Hamster mites are small, white or yellowish-white creatures that can live in a hamster’s hair. They are typically found on large, older hamsters.
They were first observed in the late 1980s, when they were found in the intestines of a hamster. However, today they are commonly seen in younger and smaller hamsters. This is due to socialization as well as health concerns.
Hamster mites are not dangerous to your pet, but they can be frustrating to get rid of. There are several ways to get rid of them, including medication and/or heat treatment, decloaking the animal, and/or using a HAMSTER MATRIX product such as Hamster Matrix Hammer & Anvil or Hamster Matrix Scissors & Butcher.
Wash hamster gently
Most hamsters get mites when they are a few weeks old. The mites hatch out and then leave to forage in the hamster’s hair.
You can prevent this by being careful with their housing at birth. Make sure they are not crowded into their own hamster box at birth. If you feel like this is necessary, get a good one that has been well taken care of.
Washing your hamster at around five to seven days old should help reduce the chance of them getting mites. Keep an eye out for any red marks or irritated areas on your hamster as these may be proof that they were being passed through the wall of the cage in attempts to hide from them.
If you feel like this is necessary, try a diluted washing solution to see if it helps reduce risk of infection.
Remove mites with a comb
A comb is your best friend when it comes to removing mites from a hamster. There are many brands of combs, but most are shaped like a bar of soap or pencil lead. You can either rummage through your pet’s cage and find one or you can buy one at the pet store.
You can either leave it alone and let it work itself or you can use one! Theories say that when the mite finds a human hair, it sticks itself to the hair and eventually dies. Either way, you get rid of it!
The only problem is that eventually your hamster will get lost in its cage and find its way out by accident. Then, there goes your bedtime story plan, because you have to keep letting it out to go outside!
So, make sure to always keep a safe escape route in case of emergency.
Treat your hamster for mites
Once you notice signs of hamster mite infestation, it is time to treat your hamster for them. Fortunately, this problem is easy to get rid of.
You must first know how to spot a hamster mite. They are small, white creatures that look like a hairball. They can be seen as an egg case with a cap on it.
When it hatches, it looks like a tiny olive-colored ball with no pattern or lines. The new baby mites look like tiny olive-brown hairs with a cap on them.
It takes about six weeks for the mites to develop and pass away so they can settle into their hamster’s body.
Use a spray to kill the mites
To get rid of hamster mite infestation, you need to use a product that covers all areas of the hamster’s body. This will prevent the mites from finding a place to live.
Airtight housing is also important as hamsters can encounter openings in the packaging and they must stay dry. If your hamster has mites, it is important to treat him regularly to prevent him from going into another mode of protection–hiding and/or scurrying away when it is time for treatment.
Some products contain boric acid, which dehydrates the hamster. If possible, try using something with less boric acid to see if that helps with getting rid of the mites.
Wash all your hamster belongings
If you have a pair of hamster mites, you should wash all your hamster things thoroughly to get rid of them. You can do this by washing them in a bowlful of warm water and then checking them for mites after drying.
It is also important to check your air filtration system and ensure it is working. A working system should allow you to hear water flowing, so check that it does!
Check all your decorations for holes and missing pieces. If you find any have been missed out, make sure they are covered with tape or something else so they do not get wet.
Keep your hamster in a clean environment
Hamsters need to be kept in a clean environment. This includes a hamster hamster home, a place to socialize and play, and lots of fresh food.
It is important to give your hamster enough food and to keep the environment healthy for your pet. You can purchase premade foods or make your own with fruits, vegetables, and/or meats.
The environments they live in can be very variable. Your hamster will have to find its home!
Some people keep their mites as pets because they like the look of the mites on their pets. Others choose this lifestyle option for ethical reasons.
Talk to your doctor about meds for your hamster
Medications can have side effects, and your hamster may not be comfortable with some of them. Some of these can be dangerous for your hamster.
Medication-taking dogs are federally registered with a dog medication program called APRI (American Phtional Register of Prescription Animals). This means they must be monitored and given a medication if it is needed.
This is important, as too much or wrong medication can be dangerous. A dog without an appropriate response to the mite treatment could get overdocu– mentalized or overdose, which can lead to death or severe long-term health issues.
As mentioned before, treating an infected hamster with ivermectin is the best approach for getting rid of mites. However, this drug has some side effects that make it not always recommendable for all pets. Make sure to discuss any concerns with your vet before using it.
Use prescription meds on your hamster
While there are no guarantees that hamsters will not get hamster mites, there are ways to prevent them from being introduced to your animal. These include using a topical meds for your hamster, keeping a close eye on her surroundings, and checking her cage often.
Meds can be expensive, so making sure she gets a balanced diet and appropriate water intake is the most cost-effective way to keep her healthy.
Checking her cage every few days is also important to take care of any debris that may have entered its habitat. If you notice any changes in your hamster, such as losing hair or eating less or more, take it to the vet immediately!
At the vet, the best course of action is either to give the meds or not- they can’t just assume they know what has been prescribed for animals before! The only way to determine if Hamsters are affected by medications is by taking their blood work and seeing if anything is up.
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.
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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.
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