The Roborovskii sand baths!

There are a few breeds of hamsters that love cleaning the oil from themselves by actually rolling around in a sand bath. One of these particular breeds is the Roborovskii hamsters. Now this doesn’t mean just any old sand but means a special type of sand called “chinchilla”.

Hamsters, in general, do a very fine job of keeping themselves clean overall. Usually upon awakening is when the dwarf hamster loves to groom himself, but he will also do this several times a day as well. Normally the way in which a dwarf hamster cleans himself is by putting both of his front legs over the top of his head and pushing his fur forward. It looks similar to you trying to pull your top over your own head.

Next the little hamster will wash it’s face and then painstakingly clean it’s hind legs and feet and it’s sides. Once the hamster has started his initial grooming it can and does usually take him a quite a bit of time. If you notice, your hamster will do the exact same grooming pattern to himself each and every time he cleans and grooms.

Maybe a sign of sickness or a problem if they aren’t self grooming

If you notice your hamster stops grooming himself, this is usually an indication that your pet is sick or has a problem. You also will notice that your hamster will spend an inordinate amount of time cleaning around his scent glands. We may not smell our hamsters but to the hamster his scent glands will play an important role in his behavior. It also plays a large role in his communication and territoriality, especially during breeding cycles.

Skip the grooming and the water

Now you won’t have to groom your dwarf hamster and be out the expense of buying all the brushes, shampoos and combs for your tiny little pet any longer. Actually you do not need to bath your hamster as this can and will make him/her become ill. As well many shampoo products could make your little pet become sick.

No shampoo please!

As you probably already know you do not want to use any type of shampoo that may contain pesticides. Most of those products are made for use on cats, dogs or larger animals. Since they are made for larger animals and not animals like tiny hamsters, then the amount of pesticides in these products could very well kill your pet hamster. Also the perfumes used in many of grooming or bathing products will impede with your pets natural scent glands and body oils.

Parasites – yikes! Contact the Vet

If for any reason you might suspect your hamster has parasites then contact your veterinarian. You veterinarian will be able to identify if this parasite is contagious to you, or any other pets you may have. Even another hamster. Your veterinarian will know which product that will be safe to use on your animal.