A hamster is a typified small hamster. They are typically between 4-6 inches in length and can weigh up to 15 pounds. Because of their size, it is important to know how to take care of a hamster.
Hamsters are curious and intelligent animals. This makes taking care of one important part in their health and well-being. When not given enough attention, these intelligent animals can become stressed and/or self-conscious.
This is why it is important to know how to take care of a hamster in the case of an injury or surgery. A doctor’s supervision is necessary after a surgery or when an injury occurs.
This article will talk about ways to help you take care of your hamster if it has an injury or during summer time when the weather is hot.
Next, call your veterinarian
If you can identify your hamster as soon as you bring her in, she may be more likely to respond to treatment.
If your hamster does not respond to treatment or if it is a recurrent issue, then your veterinarian can perform a necropsy (post-mortem examination) to determine what caused the health issue.
A veterinarian can often recommend a specific treatment for hamsters, though he or she may not show you at first. This goes for medicine, food, and care. A good vet will let you know when something is wrong and take care of it!
Either way, the vet will likely ask that you keep an eye out for any changes in behavior and take any signs of death seriously.
Know what types of injuries hamsters can get
The most common type of injury a hamster can get is a cut or broken skin. This includes cuts and breaks to hands, feet, tails, and bodies.
Surprisingly, some types of injury are more painful than others. For example, cuts that are close to the bone or ones that extend up or down the hamster’s body are more painful than ones that are protected by fur.
As mentioned before, hands and feet are two of the most common injuries a hamster can get. Because of this, there is something you can do for him right away.
{{|text_background=color:#DDCCCC|text_text= He may have a scratched hand or foot? No need to send him to the vet right away! There are many first aid measures you can use.
Know how to handle a hamster for first aid
Hamsters are great for some things! For example, hamster balls are like NASA space suits, and you can use one as a template for how to put one on.
The rest of the time, hamster first aid is pretty basic. You can take off a leg if it gets caught in something, but otherwise, it is just bandages, cold water, and soft bedding.
Like any small animal, it is important to know what signs of distress it can show. If you see him get agitated or start to struggle, then he needs help!
A minor injury can be bandaged or healed quickly with cold therapy and/or lying down. Over-the-counter antihistamines may help if your hamster is sensitive to them.
Know how to identify broken bones
Having the knowledge how to identify a broken bone in an animal is very important. Most vet schools will have a Hamster First Aid course, but even with this knowledge your pet can still be painful if something is not done.
Unfortunately, not all bones are easy to tell the difference between. Some ligaments and muscles can be seen as thin or transparent. This makes it hard to know what part of the bone is broken!
Still, there are some ways to tell if a bone is broken. The most noticeable sign is a reduced activity level. An injured hamster may look very lethargic or immovable.
Another sign is increased hunger or food consumption. This may be attributed to loss of the breakage and/or difficulty in maintaining weight gain.
Know how to identify internal injuries
Even if you can’t tell the difference between an internal injury and a cut or scrape, you might be able to stop another animal from suffering.
Many injuries are obvious. The pain is clear, the animal is dehydrated, and there is bleeding. If you can prevent further damage or help your pet feel more comfortable, you may decide to take care of it yourself.
Other injuries are harder to spot. A sick hamster may look fine on the outside, but be careful! An injured hamster may look fine for a few days, but eventually it will start to suffer pain and die unless help is sought.
If you can identify an internal injury or detect any changes in a hamster that has had an injury, try to take them to a vet as soon as possible to treat them properly.
Know how to provide emergency care for a hamster until help arrives
While most of us would rather have a little time to take care of our hamsters, there are some steps you should know to take immediately. hamster first aid guide such as band-aids and saline solution are a must have.
Hamsters are very curious and will explore anything they see. Therefore, if you leave your hamster alone, it may try to get medicine or food from the room or cage.
Known as “alarm mice”, these little creatures can be found scurrying around the mouseholes at house construction sites or anywhere else debris is plentiful. They are very good at finding refuge in case of an alarm system problem.
If your hamster becomes sick, he or she may try to get medicine or food from the wrong source.
Use warm water to clean the wound
While waiting for medical help or even during that wait, you can try cleaning the wound yourself. There are many different animal first aid kits that include a warm water rinse product to clean away debris and germs.
Just make sure the kit you get has the proper tools to handle your needs! Many times, kits do not include a needle or thread to clean with the water.
Needle and thread are easy to find, so just get those! You can also use baking soda and water, although some animals might prefer something more aggressive like tea tree oil.
Baking soda and tea tree oil may seem harsh, but these products can cause pain if reached by an animal with a wound. We recommend using only what you need because some animals might require more of one thing versus the other.
Apply pressure to stop the bleeding
As soon as you see blood, apply some pressure to prevent more from coming out. You can do this by putting a hand over the top of a hamster or child’s cage, or by placing an objects such as a dish, kitchen utensil, or toy in the hamster’s reach.
Do not put any pressure on an open wound that is not bleeding heavily. If the hamster has a large wound, it may take several attempts to apply enough pressure to stop the bleeding.
Hamsters are calculated creatures, so even with all these precautions, some blood will still be lost. The best way to avoid too much dry skin and damage to the animal is to always keep an emergency first aid kit nearby.
Bullet point: Use soap and water to clean the face and body
Even though hamsters are omnivores, they do not eat meat. Thus, when handling one that has eaten plants or things like carrots or scampi trousers you should wash your hands and face before doing so.
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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