hamsters are very clean animals and do not require extra grooming other than what they do on their own.Sometimes long-haired hamsters need some help keeping their fur clean.Some hamsters like being brushed.Determine the best grooming routine for your hamster based on their likes and dislikes.
Step 1: Your hamster has long hair.
Dirt and mats can only be removed by brushing the hamster.A clean, unused, soft-bristled toothbrush is the best instrument to use.Some hamsters will sit still and enjoy being brushed.People may try to get away from it.Females with long hair may not need to be groomed as often as males.Some long haired male hamsters have fur at the end of their bodies.The fur may need to be cleaned more often than other parts.You should brush your long-haired hamster once a week.
Step 2: There is a rubber finger-brush for your hamster.
You can buy a rubber brush that slips onto your finger if you want to try something different.Some are designed for pets and some for humans.It would work the same as a toothbrush if you found one.Remember to be gentle.
Step 3: Cut your pet's fur.
Male hamsters have skirts that can be a couple of inches long.The skirts may get dirty and drag through the water dish.It may be easier to cut back the fur on your hamster than it is to clean his own skirt.In the warmer months, this is helpful if your hamster is overheating.You can shorten his skirt to keep him cool.If you cut your hamster's tail, it will be shorter than the skirt.
Step 4: Toxic substances should be removed from your hamster.
If your hamster gets into trouble and gets some sort of toxic substance on him, you don't want him to lick it off.Hamsters clean themselves with their tongues and mouths, meaning anything they clean off their fur will be eaten.If possible, use scissors to cut away any fur that contains toxic substances.If you can't cut off the fur, use a clean, unused, soft-bristled toothbrush with a small amount of warm water.The toothbrush and water should be used to clean the area.To clean a hamster, use the smallest amount of water possible.
Step 5: You can clean your hamster with a damp cloth.
If you want to clean your hamster's fur with a damp cloth, use a wet toothbrush.As with the toothbrush, use the smallest amount of warm water.Try to get the top layer of your hamster's fur wet.
Step 6: Do not use anything other than water.
Don't use soap on your hamster.Warm water is the only way to clean him.It's important that he doesn't remove any of the oils on his fur.If your vet recommends something specific, that's the only exception here.
Step 7: Your hamster needs to be dry.
Make sure your hamster is dry before he goes back in his cage.It can cause your hamster to get cold, and make him sick, if there is any dampness left in his fur.If you have used water on your hamster to clean it up, you may want to hold him until he tries, in order to warm him up.
Step 8: If your hamster is dirty, don't worry.
The hamster spends up to 20% of their time grooming.He may clean it up himself if you look a little dirty.If you want to help your hamster by grooming him, just wait a few hours or a day to see if he can clean himself up.
Step 9: Give your hamster a bath.
Some hamsters like to have a bath in chinchilla sand or rabbit dust.It works great for hamsters and helps keep small animals clean.If you want your hamster to roll around in the container, put it in your cage.The container needs to be strong enough to not slide around in the cage when your hamster uses it.Your hamster can climb in and out of the container if it has low sides.If you need to sterilize the dust/sand, you can put it in the oven for 10 minutes at 350F.
Step 10: The hamster's cage needs to be very clean.
It is possible that your hamster needs grooming because he is covered in dirt from his dirty cage.Keep your hamster's cage clean in order to prevent him from needing to be groomed.You should clean the cage at least once a week.They put fresh bedding in the cage when they put him in another safe place.
Step 11: Try a paper-based bedding for your pet.
There are many options for bedding at the pet store.Some bedding options may work better than others for keeping your hamster clean.It is possible to use bedding made of recycled paper.Wood-based cat litter can be used for bedding.
Step 12: Provide your hamster with things to chew on.
Hamsters have interesting teeth.hamsters teeth never stop growingIn the wild, a hamster would use his teeth to keep them at the proper length, but in a cage he may need some help.You can give your hamster some things that he can chew on to keep his teeth healthy.Unpainted, untreated wood chips are available.Hay from the store.If you get them from outside, make sure they haven't been sprayed with pesticides.Paper towel rolls, kleenex boxes, cereals, and toilet paper are some of the scrap cardboard.
Step 13: Your hamster has nails.
Your hamster's nails should stay short on their own if he is active in his cage.If your hamster's nails are growing too long, you need to have them trimmed.You can either trim your hamster's nails on your own or bring him to the vet.
Step 14: If your hamster stops grooming, you should take him to the vet.
hamsters spend 20% of their time groomingThey spend a lot of time sleeping.Something could be wrong if your hamster goes for 24 hours without grooming himself.It is a good idea to take your hamster to the vet at this point.