Hamsters usually can't recover from illness on their own after getting sick, and timely measures need to be taken for treatment. Hamsters have relatively weak resistance. Once they are ill and not treated in a timely manner, there may be a risk to their lives.
Common Diseases and Treatment Methods
Diarrhea: Symptoms include soft stools, and even watery stools. The cause may be improper diet or gastrointestinal infection. Treatment includes adjusting the diet, giving probiotics. If the symptoms persist, it is necessary to seek medical attention in a timely manner.
Skin Diseases: Symptoms include hair loss and red, swollen skin. The cause may be allergies or infections. Treatment includes avoiding allergens, using anti-allergy or anti-inflammatory ointments, and keeping the environment dry and clean.
Tooth Problems: Symptoms include excessive salivation and refusal to eat. The cause may be overgrown or curved teeth. Treatment includes regular teeth grinding, and if necessary, asking a veterinarian to extract the teeth.
Fractures and Sprains: Symptoms include an inability to walk normally and joint deformities. The cause may be a fall or a fight with other animals. Treatment includes immobilizing the injured area, taking anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications orally, and seeking the help of a veterinarian in severe cases.
Otitis Media: Symptoms include frequent head shaking and ear scratching. The cause may be an infection. Treatment includes cleaning the ears and using anti-inflammatory ear drops.
Diabetes: Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, and weight loss. The cause may be genetics or improper diet. Treatment includes adjusting the diet structure, increasing physical activity, and consulting a veterinarian if necessary.
Tumors: Symptoms include the appearance of unknown lumps on the body. The cause may be aging, genetics, or environmental factors. Treatment includes surgical removal and a pathological examination.
Heart Diseases: Symptoms include difficulty breathing and obvious abdominal heaving. The cause may be genetics or obesity. Treatment includes adjusting the diet, increasing physical activity, and using relevant medications.
Nervous System Diseases: Symptoms include abnormal behavior and paralysis. The cause may be a brain infection or poisoning. Treatment includes seeking the help of a veterinarian, identifying the cause of the disease, and carrying out targeted treatment.
Preventive Measures
Keep the Environment Hygienic: Regularly clean the living environment of hamsters to ensure it is dry and well-ventilated.
Have a Reasonable Diet: Provide nutritionally balanced food and avoid excessive foods high in sugar and fat.
Have Regular Physical Examinations: Take the hamster to a veterinarian for a check-up at least once a year.
Learn about Diseases: Understand the symptoms and treatment methods of common hamster diseases and be prepared in advance.
Provide Toys and Exercise Facilities: Give hamsters enough space for activities and entertainment methods to enhance their physical fitness and reduce the chance of getting sick.