When you get a hamster, you might want to build mazes for them or attach things to their cage. Many pet owners use hot glue. We have researched if hot glue is safe to use in your pet's habitat.
Hot glue is usually safe to use in minimal amounts in your hamster's cage or when making pet toys, as long as the adhesive itself is inaccessible to the hamster. When buying glue, you will want to ensure the glue is non-toxic. However, if you have a hamster that chews on everything, hot glue may not be safe for them as it can cause blockages when consumed.
Now that you know hot glue is safe for your hamster, continue reading to learn more about what happens if your hamster eats hot glue and why hot glue is safe. We will also detail what other kinds of glue you can use if you don't have any hot glue.
Is Hot Glue Safe For Hamsters?
The safety of hot glue is debated among pet owners and veterinarians. The glue itself is usually non-toxic and fume-free. Many pet owners prefer to use hot glue when building toys for their pets or repairing the cage because it is stronger than other glues.
When shopping for hot glue, get one that is non-toxic. To ensure it is non-toxic, choose an adhesive that is child-safe. If you need ideas, you can check out this Arteza glue gun. Arteza makes its products out of non-toxic materials.
Click here to check out this product on Amazon.
However, it is essential to keep in mind that hot glue is plastic-based and can cause health problems for your pet if consumed. If you choose to use hot glue around your pet, make sure they won't be able to eat it. Make sure you use the smallest amount possible and that you keep it covered up.
What Happens If A Hamster Eats Glue?
If a hamster eats water-based glues, it will dissolve in their stomachs, and they will be fine. However, if they eat a large amount of plastic-based glue, like hot glue, it can potentially cause a blockage in their stomach.
If they get a blockage, they can die pretty quickly. This is why it is incredibly crucial your hamster doesn't have access to the glue. Do not use plastic-based glue if you cannot ensure the hamster won't eat the glue.
What Do I Do If My Hamster Ate Glue?
If you notice that your hamster is ingesting the glue, immediately remove the glue. Watch for signs of constipation, such as abdominal pain and struggling to poop. Then take him to a small animal veterinarian as quickly as you can.
What Glue Is Safe For Hamsters?
If you are hesitant to use it near your hamster after reading about how hot glue can affect your pet when consumed, don't worry. Many other types of adhesives are pet-safe.
Some examples are white glue, like Elmer's glue, and other non-toxic glues like Eco Bond. If the glue is safe for children and other pets, it is likely safe for your hamster.
Is PVA Glue OK For Hamsters?
PVA glue is made of polyvinyl acetate. It is non-toxic and, therefore, safe for your hamster. PVA glue is a better option than hot glue because it will dissolve if eaten.
Of course, if you notice your pet is eating glue, immediately remove it from their cage. If ingested, it can cause an upset tummy. However, it is less likely than hot glue to cause a blockage because it is water-soluble.
What Glues Are Not Safe For Hamsters?
There are some types of glues that you should never use near your hamster in their habitat. These glues are super glue, epoxy glue, and gorilla glue.
All three of these glues can cause digestive distress. Gorilla glue is made of polyurethane, which is known for expanding and hardening in the stomach once eaten. It sets in the stomach and causes blockages and pain. The only way to fix it is to do surgery to remove it.
Super glue can cause vomiting and seal up a pet's throat if eaten. It can also cause blindness and eye irritation if it gets into the eyes.
Hamsters have sensitive skin and can experience allergic reactions when they come into contact with epoxy glue. Epoxy glue is made with diglycidyl ethers, which might cause cancer. For this reason, you shouldn't use it around your hamster. However, it may be safe after it dries.
Is Acrylic Glue Safe For Hamsters?
Acrylic glue is most likely not safe for your hamster. It contains various chemicals like methyl methacrylate and cyanoacrylate, which can irritate the skin.
If you decide to use the glue around your pet, the fumes can have some very uncomfortable effects, not just on your pet but on you as well. These effects may be headaches, loss of appetite, and a dramatic drop in blood pressure.
How To Make Hamster-Safe Glue
If you want to be even safer, you can make your own glue that is safe to use around all your pets, not just your hamster. To make it, all you need is flour and water. Keep in mind that flour glue isn't very powerful.
To make a weaker glue, you will mix one teaspoon of flour with two teaspoons of water. You will want to use more flour than water for stronger glue and then heat it in a pan until it boils and use it while it is still hot.
With both types of glue, you will want to mix the flour and water thoroughly to avoid lumps. The stronger glue will be thicker. If your hamster eats this glue, there will be no problems!
This video explains how to make edible glue and pet-safe food colorings.
How To Make Hamster Toys Without Glue
If, after reading this, you feel less than confident about using glue to make your pet's toys, there are many toys you can make out of everyday household items.
Cardboard
Some of the easiest toys don't need to be made. All you do is take an empty toilet paper, paper towel, or duct tape tube and give it to your pet. You can also take a cardboard box and cut holes to allow your pet to play in it.
You can take PVC pipes, sand them down so they don't have sharp edges, and connect different cardboard boxes to make a maze for added fun.
Paper
Another option is a paper mache house. All it takes to make is paper, water, and a container that will be the shape of your home. Ensure the paper is non-toxic and doesn't have any ink on it, as ink can harm your pet.
First, cut your paper into strips. Then, you are going to want to wet the container you are using and layer the strips of paper onto it until it looks what you want it to look like. Let it dry overnight, remove the paper from the container very carefully, and then let your hamster explore.
You can also take brown paper bags, cut holes in them, and stuff them with bedding. For extra fun, hide some treats in the bedding for your pet to find!
Flower Pot
If you have an extra flower pot lying around, you can easily turn it into a cute hamster house. Use a hand saw to cut an opening for your pet to enter the house. Sand any rough edges that may injure your pet.
Finally, flip the pot upside down and show it to your pet.
Non-Glue Alternatives To Avoid
When making toys for your pet that doesn't involve glue, you do not want to use things like tape, nails, or staples. Tape can be a choking hazard, and it is not easily digestible by the hamster.
Do not use nails to make things for your hamster unless you can ensure they are well-covered. Exposed nails or staples can cause deep scratches or even eye injuries.
Nails and staples pose such a threat that you should regularly inspect even store-bought toys to ensure they are not exposed. If you ever see an exposed nail or staple, the toy should be removed immediately.
Final Thoughts
![Djungarian hamster [Phodopus sungorus]](https://hamsters101.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Djungarian-hamster-Phodopus-sungorus.jpg)
In this article, we discussed that hot glue is safe for hamsters as long as you ensure they do not eat it. We also covered what other types of adhesives are or are not safe to use around your furry friend. On top of that, we also discussed how you can use flour and water to make edible glue.
We hope you found this article informative. Please check out the links below to explore more on this blog if you enjoyed this article.
