Hamsters

Hamsters are prey animals and are very good at dis-

guising signs of illness and pain, so familiarity with

your own pet is vital. It is important that you contact

a vet as soon as possible if you have any concerns

about your hamster’s health. This section gives

some of the more common problems that hamsters

can suffer from.

Accidents, injuries, or illness can occur and in the

first instance a vet should be contacted to arrange

treatment. But, in the time between the discovery

of a problem and reaching the surgery, you are

responsible for providing the best care you can.

Wounds and mishaps

Hamsters are active, inquisitive, short-sighted, and

so easily frightened that they may get injured when

investigating their world or hurt themselves when

trying to run away from something that has scared

them.

Stress is often the underlying cause of wounds and

bald patches on the nose, or around the lips. These

can become inflamed, red, or even bleeding due

to bar rubbing. Your pet should be seen by the vet,

and you should consider what may be causing the

problem.

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Hamsters