One day when I was soaking in the sun at the pool, a thought came across my mind: can hamster swim?
After all, hamsters are highly active animals. Would they enjoy swimming like we do?
Can Hamsters Swim?
Yes, technically hamsters can swim.
However, they are not natural swimmers. Being in water goes against their natural instincts and their adaptations as desert animals.
Their short legs and webbed feet also make swimming difficult. To stay afloat, they require a higher intensity of strokes. This can easily lead to exhaustion and result in a higher risk of drowning.
Do Hamsters Like to Swim?
Although hamsters have the ability to swim in water, they do not like swimming.
In the wild, hamsters will only swim in the water as a last resort. For example, when they face danger and need to escape for survival.
I have seen TikTok videos of hamsters swimming and you can easily tell that they are struggling in the water.
Can My Hamster Swim In Water?
Simply put, no. Don’t let your hamster swim in water in any circumstances. Don’t follow what you see online, especially on TikTok.
You may argue that hamsters can swim and that not all hamsters hate to swim. However, placing hamsters in water is actually harmful for them.
Can Hamsters Get Wet?
Have you noticed that your hamsters do not take water baths?
The reason is simple: hamsters cannot get wet. A wet hamster is a huge problem.
Water could strip their furs of essential oils needed and can also make it harder to regulate their body temperature. As a result, they will stay wet longer and are more susceptible to cold or other illnesses. They may also develop dry skin which leads to rashes.
How to Dry A Wet Hamster
If your hamster gets wet by accident, you need to follow a series of steps to ensure the safety of your hamster.
Step 1: Remove them from the source of water immediately
If your hamster accidentally falls into water, carry them out of the water immediately. If your hamster is on dry land and appears to look wet, remove him from the environment and look for the possible source of water leakage.
Step 2: Dry your hamster gently
Gently dry his fur with a soft towel, preferably made from cotton. Careful not to rub too hard otherwise you may irritate his skin. Make sure your hammy is completely dry. He may also start to shake as he adapts to the temperature change.
Step 3: Replace wet bedding if necessary
Before putting your hammy back into the cage, check and ensure that the bedding is dry and free of moisture. Even if the bedding appears to be just slightly wet, replace them immediately. You don’t have to replace the whole bedding, just the parts where it is wet.
Step 4: Monitor your hamster closely
Especially in the first 24 hours, closely monitor your hamster. Look for any signs of stress or changes in behavior. If you notice a loss in appetite of heavy breathing, consult a vet immediately.
Key Takeaways
- Hamsters can swim, but hate it.
- In the wild, hamsters will only swim when forced upon in life-threatening situations.
- Hamsters should never ever get wet as it could lead to potential health problems.
- If your hamster gets wet, dry your hamster immediately and closely monitor for any signs of illness or symptoms.
FAQ
How long can hamsters swim?
Hamsters cannot stay afloat in water for too long as they are not very good swimmers. Afterall, they are not supposed to be in water. You’ll notice the hamster heading towards dry land as soon as it’s in water.
Can syrian hamsters swim?
Syrian hamsters, like all hamster breeds, are capable of swimming. However, they are all not good swimmers and generally hate to swim. Hamsters are likely to panic in water and can quickly tire themselves out.
Can hamsters swim in a pool?
As much as we think hamsters will enjoy swimming in a pool like we do, you should never place hamsters in a pool. Putting hamsters in water is stressful and dangerous for them.
Can hamsters swim in a bowl?
In comparison to a pool, a small bowl may seem harmless. However, no matter the circumstances, you should not let your hamster swim. Their fur is simply not designed to be in water.
Can dwarf hamsters get wet?
No matter the breed of the hamster, they should never get wet. Being wet is potentially harmful to their health and general well-being.
Do hamsters die if they get wet?
They do not die directly from being wet but from the potential health risks that may occur from getting wet. Such health problems may include getting hypothermia, illness, etc.
Why does my hamster’s hair look wet?
The first thing you need to do is to spot any signs of diarrhea.
If your hamster’s body has wet patches around their back and has no signs of illness, he could just be grooming himself. As they age, their furs may also become more greasy.
However, if you notice diarrhea and your hamster’s rear end is wet, you need to bring him to the vet immediately. He may be suffering from an illness known as wet tail which can be fatal if untreated.
Why is my hamster’s mouth wet?
If your hamster’s mouth is always wet and has excessive drooling, he could be suffering from a dental problem. Some respiratory illnesses may also cause a wet mouth in the hamster. In either case, make a trip to the vet for a better diagnosis.
