It's sad when a pet becomes ill, because hamsters are so small, so they are worried.The small size of your hamster makes him less resistant to illness and infections.It's important to prevent sickness where you can, and if your hamster is sick, take steps to get him well again.
Step 1: There are signs that your hamster is unwell.
You should keep an eye on the hamster if you spot behavior that is different from the norm.This could be the first sign that he is going to get sick.Is your hamster sleeping longer?hamsters naturally sleep longer.Have you lost your hamster's appetite?Does he no longer groom himself?Is he upset?He has a hard time getting around when he is awake.Did your hamster lose any of his fur or have bald spots?This is normal for older hamsters.Do you know if he has a wet chin or throat?This can be a sign of dental problems.Is it possible that he has trouble eating, such as dropping food out of his mouth?Does he have a wet bottom or teary eyes?Does his droppings look different?The droppings of hamsters should be shaped like a rod.There is too much fresh fruits and vegetables in the water.Dry droppings indicate not enough.
Step 2: He should be kept warm.
It is possible that you hamster just feels unwell.There are some things you can do to nurse your hamster back to health.Make sure to keep him warm.Sick hamsters lose their body heat and feel cooler to the touch.He can get under floor heating by standing the cage on a hot water bottle.Wrap a small hot water bottle in a towel and rest the hamster on it.The hamster shouldn't run off if this is done in an escape proof box.
Step 3: Check for dehydration.
He will quickly become dehydrated if he is not eating or drinking.If you gently pinch his scruff, you will get a clue.He is dehydrated if the scruff stays in a peak.You can either give him ordinary water or buy a fluid-replacement powder for people with diarrhea.If you follow the instructions, you can make this up.
Step 4: Give him fluids.
If your hamster won't drink on his own, you can get a 1 mL needle.Put a drop of fluid on the end of the syringe and hold it to the hamster's lips.Hopefully he will lick it off.If he doesn't, wet the fur around his mouth so that he grooms himself.He should be very careful about syringing fluid into his mouth.His small size makes it likely you will flood his mouth and he may inhale the fluid, which can cause serious pneumonia.
Step 5: If you have respiratory problems, respond.
If the hamster has a discharge from his eyes or nose, if he sneezes, or is hunched up and breathing using his stomach muscles, then he may have respiratory disease.There are things you can do to help.His bedding should be clean at all times.ammonia is anirritant to the respiratory system when bedding is dirty with urine.Make sure the cage smells clean by using a spoon or scoop to spot any wet bedding.The effect is a thousand times worse for the hamster if you can smell urine or ammonia.If you want to keep your hamster stress-free, try to spot clean every day in a way that doesn't disturb him too much.Make adjustments if the room temperature is within the recommended range.If the hamster has a sticky nose, wipe it clean with a cotton ball.It is more comfortable for the hamster to breathe when the airway is clear.
Step 6: There are dental problems.
Your hamster may feel unwell due to teeth problems.A clear discharge from the eyes can be a sign of overgrown teeth.Check to see if your hamster is eating right.A vet check is advisable if he is not, to make sure there is no problem with overgrown teeth.The vet can trim them back if there is a problem.The hamster may starve if the teeth are not trimmed.A wet chin or neck is a sign of dental problems.It is painful to swallow when spurs of teeth dig into the cheek or tongue.It is easier to prevent than it is to cure.If you want to keep your hamster's teeth short, you should give him suitable items to chew on.If you give your hamster too many soft foods, such as strawberries or bananas, they won't need much chewing.Give him dry pelleted food and a block of wood.He will keep his teeth healthy if he gets cardboard tubes or boxes.He will want to destroy them.
Step 7: Treat diseases of the stomach.
If your hamster has a wet tail, he will be slower and crankier.Don't wait because this can be deadly.You should keep his cage very clean because wet tails come from dirty cages.Get a broad spectrum antibiotic from your vet.Don't feed your hamster fruits and vegetables until he is better.This is usually caused by an obstruction in the stomach.The best way to avoid this is to give him some alfalfa.Lack of water in his diet is the cause of Constipation.He needs fresh water at all times.If your hamster becomes constipated, give him some fresh fruits and vegetables and more water.
Step 8: Break bones should be taken care of.
There are levels of breakage that can be deadly or healed.If your hamster breaks a leg, you need to take him to the vet.The vet may bandage the wound if it is not too bad.He may need to be euthanized if it's a really bad injury.If the leg is at an odd angle but the bones are not exposed, restrict him to one part of the cage for 4 weeks and take away his wheel.He has to rest so he doesn't use the leg.The bones have the best chance of knitting together.He will probably recommend limiting your hamster's movements in his cage, as well as taking him to the vet and letting him bandage his leg.Do not give your hamster pain relief unless it is prescribed by the vet.His small size makes overdose very likely.
Step 9: At all times, keep a close eye on your hamster.
What is normal for your hamster will be helped by this.Get used to how active he is, how much he drinks, and when he most likes to play by checking him at least twice a day.If you know this, you can spot when things aren't right, such as his appetite has dropped off or he's drinking more than he did.If you know the small details, you will be able to spot any sickness in your hamster early on.
Step 10: It's important to stress your hamster as little as possible.
Stress puts a strain on the immune system, which makes your hamster less able to fight off infections and get well again.It's important to make sure the family cat or dog doesn't stare at the hamster for hours because of his stress.If the hamster needs to retreat to a safe area, consider covering half of the cage with a towel.Loud noises can frighten your hamster.Tobacco smoke or spray air fresheners can be harmful to the respiratory system.
Step 11: Limit the temperature extremes.
The ideal room temperature for a hamster is between 67 and 72 degrees.The hamster can suffer from heat stress if it is very hot, so make sure there is a fan blowing near the cage in order to circulate air and cool him off.For more than 24 hours, very low temperatures can cause the hamster to go into sleep.It can appear that the hamster is dead because they are not able to wake up when stimulated.Put the hamster in a hamster safe box, such as his carry case, and put him in the airing cupboard for a few days if you suspect this is the case.This method will wake a hamster that went into a state of sleep.