In the US, hamsters are a popular pet.hamsters live on average two and a half years.hamsters are prone to certain health conditionsThey can experience minor ailments, like the occasional cold, or develop chronic health problems.To make sure your hamster is healthy and safe, you should periodically examine him.
Step 1: Take a look at your hamster's nose.
A cold or breathing problem can be caused by a hamster's environment.To make sure the temperature is right, you should check your hamster's nose weekly.Does your hamster have a wet nose?Is there a discharge from his nose?The hamster is in good health if you don't.If your hamster's nose is wet, he may have a cold.Hamsters are easy to catch colds and usually go away on their own.Give your hamster space to rest.He may be allergic to something in his cage if his nose is running for more than a week.If symptoms clear up, try removing toys and bedding.
Step 2: Look at your hamster's eyes.
Hamsters are prone to eye problems.Eye infections and chronic conditions can cause cloudy eyes.Every day, check your hamster's eyes.If you have eye infections or chronic conditions, you should have any changes evaluated by your vet.He or she can help with the health of your hamster.Hamster eyes should be clean.They should not have tears in the corners of their eyes.In the event of an illness, a hamster's eyelid may swell.
Step 3: Look at the hamster's bottom.
A hamster's rear end should be clean and free of fecal matter.A hamster's rear end can be used to detect issues with the stomach and reproductive problems.On a daily basis, you should check your hamster's rear.A hamster with loose droppings may be having a hard time passing stools.It could be a sign of an underlying medical condition, like the food you're feeding your hamster.If you notice staining or droppings on a hamster's bottom, take it to the vet.A wet tail is a sign of illness.Changes to a hamster's environment can cause health problems due to stress.If you moved to a new apartment, your hamster may have an upset stomach.Give your hamster a few days to get used to it.Contact your vet if they don't.An infection of the womb in female hamsters can be detected by examining a hamster's bottom.If you notice discharge from the opening above your hamster's anus, it could be a sign of an illness.The discharge may smell bad.If you notice Pyometra symptoms, get your hamster to the vet immediately.
Step 4: Take a look at your hamster's hair and skin.
A hamster's fur and skin should be monitored.Some changes are normal.Older hamsters are prone to hair loss.Hair loss in a younger hamster is a sign of a health problem and should be evaluated by a vet.The fur and skin of a hamster varies by breed.If you know your hamster's normal coat condition, you can tell if it is changing.An old hamster's coat is normal.In a younger hamster, matted patches of hair, flaky skin, and bald spots can be a warning sign.It is possible to see a sign of a problem like fleas or mites.They can also be a sign of a chronic condition.It's important to have your hamster evaluated by a vet in the event of fur or skin changes.If mites, fleas, and chronic diseases are ruled out by a vet, your hamster may be allergic to his bedding or toys.Try changing the bedding or removing toys from his cage.If you notice a change in your hamster's fur, it could be due to an allergic reaction.
Step 5: Look at your pet's teeth.
The teeth of hamsters are not straight.You might need to take your hamster to the vet to have their teeth trimmed.The color of his teeth should be monitored to make sure they are healthy.A hamster's teeth should be the same length.The bottom teeth should be shorter than the top teeth.Provide your hamster with toys he can chew on if his teeth seem to be getting longer.His teeth should be at an appropriate height.You can buy dog biscuits for your hamster.A hamster has teeth.If you notice a change in your hamster's appearance, take him to the vet for a checkup.Sometimes your vet will need to trim your hamster's teeth.Take your hamster to the vet if his teeth start curving towards his mouth.A vet can clip your hamster's teeth.Instructions on how to trim your hamster's teeth can be given by your vet.
Step 6: Take care of your hamster's nails.
Similar to teeth, hamster nails can become overgrown.Store bought hamster sand can be used to provide a hamster with longer nails.The hamster will wear his nails down while digging in the sand.Every week, check your hamster's nails.Pick up some sand for your hamster at a local pet shop if they seem to be growing longer and curving downward.Some hamsters don't like sand.Some hamsters don't like playing in the sand.The strong nails of other hamsters don't wear down with digging.Make an appointment with your vet to have your hamster's nails trimmed if they don't improve with sand.
Step 7: It's a good idea to watch for lumps.
Hamsters can get growths on their bodies.As soon as possible, the growths should be evaluated by a vet.Once a week, take your hamster out of his cage and inspect him.Allow your pet to come to you.Put your hand in the cage and wait for him to sniff you before you pick him up or handle him.Don't cause your hamster pain by handling him gently.Take a close look at your hamster's body for any new bumps.Don't worry if you find a small lump on your hamster.There are benign cysts and ulcers in hamsters.Early intervention is important if the lump is cancer related.Your hamster has a better chance of recovery when a lump is removed in its early stages.Make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.There are scent glands near the hips of hamsters.These are not cuts or lump in a hamster's body.A hamster may dislike the smell of something in his cage if he is licking at his scent glands.If the behavior stops, remove any new toys or bedding.
Step 8: Take your hamster to the scales.
Your hamster's weight should stay stable even though it varies by breed.Major changes could be a sign of a health condition, as it may fluctuate by a few grams each week.You can use a small scale in the kitchen to weigh a hamster.It is normal for a hamster's weight to increase until he is six months old.A hamster's weight should not grow each week.Talk to your vet about adjusting your hamster's feeding schedule if his weight is increasing.There are a number of health conditions that can be caused by Obesity.Losing weight and appetite is a sign of a variety of health problems.If your hamster is losing weight, you should take him to the vet.
Step 9: It's a good idea to recognize healthy behavior.
Understand what's normal in order to recognize warning signs.Your hamster needs to be active and social.The hamsters like to chew on wood chips and toys.Hamsters can adapt to your schedule with time.When you're awake, you can expect to see your hamster awake.The breathing patterns of a hamster should be clear.If your hamster sleeps a lot, is sleepy, or has labored breathing, you should take him to the vet.
Step 10: Keep an eye on how much water you use.
There is a chance that hamsters can develop diabetes.Increased water consumption is a sign.Take your hamster to the doctor if he seems to be consuming more water than usual.There are different levels of water for hamsters.Keep a record of how much you refill the hamster's water bowl on an average day or week.You should have your hamster tested for diabetes if you suddenly seem to be refilling the bowl more.There is no cure for diabetes in hamsters.Changes to a hamster's diet can improve symptoms.If your hamster has diabetes, you should have a treatment plan with your vet.
Step 11: Look at urine color.
The urine of a hamster should be clear.If you notice brown or reddish urine, it could be a sign of a problem.It could be an effect of the pellets you're using.It is possible that your hamster has a urinary infection or bladder stones.As soon as possible, red urine should be evaluated by a vet.
Step 12: There are changes in movement.
Older hamsters can have strokes.strokes can happen at any ageThey happen at night and your hamster may not be able to run or walk in the morning.There could be other health problems if there are sudden changes in movement.If your hamster is having trouble eating or drinking, he may have suffered a stroke or another health condition.He should be evaluated by a vet.A hamster can suffer chronic seizures.While your hamster's mouth is open, he might move his arms and legs uncontrollably.His eyes look dull and unfocused as he stares blankly.There is no cure for Seizures, a hereditary condition.The hamster's cage, food, and water can be adjusted for his safety and comfort.Hamsters with seizures can live a long life.