To give your hamster a happy and healthy life, there are many things about hamster health tips that you need to know. Here’s what to do to give them the care and attention they need.
Hamster grooming and dental care
To stay happy and healthy, your hamster will require regular grooming, especially if they have long hair. Speak to a pet care specialist if you’re unsure about grooming and want some advice.
Hamster teeth are constantly growing, and they gnaw on objects to keep them sharp and regularly worn down. You’ll need to provide your hamster with appropriate gnawing material to keep their teeth sharp and prevent them from growing too long, which causes health problems and pain.
Dental problems are common in hamsters, so keep an eye on their front teeth and ask your vet to make sure they’re growing properly. Take them to the vet if their teeth become overgrown. If one incisor is damaged, the other can continue to grow, which may eventually prevent them from eating.
Hamster health checks
Hamsters have high metabolic rates and can quickly lose condition if they are ill. They don’t show outward signs of pain, so they may be in pain before you realize it. Stressed hamsters are more likely to become ill, so keep an eye on them and look for signs of abnormal behavior, such as developing repetitive behavior, as this can indicate that something is wrong.
Many diseases can affect hamsters, and tumors are common, especially on the underside of the abdomen. Contaminated food, water, and litter material can infect them, and you should keep them away from poisonous materials such as poisonous food, plants, and chemicals. If your hamster shows signs of illness or poisoning, contact your veterinarian right away.
Remember to only give your hamster medications that have been prescribed by a veterinarian. Human or other animal medicines are toxic to hamsters, and some antibiotics can cause serious digestive problems.
Treating your hamster with kindness
Hamsters are naturally timid and dislike loud or threatening noises, so avoid startling or frightening them. Keep an eye on them at all times when they are with another animal or person who may intentionally or unintentionally harm or frighten them.
Handling can be stressful for hamsters, but they can adapt, and it is critical to check on their health and welfare on a regular basis. Handle them with care and consideration, in a confident but gentle manner, as detailed in online hamster handling guide.
What if you go away?
If you’re going on vacation, make sure you have someone responsible to look after your hamster. Keep your pet in their familiar cage with their regular food, and avoid transporting them unless absolutely necessary. If you must relocate them, please see our hamster transportation guide.
Finally, it’s a good idea to get pet insurance to cover any unexpected vet bills.
Hamster health tips
How to ensure your hamster is protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease:
- Paying close attention allows you to notice if they’re acting strangely, which indicates that something is wrong. If they show signs of illness, take them to the vet right away. Many diseases could affect them; for grooming advice, consult a pet care specialist. They can be infected by contaminated food, water, or litter.
- A hamster is kept away from poisonous materials (for example, poisonous food/plants/chemicals). If you are concerned, contact your veterinarian right away.
- Using only the medications prescribed by a veterinarian. Human and other animal medicines are toxic to hamsters. Some antibiotics taken orally can cause serious digestive problems.
- Be calm! Never startle or frighten them; they are naturally fearful. Loud/threatening noises can frighten and distress people.
- Handling with care and consideration, in a confident but gentle manner. Handling can be stressful, but it is critical to check on their health and welfare on a regular basis. Hamsters have high metabolic rates and can quickly lose condition if they become ill. Because hamsters do not show obvious signs of pain, they may be in pain before you realize it. Hamsters that are stressed are more likely to become ill.
- Keep an eye out for the development of stereotypical behavior; seek veterinary advice if they exhibit any repetitive behaviors, which can be caused by barren environments, stress, frustration, and/or a lack of mental stimulation.
- A suitable gnawing material to keep teeth sharp and prevent them from growing continuously, causing health problems/pain.
- Their front teeth should be checked on a regular basis; ask your veterinarian to do so to ensure proper growth. Take them to the vet if their teeth become overgrown. Hamster teeth are constantly growing, and they gnaw on objects to keep them sharp and regularly worn down. Dental issues are not uncommon. If one incisor is damaged, the other can continue to grow and eventually stop them from eating.
- Consistent grooming, especially if they have long hair. Tumors are common, particularly on the underside of the abdomen.
- Caring for by a responsible individual while you are away to meet their welfare needs. Keep them in their familiar cage and feed them their regular food.
- Constant supervision when in the presence of another animal/person who may intentionally/accidentally harm/frighten them.
- Transporting with care and as little stress as possible.
If you want more helpful advice on looking after your hamster, including tips on food, toys, accessories and accommodation, add a comment below to let us know!
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