Veterinary care is an important consideration for any pet owner. Any animal will need health checkups and occasional treatment throughout its life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hamsters are said to be a cheaper pet option. Compared to many other pets, it\u2019s true — they aren\u2019t that expensive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, veterinary care for your hamster does still cost something, so you still need to set aside a budget for its health and wellbeing.<\/strong> Below, we\u2019ll cover the average health expenses for your pet hammy, a few illnesses and treatments you may encounter, and how to best plan for necessary veterinary care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contents<\/p> When you first purchase a new pet hamster, it\u2019s important to take it to its first annual checkup within one week. <\/strong>The sooner the better — if the seller (like the pet store) has a health guarantee, they often require owners to get their hamster checked within 48 hours of purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep your new pet isolated from any other hamsters<\/strong> until a vet says it\u2019s healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your hamster is healthy, expect the appointment to cost between $35 and $100.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your hamster needs treatments, additional costs may apply for extra tests or medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike other pets like cats and dogs, hamsters don\u2019t require any vaccinations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n They also don\u2019t need to be neutered.<\/strong> Neutering can be done, but it\u2019s a complex process for small animals like hamsters. It\u2019s easier to keep the sexes in separate cages than to spay or neuter your hamsters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your vet will check for common illnesses<\/strong> like respiratory diseases, diarrheal diseases like wet tail<\/a> and teeth<\/a> or skin problems. They\u2019ll also test a fecal sample for parasites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Urgent care is often more expensive than an appointment made in advance. Expect an emergency visit to cost around $100 or more.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional charges could occur if your hamster needs extra tests or treatments.<\/strong> A vet will always discuss options with you before moving forward with any treatment plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medications can cost as little as $10,<\/strong> and supplementary treatments are sometimes less.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exact prices will vary depending on individual treatment, brand and other factors, but this is a good overall indication of cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wet tail is a contagious disease in hamsters<\/strong> that causes excessive diarrhea, resulting in dangerous dehydration. It is most common in recently weaned hamsters between 3 and 6 weeks old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wet tail treatment could cost between $100 and $200,<\/strong> perhaps more in severe cases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wet tail requires an emergency vet appointment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Most likely, your hamster will be prescribed antibiotics.<\/strong> Depending on its level of dehydration and inactivity, your vet may also recommend subcutaneous fluids and recovery foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should expect to pay right around $20 for a trimming appointment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Not all hamsters require manual trimming. <\/strong>Hamsters can often self-manage the length of their teeth and nails by chewing, gnawing and scratching on their toys and enrichment items in their cage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, hamsters that are ill or elderly may need their nails or teeth trimmed.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your hamster\u2019s nails start to curl toward their paws, <\/strong>this is a good sign they\u2019re in need of a trim. Similarly, if your hamster\u2019s front teeth (incisors) begin to curve<\/strong> and stick out between its lips, they\u2019re too long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Teeth that are too long are especially dangerous, <\/strong>because they may grow into the roof of your hamster\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Annually, expect to spend between $35 and $250 on veterinary care for your hamster.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Over your hamster\u2019s lifetime, you should expect to spend between $200 and $900<\/strong> on your hamster\u2019s health. Hamsters live between 1 and 3 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following table summarizes what we\u2019ve learned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since veterinary care for hamsters is low compared to most other pets, you\u2019re much better off saving money aside for possible expenses.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Every hamster needs:<\/p>\n\n\n\nYour Hamster\u2019s First Vet Appointment<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Much Does an Annual Checkup Cost?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Expect at Your Hamster\u2019s First Annual Checkup<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Much Does an Emergency Vet Visit Cost?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Much Does Medication Cost for Hamsters?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Much Does it Cost to Treat Wet Tail?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What to Expect When Treating Wet Tail<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How Much Does it Cost to Trim My Hamster\u2019s Teeth and Nails?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Average Veterinary Costs for Hamsters<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treatment<\/strong><\/td> Average Cost<\/strong><\/td><\/tr> Annual wellness checkup<\/td> $35 to $100<\/td><\/tr> Emergency appointment<\/td> $100 or more<\/td><\/tr> Medication<\/td> $10 or more<\/td><\/tr> Wet tail treatment (appointment plus medication)<\/td> $100 to $200 or more<\/td><\/tr> Nail or tooth trimming<\/td> Around $20<\/td><\/tr> Annual total<\/td> $35 to $250<\/td><\/tr> Lifetime total<\/td> $200 to $900<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Is It Worth Getting Pet Insurance for Hamsters?<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Preventative Hamster Care Will Reduce Your Vet Bill<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n