up!

I've never heard of giving a hamster a bath!!!

ditto

trying to pictue that

I know you were serious, but even so, thanks for the laugh