Hamsters

There are several suitable brushes that can be used for your hamster, including a finger brush. This is a small rubber brush that fits on your finger like a thimble. Always brush the coat in the direction the hair lies. If your hamster has long hair, ensure you hold the hair below the knot and gently ease the knot with small flicks of the brush. Do not tug, wrench, or pull too hard or you may pull the hair out from the skin or even tear the skin. If the knot or tangle is not being moved easily, cut it away with a pair of curved surgi- cal scissors. This needs to be done VERY carefully as hamsters can wriggle and squirm and it is very easy to cut the skin underneath. If in doubt, contact your vet or an experienced hamster owner who may be able to do this for you. Start grooming the hamsters from an early age, per- haps when it is enjoying a tasty treat, so that it learns to relax and enjoy the attention. Bathing You should only bathe your hamster if it is absolutely necessary. Hamsters lose heat very rapidly and if wet they can very quickly have a dangerously low body temperature. Most hamsters will never need a bath, and you certainly should not give them one just for fun.

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Hamsters