{"id":255,"date":"2021-01-12T05:37:35","date_gmt":"2021-01-12T05:37:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hamsterpros.com\/?p=255"},"modified":"2021-02-07T01:38:40","modified_gmt":"2021-02-07T01:38:40","slug":"how-to-tell-if-my-hamster-is-sick","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hamsterpros.com\/how-to-tell-if-my-hamster-is-sick\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Tell if my Hamster is Sick"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Knowing the types of ailments your hamster might experience is an important part of being a good pet owner. If you can recognize the signs that something isn\u2019t quite right, you\u2019ll have the tools to take better care of your furry friend so it can live a full, enjoyable life<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This article will go over the typical signs of sickness, the most common hamster illnesses, how to take care of a sick hamster and how to prevent illness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contents<\/p> Hamsters often show these tell-tale symptoms <\/strong>when they are sick or injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you notice these signs, consult a veterinarian<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most prevalent illnesses in hamsters affect their respiratory systems, digestive systems and skin. <\/strong>Let\u2019s take a look at some details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The same germs that get humans sick can also cause illness in hamsters.<\/strong> Drastic temperature changes, wind drafts and especially dry air may weaken a hamster\u2019s immune system and make it more susceptible to illness. Cedar and pine bedding are also known to irritate a hamster\u2019s lungs, which may lead to infection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms of respiratory infection include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your hamster has a cold, discontinue handling your hamster any more than what is necessary. Disinfect its entire cage, dishes and water bottle and change its bedding. Then, take it to the vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wet tail<\/a> is a serious and highly contagious condition<\/strong> most commonly seen in hamsters recently weaned from their mothers and in new hamsters recently brought home. It is associated with stress, crowding, dietary conditions, exposure to extreme temperatures and unsanitary living conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms of wet tail include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wet tail is known to kill hamsters within a week. If you suspect your hammy has wet tail, we recommend an urgent visit to the veterinarian.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most commonly caused by eating too much fresh fruits and vegetables, diarrhea in hamsters is another condition that you should take seriously.<\/strong> It can be very harmful and even deadly to small animals like hamsters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your hamster has diarrhea:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all hamsters experiencing diarrhea have wet tail, but monitor your pet closely. If diarrhea doesn\u2019t clear up within a day or two, or it\u2019s combined with other symptoms, contact your veterinarian.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When a hamster isn\u2019t hydrated enough, pellets may swell in its intestines and plug things up. If your hamster is experiencing constipation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most common cause of constipation is dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a lot of causes for skin diseases, including but not limited to mites<\/a>, ringworm (not actually a worm, but a fungal infection), skin infections, lice, fleas or irritation from cedar cage bedding (which should be avoided with hamsters).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your hamster may have an unwelcome guest on its skin if you notice these symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your veterinarian may prescribe a medicated bath for your hammy if it has a skin disease. Make sure you sterilize all cage equipment, provide fresh bedding and practice excellent hygiene around your hamster.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Abscesses are localized infections that form a lump or bubble underneath the skin. They\u2019re often caused by minor scratches or cuts that become infected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, abscesses occur in hamsters\u2019 cheek pouches after they try to tuck away a sharp-edged piece of food for later. If your hamster constantly looks like they have food stowed away in their cheeks, they may have an abscess.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A veterinarian will be able to drain your hammy\u2019s abscess and prescribe it a safe and healthy dose of antibiotics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many ways to help a sick hamster get better at home. However, any home treatments should only be done in conjunction with veterinary recommendations.<\/strong> Never self-prescribe medications or other treatments for your hamster. It\u2019s always best to take your hamster to the vet if it\u2019s sick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medications that are safe and effective for humans, like penicillin and amoxicillin (among many others) are lethal to hamsters.<\/strong> Never give your antibiotics without consulting a veterinarian. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If your hamster has fleas, it can be tempting to simply purchase a flea powder online. There are seemingly an infinite number of them out there!<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, beware! Many flea powders are created with large pets like cats and dogs in mind. Some flea powders contain ingredients that can hurt small animals.<\/strong> Consult a veterinarian for the best recommendations on how to treat your hamster for fleas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In medicine, the best remedy is prevention! Your hamster will benefit from these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Giving your hamster a hygienic, safe and low-stress lifestyle is by far the best way to avoid sickness.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Knowing the types of ailments your hamster might experience is an important part of being a good pet owner. If you can recognize the signs that something isn\u2019t quite right, you\u2019ll have the tools to take better care of your … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":285,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[5,2],"tags":[72],"yoast_head":"\nTypical Signs of Illness in Hamsters<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common Hamster Illnesses<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Colds and Respiratory Infections<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wet Tail<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diarrhea<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Constipation<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Skin Diseases<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Abscesses<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Beware Of Home Remedies<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can I Give My Hamster Antibiotics?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can I Give My Hamster Flea Powder?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Preventing Illness in Hamsters<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n