5 Hamster Health Issues You Should Be Aware Of

Hamsters are now popular pets in households especially since they are easy to handle and are very active. However, like other domesticated pets hamsters also get sick and when they are ill it is critical to send them to a veterinary clinic.. It is also essential that you recognize the common hamster health issues so you will know how to deal with them.



Listed below are the 5 common health problems that hamsters usually encounter.



1.) Allergies and skin diseases

Hamsters are like humans that also suffer from skin diseases when their place is dirty and unhygienic. Skin disease may be caused by inappropriate beddings inside hamster cages like cedar or the infestation by mites and ringworms. Since they are little, hamsters are easily injured by objects around them or when they rub their body against something rough. It is important that you check your hamster from time to time to see if they got skin infection or abscesses due to bruises.



2.) Digestive Problems

The most common digestive problems faced by hamsters are diarrhea and wet tail. Digestive problems usually results from shifts in food they eat, stress and infection. Diarrhea normally happens when there is a change in the hamster’s diet like for example if you provide them a lot of veggies in a day or too much fresh foods. Also, diarrhea may occur if your hamster is undergoing treatment and taking medicines like penicillin. When your pet is suffering from diarrhea then you should consult the veterinarian or temporarily stop giving fresh foods or any food to them that may have caused diarrhea.



On the other hand, wet tail is a condition where bacteria are accumulated which causes wetness in the tail part of your pet. If you notice that your hamster is inactivity or seems sick and that your pet has poor appetite then you should right away check their tail part and bring them to the vet clinic as soon as you can. Wet tail may bring death to your hamster so make sure to send them right away to a veterinarian. Wet tail can be transferred from hamster to hamster so it is best to check the bottom of a hamster before purchasing it. You must also observe other hamsters within the pet store to see if they are not enduring from wet tail.



3.) Hair loss

Frequent rubbing by hamsters usually leads to baldness in some parts of their body. Some hamsters also get aggressive at times and might chew the fur of other hamsters causing them hair loss. Hair loss can also be a sign to an underlying illness such as adrenal tumor and kidney failure.



4.) Dental Problems

Hamsters like to chew just about anything that they can hold inside the hamster cage and it is critical for them to have something to chew so as not to make their teeth grow long. If their teeth grow long it can affect their mouth area. Find a toy or "chewer" for them to chew to avoid suffering from dental problems.



5.) Respiratory Illness

Runny nose and eyes and diabetes are the common respiratory illnesses that hamsters suffer from. Like human body, the hamster’s body needs to produce enough insulin and if this does not happen it will lead to diabetes. Diabetes among hamsters can be easily determined when your pet hamster frequently urinates and is always thirsty. It is critical to send your pet to the vet clinic for proper treatment of respiratory illnesses.



Hamsters are like humans that also get sick and should be sent immediately to the doctor for treatment. Pay attention to your pet hamster’s health and make sure to have them checked by animal experts as soon as you determine something unusual in their body and in their behavior.