Hamsters are adorable pets, yet taking care of them is as not easy as it seems to be. Due to their small size, it is very important for owners to take extra care for them. They tend to be healthy, but just like other animals, they can also get sick. If you’re a beginner to pet hamsters, then you can read these hamster breeds to pet.
One of the illnesses hamsters may get is diarrhea. A healthy hamster’s feces or stool will be small, firm, dark colored pellets. If a hamster suffers from diarrhea, then it won’t be totally different.
The stool will be paler in color, softer and watery. If it is left untreated, you will find out other symptoms, such as weight loss, anorexia, lethargy and it might lead to death. Also be aware of these common diseases in hamsters.
There are some causes of diarrhea. The first cause is dietary change. The sudden change in diet and eating may lead a hamster to suffer from diarrhea. For instance, excessive feeding of fresh fruits and vegetables that are high in water, such as cucumber, tomato, lettuce and others.
Fresh vegetables are great sources of food for hamsters, but keep in mind that they should be given in small quantities along with the dry mix. Another cause of diarrhea in hamster is disease or infection.
Influenza and salmonella are the common diseases attacking hamsters and have diarrhea as the result. Human’s flu virus is also able to attack hamsters.
If your hamster has wet tail, then it will likely tell you
that yours has diarrhea. Just like the name, the hamster’s tail will be wet and
covered with feces and accompanied by bad smell.
If your hamster is suffering from diarrhea, then you will be wondering how you can treat it. Here they are the ways on how to treat diarrhea in hamsters. Basically, the treatment of diarrhea in hamsters depends on the symptoms and causes.
If the only symptom your hamster experiences is diarrhea, then the root cause may be dietary. It is caused by overfeeding of vegetables and fruits containing a lot of water. If this is the case, just feed your hamster dry food.
Withhold the fresh fruit and vegetables for a while. Instead of feeding your hamster too much fresh vegetables, you can give your hamster some pellets. Hamster pellets are very nutritious for hamsters, so it is good for your hamsters.
Are you still confused what to give to your hamsters? Then, take a look at these affordable yet nutritious food you can give to your pet hamster. They are healthy and affordable! You can also find the the most brilliant idea to serve the healthiest hamster food.
- Fresh Water Should Always be Available
Just like people, when a hamster suffers from diarrhea, it will be dehydrated. So, it is very important to keep it well hydrated. The way is by providing plenty of fresh and cool water to drink so it can rehydrate itself.
If you see your hamster is not drinking the water, you can give it by hand. You can fill a small eye dropper with cool water. Then, hold your hamster and put the eyedropper in the corner of its mouth.
Squeeze a few drops of water at a time into your hamster’s mouth. You’d also better to consult with your vet about the proper way of giving water by hand.
- Raspberry Bush Leaves or Arrowroot
Raspberry bush leaves and arrowroot are able to help a
hamster recovering from diarrhea. You can consult with your vet to make sure
about this before feeding them to your hamster. Your vet will tell you how much
of these items should be given to treat diarrhea.
While you’re treating diarrhea in hamsters, you need to make sure that the cage is in a warm temperature. The normal room temperature is around 72 degrees Fahrenheit, so you can keep it around the range of 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
You can also put a heating pad under the cage. Never use a human heating pad as the human heating pad automatically shuts off and it can leave your hamster feeling cold. You can purchase a heating pad specially made for pets in the nearest pet shops.
- Keep Your Hamster Cage Clean
The most important thing while treating a sick hamster is to
keep its cage clean. A dirty cage can build up bacteria and other harmful
organisms. As a result, your hamster might get worsened. You can do the
following cleaning suggestions:
- Clean the food bowl and water bottle every day with hot soap and water. Then, refill the food and water.
- Change the bedding each week. Leave the small section of the old bedding so your hamster still recognizes the scent on the bedding.
- Remove everything from the cage and disinfect it along with the plastic toys.
Also, follow the ways on how to clean your hamster cage easily. These ways are easy and practical to do.