HAMSTER HEALTH

Sadly hamster health is in decline due to neglectful breeding practices and careless husbandry throughout the UK. Genetic conditions are becoming more prevalent and as owners we need to be vigilant to help catch signs of poor health early and give our hamsters the best chance of getting better.

IF YOU IDENTIFY ANY ABNORMALITIES IN YOUR HAMSTERS HEALTH OR BEHAVIOUR YOU SHOULD SEEK VETERINARY ADVICE IMMEDIATELY

HEALTH CHECKS

A regular physical check of your hamster is vital to keeping them safe & well & can often help you identify illness early. We recommend a hands on health check at least weekly however frequency may increase as your hamster ages.

Here is a rough guide to the things you should be checking each week when you health check your hamster.

WEIGHT

Is key and usually a first indicator that something is going on with your hamster. Weigh your hamster at least weekly. As a guide, if your hamster gains or loses more than approximately 5% of their 'normal' weight it might be time for a checkup.

TEETH

Should be checked for alignment or breakage. Yellow colouring is perfectly normal.

EYES

Should be bright, free from clouding or discharge and open easily. Eye issues can be a symptom of injury or infection to the eye but can also be due to problems with teeth or within the brain.

EARS

Should be upright when your hamster is fully awake and have no redness or lesions.

SKIN & FUR

Should be monitored for balding, dryness and redness. Check for any cuts or injuries.

NOSE

Should be free from discharge.

SCENT GLAND

Particularly for male dwarf species, should be monitored for swelling or impaction. It is natural for the scent gland to discharge a small amount of smelly, waxy substance.

POUCHES

Should be monitored to ensure your hamster is able to empty them fully. Prolonged bulges in one pouch could suggest an impaction or issues with teeth.

BODY

Should be gently felt all over for any unusual lumps or bumps. Monitor movements to ensure your hamster isn't having difficulty getting around.

GENITALS & ANUS

Should be monitored to ensure they are clean and have no discharge. As small mammals even temporary diarrhoea can prove fatal.

IF YOU IDENTIFY ANY ABNORMALITIES IN YOUR HAMSTERS HEALTH OR BEHAVIOUR YOU SHOULD SEEK VETERINARY ADVICE IMMEDIATELY

SIGNS OF ILLNESS

As prey animals, our hamsters are very good at hiding ailments that may be affecting them.

As owners we need to be vigilant in spotting signs of illness so we can pass on as much information as possible to the vet about their symptoms to aid in making a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Often our hamsters will act differently once at the vet as it's a new environment. taking photos and videos to show your vet can help in getting an accurate diagnosis quickly.

Any change in behaviour should be treated as suspicious however here are some common behaviours to look out for.

Loss of appetite, loss of balance, new found aggression, laboured breathing, unusual noises, decreased activity, loss of interest in enrichment, increased thirst and changes in weight

Find and register with an exotic vet practice before you bring your hamster home. Often people leave this until it's needed and struggle to find a practice that will take them in an emergency.Due to hamsters unique care needs often regular vets are not trained to properly treat them. Make sure you check out your vets qualifications to ensure they are the best choice of practice to treat your hamster.

Vet Fund & Pet Insurance

Vet care is expensive. You MUST be prepared to take your hamster to the vet immediately should they become unwell.A standard consultation is usually around £35-£75 in the UK. Common medicines like antibiotics and pain relief usually cost £10-£30 per item when needed.

Plan for Emergencies

Make sure you know your vets opening hours, how to get there and who covers them when they are closed - usually there is another out of hours practice nearby. Keep items like Q-tips, cotton pads, saline solution, heating/cooling pads, scale, and 1ml syringes (no needle) as a hamster first aid kit.

Be Prepared

Ensure you have a plastic travel carrier large enough for your hamster to stay in for several hours at a time. Keep this within easy reach so you can use it at a moments notice.Keep notes on your phone of your hamsters weight, DOB and any medications/treatments they may have been through so you can give these to the vet if you happen to see someone new in an emergency.