How to Shampoo a Hamster

Giving a hamster a bath might seem like an unusual chore and it is. Hamsters do a good job cleaning themselves and, as desert animals, rarely get wet. But there are circumstances in which a hamster will need to be cleaned with shampoo, especially if it has gotten into an especially dirty or sticky substance. Special care must be taken with a hamster in this condition, since bathing takes away oils from the hamster's fur which keep it warm. Without those oils, a hamster could become sick and die. Only shampoo a hamster on rare occasions.

Things You'll Need

  • Baby shampoo
  • Wash cloth
  • Small bowl of warm water
  • Chinchilla sand
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Instructions

    • 1

      Dampen the dirty fur of the hamster using warm water and a wash cloth. Be sure not to get the eyes, nose and mouth of the hamster wet.

    • 2

      Apply a small amount a baby shampoo to the cleaning area. Bring shampoo to a lather.

    • 3

      Reapply the wet washcloth and rinse the area until the shampoo is cleaned from the fur.

    • 4

      Dry the hamster with a clean towel. Be sure to get the hamster completely dry in order to help it retain the oil in its fur. Do not use a hair dryer on a hamster.