It's sad when a pet becomes unwell, because hamsters are so small that they can't empathise with their owners.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 sick.
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 than usual?hamsters naturally sleep longer.Have you lost your hamster's appetite?Does he no longer groom himself?Is he angry?He has a hard time getting around when he is awake.Does your hamster have fur or bald spots?This is normal for older hamsters.Does he have a wet chin?This can be a sign of dental problems.Does he have a hard time eating?Does he have a wet bottom?Is his droppings different?The droppings of hamsters should be shaped like a rod.There is too much fresh fruit and vegetables in the water.Not enough is indicated by hard, dry droppings.
Step 2: Keep him warm.
It is possible that you hamster just feels unwell.Some things can be done to nurse your hamster back to health.It's important to keep him warm.Sick hamsters lose 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 it's in an escape proof box.
Step 3: Check for dehydration.
He will 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.The instructions tell you to make this up.
Step 4: Take fluids to him.
If your hamster won't drink it on his own, you can get a 1 mL needle.Put a drop of fluid on the end of the needle 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 and takes in the fluid.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 to them.
If the hamster has a discharge from his eyes or nose, if he sneezes, or is hunched up and breathing using his stomach muscles, he may have respiratory disease.There are things you can do to help.His bedding needs to 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.The effect is a thousand times worse for a hamster if you can smell urine or ammonia.Spot clean every day, but try to do it in a way that doesn't disturb your hamster too much and add to his stress.Make adjustments if the room temperature is within the recommended range.If the hamster has a sticky nose, wipe it clean with a damp cotton ball.It's more comfortable for the hamster to breathe when the airway is clear.
Step 6: Help with dental issues.
Your hamster can feel unwell if it has teeth problems.A clear discharge from the eyes can be a sign of overgrown teeth.If your hamster is eating right, you should check it out.A vet check is advisable if he isn't, 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.To keep his teeth short, you should give your hamster suitable items to chew on.Don't give your hamster too many soft foods, such as strawberries or bananas, because they do not need much chewing.Give him dry pelleted food and a block of wood to gnaw on.Giving him cardboard tubes or boxes will keep his teeth healthy.He will love to destroy them.
Step 7: The treatment of digestive disorders.
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 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's better.This condition is usually caused by something in the stomach.The best way to avoid this is to include some alfalfa in his diet.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 as well as 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, he needs to go to the vet.The vet may bandage the wound if it isn't too bad.He may need to be euthanized if it is 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 likely 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.
You can get to know what normal is for your hamster.Get used to how active he is, how much he drinks, and when he likes to play by checking him at least twice a day.By knowing 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 can make 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, cover 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 68 and 72 degrees.If it is very hot, the hamster can suffer from heat stress, 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 hibernation.