When your hamster gets sick, you will need to feed him a special diet and administer medication according to your veterinarian’s recommendations. Specific ailments, like lethargy or diarrhea, may necessitate special treatments. Like many pets, sometimes when a hamster is sick, it is simply due to old age and they cannot be cured, only kept comfortable until they naturally pass.
When you notice your hamster exhibiting symptoms of illness, you should take him or her to the veterinarian as soon as possible for a diagnosis. Don’t try to search online for potential causes and solutions, don’t try to self-diagnose and administer treatment; go straight to the vet so your pet can receive the correct treatment for his or her illness.
Common symptoms indicating an illness are bloody stool and difficulty moving. Sometimes your hamster will hide his or her symptoms because they are prey animal, and in the wild they do not want to look like an easy target. The most common disease that hamsters develop is wet tail and it is an infection that is contracted from contact with contaminated food or water.
The best way to take care of a sick hamster is to be vigilant. Be on the lookout for signs of illness. If your hamster is normally quite energetic but of all of a sudden becomes lethargic and disinterested from his or her usual activities (such as burrowing and running on a wheel) may be sick. Changes in stool, such as the presence of blood or discoloration are telltale signs of sickness. Bald spots may mean something is wrong as well. Any changes to your pet’s physical appearance or usual behavior may be an indication of sickness.
Hamsters who have recently been brought home often develop wet tail. Despite how contagious it is, it can often be treated with antibiotics. When a hamster in your care develops wet tail, you must keep him away from other hamsters. You will also have to remove everything from the affected hamster’s cage, including toys or any items he frequently plays with, and thoroughly clean them. The cage should be scrubbed clean. This is to prevent spreading the infection and preventing it from occurring again.
If you notice lumps on your hamster, it might be benign, or it can be a sign of a cancerous tumor. A veterinarian can perform surgery to remove the tumor, but this is an expensive procedure. Lumps generally are the result of abscesses or old fight wounds. They do not require removal, however they should at least be drained and treated with antibiotics.
Many pet owners attempt home remedies on their sick hamster, such as Castor oil to treat colds. Those with experience in taking care of animals may be able to treat their pet at home, however know that you do not have access to proper medication or tools. It is always recommended to seek out the advice of a veterinarian, especially if you are a new hamster owner.