A sand bath can enable several small pets to keep themselves clean while engaging in behaviours they would express in their natural habitat to reduce stress and boost happiness. Not only will it keep them clean, but it’s also super cute to watch.
Why do small pets bathe in sand?
Gerbils, degus, hamsters and chinchillas use dust and sand as a way to clean themselves. These pets should not usually be bathed in water as it can disrupt the natural oils in their coats. There might be the occasional situation when washing in water is required, such as if your furry friend has inadvertently got some type of substance on themselves, but generally providing a sand bath is the safest and most natural option.
A sand bath will remove dirt and grease from fur, but there are some things to be aware of before you set to filling a tray for your small furry to frolic in. Different small animals require different types of sand and the frequency of how often they will bathe varies between species.
What type of sand bath should I provide for my small pet?
There are several products on the market that claim to be suitable for all rodents to take a sand bath in. However, some of the very fine powders should not be used for hamsters as they can be inhaled and cause serious respiratory problems. Anything that’s labelled as ‘dust’ or ‘powder’ is unlikely to be suitable for hamsters.
On the other hand, chinchillas can particularly benefit from dust bathing because of their super fluffy coats. In the wild, chinchillas use volcanic sand for grooming. Chinchilla sand is a fine and light product specifically intended for chinchillas to clean themselves in. Other pet sands that are coarser in texture are not suitable for chinchillas. Chinchilla sand is also generally suitable for gerbils and degus.
Chinchillas are fine to take a sand bath every day, but for gerbils, hamsters and degus, bathtime two or three times a week is sufficient. Limiting your pet’s dips to around 10 to 20 minutes is plenty of time for a good clean. Changing the sand once a week is also a good idea if your chum enjoys bathing regularly.
Don’t forget the bathtub
Obviously, you’ll need something to hold the sand in. You can find sand bathhouses/huts from reputable pet retailers that will be suitable for small pets to use.
Generally, make sure your chosen bathtub will be big enough for your pet and be large enough for them to roll around in. It will need to be sturdy too so as not to tip over with the potential for injury. If you’re going to provide the bath separate from the cage or enclosure that your pet calls home, you might want to pick one with a cover.
Ultimately, sand baths are a fun and clean way for your pet to enjoy themselves as they would in the wild. They provide entertainment and will relieve stress too.
If you do have a hyper hamster, a giddy gerbil or a chinchilla that would benefit from some chillax time, then giving them a little extra calming with a Pet Remedy product could be just the thing. Contact us or browse our store to find out more about calming products for small pets.
