Whether hamsters need deworming mainly depends on their living environment and specific circumstances.
Situations Where Hamsters Don't Need Regular Deworming
Under normal circumstances, pet hamsters kept at home don't need regular deworming. This is because the physical structure and environmental requirements of hamsters are different from those of cats and dogs. They don't need to be dewormed regularly like cats and dogs do. As long as the living environment of hamsters is kept clean and hygienic, and disinfected regularly, the growth of parasites can be effectively prevented.
Situations Where Deworming is Needed
However, in some cases, hamsters may need deworming:
Free-Roaming or Outings: If hamsters are allowed to roam freely or have been taken to places with abundant vegetation such as lawns, they may come into contact with parasites.
Inadequate Cleaning of the Cage: If the hamster cage is not cleaned for a long time, there may be insect eggs in the bedding, and these eggs can hatch into insects under the action of urine.
Other Pets in the House: If there are other pets in the house (such as cats and dogs), these pets may bring parasites like fleas and mites.
Methods and Precautions for Deworming
External Deworming: Special deworming medications for hamsters can be used, generally applied to the back of the neck. External deworming medications are usually used once every 4 to 8 weeks.
Internal Deworming: Internal deworming can be carried out by taking oral medications, generally fed once every three months.
Precautions: Each deworming medication has different precautions. Be sure to consult in advance and read the instructions carefully before using the medicine. Avoid the early infancy, pregnancy, and lactation periods of hamsters.
Through the above measures, the health of hamsters can be effectively guaranteed, and the potential threats to human health can also be reduced.