What happens if your hamster gets wet

By Samantha Drake We all know that a stinky pooch will occasionally require a bath—particularly after running around a muddy lawn—but what about our other, smaller pets?

Can You Give a Hamster a Bath? How to Bathe a Hamster Hamsters stay clean by grooming themselves, but since they live in a cage with shredded paper and other materials for bedding, they can get particles and feces stuck in their fur from time to time.

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I wiped the water off right away and put him back into his cage. Will my hamster be okay? Did he get too much water on him? Also, I know many of you will tell me to just use a water bottle and ditch the water bowl But the thing is, I'd love to, but my hamster doesn't know how to use a water bottle. Is there any way I can teach him? When it comes to teaching him how to use the water bottle, you can put a slight dab of peanut butter on the nozzle.

When your ham tries to lick the peanut butter off, the nozzle will dispense water. Hopefully teaching him that there is water there and all he has to do is tap it with his toungue. I also use a water bowl, but it is very shallow. I find that water bowls are a more natural way and easier way for my ham to drink.

Maybe you could try just getting a bowl a bit more shallow. I don't think anything too bad will happen since you pulled him out quickly. If you noticed any changes in behavior or appearance, than maybe consider seeking medical help and advise.

Thank you - This definitely helps. Is there any alternative to peanut butter? Unfortunately I'm allergic to it. Damp tails also frequently signify other ailments. Tail dampness is so prevalent in hamsters with loose stools that their diarrhea is often known simply as wet tail. Other indications are weight loss, exhaustion, lack of desire to eat, disorderly coats and listlessness. If you spot any of these symptoms in your hamster, call the vet, pronto.

Hamsters with diarrhea often take on an overall soggy appearance because of the mess of the watery stools. If your pet's mouth area looks wet, it could be because some of the mess somehow made its way to his face, especially if his living environment hasn't been properly cleaned for a little while.

If your hamster is in glowing health, he probably won't have a wet and messy-looking tummy or mouth area. Hamsters who are perfectly healthy typically have shiny and tidy hair, vigilant eyes and clean noses. They are generally energetic. Their skin also usually looks even. Grooming is a common indication of a hamster in good condition. If your hamster doesn't groom and doesn't look vibrant, notify your vet immediately. By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use.

Wet Mouth and Teeth Wetness around a hamster's mouth could be a result of drooling. Tummy Woes If the fur on your hamster's stomach looks conspicuously damp, it could signify diarrhea due to proliferative enteritis.