Hamsters are small, round, non-human animals. They are sometimes referred to as a gerbil or a kohr paseo because of their resemblance to a carousel horse. Hamsters are typically gray with black or white markings.
Hamster health problems include digestive issues, chronic health issues, and odd behaviors. Certain hamster conditions are more common than others, making it easier to notice changes in your pet.
We will be taking a look at some of the more common hamster health problems here in this article. If you notice your hamster is having any of these issues, you may be able to treat them on your own but it may be more helpful to seek professional help for certain things.
General health issues can sometimes make it hard for a hamster to feel comfortable enough to express themselves through normal behaviors like rolling around or chewing on things.
Panic attacks
Hamsters can suffer from a condition called hamster panic attack. This happens when a hamster is suddenly scared or agitated.
A panic attack happens when an affected hamster is unable to cope and breaks out in tears. This causes him to suffer from stress and anxiety, which in turn can cause other hamsters to be nervous.
How Does It Happen?
Hamsters are social animals. That is why they live in groups and get along with each other. Like cats, they like to feel special so they create relationships with people who let them see the world and enjoy being under the doctor’s supervision.
When you take your hamster for a exam, it usually fine without any problems. But, after a time has passed, another Hamster may come into the room with problems. Maybe even a child because this person was taken into the hospital for treatment!
If you notice any of these signs for your Hamster, get them fast unto medical care.
Burr holes
Burr holes are small spaces between the hamster’s legs. They are typically about 1 to 2 inches in diameter and can be healed with proper sanitization.
Burr holes can occur as a result of many things. Some of these include:
Trauma to the animal
External forces such as shoes or cagesprings
Infectious agents or pathogens such as viruses or bacteria
The spaces can also grow back over time, making it look like the hamster has no legs. This is not a normal looking leg loss hamster may experience.
Bullet point: Deformed legs syndrome (DLS) is another health problem that affects more than one percent of all hamsters.
Tooth issues
Hamsters have four main teeth that come in regular, special, sharp, and pointed. They can be difficult to care for because they can get stuck in their sockets.
When a hamster loses a tooth, it can hurt quite a bit. It can take several tries to get a good hold on the next tooth to place in the socket. Hamsters also are known for constantly trying to pull off new teeth as they grow.
Tooth problems can be tricky to deal with. Some ways to fix them is to use strong glue or tape on the new tooth and keep working at removing the old one until it comes out. Alternatively, you can use some strong dental plaque remover which is less likely to damage the surrounding teeth or gums.
Specialized medicine may be needed if a hamster has something more serious than just a missing tooth.
Infections
Infection is a common health problem for hamsters. This occurs when a hamster gets an infection.
Infection can be internal or external. Internal infections occur in the animal’s mouth, eyes, or outside of its body.
External infections occur on their body. Most times, this happens on their tails. These occur when something enters their system and not only stays forever, but is harmful.
Common internal infection locations are in the nose, rectum, and surrounding areas. These include the stomach, intestines, and bladder. The same goes for external infections- most times it happens on their tails.
Bullet point: When to Replace a Hamster? Re-evaluate your hamster every six months to one year to ensure he or she is healthy.
Heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in hamsters. This is most likely due to his high fat, saturated fat and cholesterol levels.
Hamsters are not recommended for people with heart disease as they are very healthy and can easily make themselves more vulnerable to illness.
Because they are fussy about their food, it is easier to spot health problems. If your hamster is refusing food or has other symptoms, contact a pet doctor immediately.
Drains are a crucial part of keeping your hamster healthy. You can buy special ones that filter water and prevent overflows, but without regular cleanings, these become ineffective. Keeping a waterer and cleaning supplies on hand will help prevent loses and wastefulness.
Behavioral issues
Sometimes hamsters will have behavioral issues. These could be issues such as being standoffish or refusing to enter a cage, or even being aggressive.
Suspect hamster of death when this happens is not true withdrawal, it is a change in behavior that may indicate escape. Surrendering your cage is a way to fix this issue.
If you have a stubborn hamster, you must be patient. It takes time to work with them and they with you. But in the end, they both deserve good health and happiness!
If possible, get your hamster at another facility to avoid the chance of them being subjected to changes in climate or conditions. It’s also important to know what behavior problems your pet has if it has any.
Sadness
Sadness is a very common health problem for hamsters. It can come in many forms, but always involves a feeling of sadness. This can be a short period of time or it can last for days, weeks, or even months.
Sadness is not a disease itself, but something that makes your hamster sad. This makes it more difficult for them to maintain their health and function.
The best way to treat sadness in your hamster is with cheerfulness. You can give him an apple every day to eat, let him get out of his cage every day, and let him get comfortable if he is cold. All of these things help maintain a healthy feel-good response in your hamster.
Common Health Problems in Hamsters tip: Keeping your hamster comfortable is another important function of health treatment. If you need to release the hamster from his cage to allow them some space to adjust or respond, do it safely and quickly.
Diabetes
Diabete is the leading health problem in hamsters. This disease can be extremely difficult to monitor. Diabete hamsters cannot process either glucose or fat in their blood sugar level. This makes it very hard to tell if a hamster is suffering from diabetes, Obesity, or overfeeding.
Common reasons for overweight in hamsters are due to overfeeding and/or too much glucose/fats in their diet. Overly high calorie diets can lead to weight gain.
The recommended amount of calories for an adult hamster is around 1–1.5 grams per day. Anything more than that can lead to obesity and diabetes! Luckily, Diabeteshamster does not seem to suffer from this issue, which is why we bring it up here!
An exam might show some signs of diabetes, but not until it is too late.
Known for her engaging storytelling and insightful articles,John's hamster blog has become a go-to resource for hamster lovers everywhere. Her ability to blend knowledge, creativity, and a touch of humor has earned her a loyal following of readers who eagerly anticipate her next post.
John's love for hamsters began in her childhood when she received her first pet hamster, Whiskers. Ever since that fateful day, her fascination with these tiny furballs has grown into a full-fledged obsession. She spends countless hours researching, experimenting, and observing hamster behavior to ensure that her writing is always backed by solid knowledge and firsthand experiences.
Through her blog,John strives to educate fellow hamster owners on the importance of providing proper care and a nurturing environment for these small creatures. She covers a wide range of topics, from choosing the right hamster species and setting up the perfect habitat to nutrition, health, and behavior training. Her tips and tricks are practical and easy to follow, ensuring that every hamster owner can give their pet the love and care it deserves.
John's writing not only caters to hamster enthusiasts but also serves as a valuable resource for those considering bringing a hamster into their lives. Her articles provide an in-depth understanding of the responsibilities and Joys of hamster ownership, helping prospective owners make informed decisions.
WhenJohn isn't busy writing or tending to her furry companions, she can often be found volunteering at local animal shelters and hamster rescue organizations. She firmly believes in the power of community and hopes to make a positive impact on the lives of as many hamsters as possible.
John's dedication to the well-being of hamsters and her ability to communicate her knowledge with passion and clarity have made her a respected authority in the hamster community. Her blog continues to inspire and educate, creating a stronger bond between humans and their adorable hamster friends.
FollowJohn on her hamster blog to embark on an exciting Journey into the world of hamsters, where love, care, and happiness come together to create unforgettable experiences.
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