The steps for dealing with a bite from a hamster are as follows:
Clean the Wound: Immediately wash the wound alternately with a large amount of running water and soapy water to ensure that all dirt is removed. The flushing time should be no less than 15 minutes.
Disinfect the Wound: After cleaning, you can use povidone-iodine or hydrogen peroxide to disinfect the wound to prevent infection.
Seek Medical Advice: If the wound is deep or bleeding severely, you should seek medical treatment immediately. The doctor may recommend getting vaccinated against hemorrhagic fever, rabies, and tetanus to prevent infection.
Medication Treatment: Use medications such as erythromycin ointment or aloe vera ointment under the guidance of a doctor. These medications are helpful for reducing inflammation, stopping bleeding, and promoting wound healing.
Suggestions for Avoiding Being Bitten by Hamsters:
Get Familiar with Hamsters: Build a relationship of trust with hamsters and gradually get familiar with their behaviors and personalities. Avoid disturbing them when they are sleeping or eating.
Keep the Environment Comfortable: Feed them regularly, keep the hamster's living environment clean and tidy, and provide enough space for activities and toys to reduce the hamster's aggressiveness.
Make Gentle Contact: Be gentle when interacting with hamsters and avoid sudden movements or scaring them. You can get close to hamsters by slowly feeding them with your hand.
Reasons Why Hamsters Bite People:
Unfamiliarity: Hamsters are somewhat vigilant and aggressive towards all animals larger than themselves. Therefore, they may attack people when they are first in contact.
Timidity or Fear: Timid hamsters may be more vigilant and aggressive.
Mistaking Fingers for Food: Hamsters may mistake fingers for food when they are trying out food, especially if there is the smell of food on the hand.
Being Disturbed: When hamsters are disturbed while eating, sleeping, or engaging in other activities, they may instinctively quickly turn around and bite the object that disturbs them.
Feeling Discomfort or Pain: If hamsters feel physically uncomfortable or in pain, for example, due to illness or hunger, they may bite people to express their discomfort or as a self-protective reaction.
Territorial Awareness: Hamsters have a strong sense of territory. If they think their territory has been invaded, they may also bite people to show their resistance.
Differences in Personality and Breed: Each hamster has a unique personality and breed differences, which may also affect the frequency and intensity of their biting.
Influence of Weather or Mood: Hot and dry weather or the restlessness of hamsters during the estrus period may also make them more aggressive.
Overplaying: If hamsters are played with or disturbed for a long time, they may bite people to express their disgust or give a warning.