Hamsters are just like other animals, may occasionally become sick. Hamsters are fairly active creatures so it is quite difficult to notice the unusual behavior showing that there’s something wrong with their health.
But, don’t worry, these common symptoms that tell your hamster is sick will help you notice it faster. Hamsters are also so small that even small injuries or illnesses, everything can be serious very quickly.
Due to the small size and how fragile hamsters are, as a hamster parent, you should be aware of the common signs of illnesses or injury on your hamsters so you can cure them as soon as possible.
By knowing the signs of illnesses and some common diseases happening to hamster, you can also save your hamster’s life before it is too late. Here they are, the 7 most common diseases in hamsters.
- Cold
A cold is the most common disease experienced by hamsters. You can easily notice a cold in your hamster by the lack of your hamster’s activity and ears held back against the head.
You will also notice swollen nose too as the fur is ruffled from wiping a nasal discharge. When the cold is getting more serious, your hamster will appear thinner, the fur loses its luster, sneezing and sniffling can also be heard.
To overcome this illness, you can disinfect the cage to clear up the viruses. Clean and disinfect all the watering and feeding dishes as well. Provide the clean, fresh and dry bedding and keep the cage free from drafts.
You can also serve plenty of wholesome food along with cod liver oil. Avoid handling your hamster while you have a cold too. Some hamster diseases can be treated by home remedies. Get to know it further by reading simple home remedies to treat a sick hamster.
- Wet Tail
Wet tail is a highly contagious disease caused by bacteria. This disease may cause severe diarrhea in hamsters and lead to fatal. One of the factors causing wet tail is stress. Stress can occur during the first few days or weeks in a new home and it mostly attacks young hamsters.
Sudden change in diet, habitat overcrowding, extreme temperature and unsanitary living environment can also trigger wet tail to develop in hamsters. Once you notice the chance of your hamster getting this disease, immediately bring it to the vet.
- Constipation
Constipation can also be indicated by wet tail. It happens in both old and young hamsters. The common cause of this disease is the ratio of pellets and water when they are eating.
Most cases happen to the young, as they tend to consume pellets which swell up in their intestine because they don’t get enough moisture from the water.
In adults, the same cause also happens to them. That’s why it is very important to always keep clean fresh water available. You can also provide other vegetables, such as carrots, carrot tops and other leafy vegetables and fruits.
- Diarrhea
Another disease hamster can experience is diarrhea. Diarrhea is the result of overfeeding of vegetables and fruits or contaminated food. If diarrhea happens, try to stop feeding your hamster fruits and vegetables for one or two days. If the condition does not get better, consult with your vet.
One of the causes of diarrhea in hamster is salmonellosis, make sure you know the ways to prevent hamsters from contracting salmonellosis.
- Skin Diseases
Hamsters are also possible to be exposed by some skin diseases. They can be infested with a number of skin and fur mites. This condition enables them to get some skin diseases, such as ringworm, fungal infection, allergic dermatitis and other skin infections.
Hair loss may be normal and seasonal to happen, and it also possibly happens to older hamsters. However, if you notice hair loss is followed by flakiness, redness, lesions on the skin or your hamster seems to be scratching most of the time, then you should consult with your vet. Avoid using cedar bedding as it can cause skin irritation.
- Runny Eyes
Tears coming from the eyes might indicate that there’s a trouble in the cheek pouches. It may be possible caused by the soft food that get stuck back near the shoulder.
You can simply flush out the pouch by using water with the same temperature of your hamster’s body by using an eyedropper or a syringe. Only serve soft food that are eaten on the spot.
- Mange
Mange can be easily be noticed when your hamster shakes its head a lot, scratches its ears, loses its hair and has poor general appearance. If you notice these symptoms, check for any parasitic spider or insects.
Mange results in grey, warty scabs on the areas of the ears, genitals and nose. Consult with your vet once you notice these signs. Sterilize the cage and all the things inside it, and replace the bedding as well. Make sure to wash your hands after handling the animal.
Mange can also be experienced by cattle, read more about the organic treatment of mange in cattle.
Get to know more about hamsters by reading kinds of vegetables that can be eaten by hamsters.