Like many animals, hamsters are natural swimmers.
But the bigger question is, should hamsters swim? And, no, they shouldn’t.
Why?
Read this article to see the dangers of water to your hamster.
What is the Effect of Water on Hamsters?
Researchers who have observed hamsters in their natural habitats noticed something interesting.
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Wild hamsters prefer drier patches.
They rarely swim or visit wet spots.
Naturally, your pet hamster isn’t so different.
Understandably, you want some fun with your pet in the pool or tub. Who doesn’t?
But with hamsters, this is a no-no.
They are prone to stress, and their immune system becomes more vulnerable.
Please resist the urge to give them a regular bath and only wash them when they become too dirty or parasite-infested.
Hamsters don’t like water, and they only swim when their life depends on it.
They are also very susceptible to cold-related diseases like pneumonia.
Avoid cold water altogether. With their susceptible immune system, you will have a sickly or a dead hamster in your hands.
Stress and fear of drowning also lead to injuries in their hearts and severe breathing problems.
How Should You Clean Your Hammy?
Hamsters don’t get dirty easily.
They groom themselves naturally.
Like cats, they use their special saliva to clean themselves and other hamsters.
If you wash them too much, you risk removing essential oils, which makes it more vulnerable.
If you must wash your pet, you should do it right.
Use the following techniques for a thorough non-harmful wash.
1. Fill the basin with two cups of lukewarm water.
2. Add one drop of animal shampoo.
3. Soak a clean cloth in the water.
4. Swab the hamster with the cloth, but do not move your cloth against the fur’s direction.
5. After cleaning it, use a dry towel to remove dampness from its fur.
How Do you Keep Your Hamster Cool During Summer?
Hamsters are never comfortable in the warm, humid weather.
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Most of them suffer from heat strokes.
In your enthusiasm to protect it from the summer heat, try not to overdo some things.
Bathing them or keeping them in cold water is still harmful even in these high temperatures.
You can find better ways to keep them cool.
One way is moving to a cooler room.
However, please don’t put them too close to the cold/aeration source or in an excessively chilled place.
Ideal room temperature will do.
The best solution is to keep your hamster hydrated.
Nothing beats fluid replenishment in the long summer weather.
How do You Protect a Wet Hamster?
Your hamster’s mischievous ways may land it in water.
Or it may accidentally suffer a heavy downpour outdoors.
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It would help if you took immediate action.
First, get lukewarm water, and soak your towel in it.
Then wrap the towel around your pet to comfort it.
While doing this, track its breathing process and its heart rate.
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If it seems abnormal, it is easy for your hamster to get further inflammation.
It would help if you visited a veterinary clinic for further check-up.
Closing Remarks
Hamsters dislike water. It makes them nervous and stressed.
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It may also take a while to get out of shock, which is dangerous for its immunity and heart.
That said, even on the hottest days, swimming with your hamster is one huge problem in the making.
