Have you noticed a change in your hamster's behavior?Is it less active?hamsters can get sick and need medical care.Talk to the animal's doctor.She can tell you how to deliver the hamster's medicine, whether in food or water, or by injection.
Step 1: There is a good spot.
You should pick a place where you can administer medicine.It's possible that your hamster is most comfortable on the floor.The animal could be seriously injured if it falls.Make sure that there are no sharp objects in the vicinity.Set out your materials once you've found a spot.A bottle of liquid medicine, an eyedropper, and a clean towel are included.
Step 2: The medicine needs to be prepared.
Liquid medication is usually given to hamsters with a small dropper.Make sure that you have a dropper and bottle with you.The bottle of medicine has directions on it.Look for the right dose.If you need to give the medicine a shake, take the bottle.Put the dropper in the bottle.Pull the needle back or press the rubber bulb to draw the medicine.The plastic tube will be filled with medicine.Make sure you draw the right amount.To check the amount, hold the tube level and look at the scale.
Step 3: If necessary, restrain the hamster.
If the taste of the medicine is not too foul, some hamsters can be tempted to take it.You may have to restrain your pet.There are many humane ways to do this.The palm of your hand can be used to hold the animal down.Put your palm over the hamster's body so that it cannot move and only its head is free.Your other hand is free to administer the medication.To swaddle the hamster, use a towel.Wrap the animal in a towel so that its paws are inside.The animal should be held with one hand.You can inspect the animal.You can grab the loose skin around the neck and front of the shoulders with your thumb and forefinger.The hamster's eyes can pop out if there is too much tension on the scruff.If you want to scruff the hamster at home, you need to have your vet show you a safe way to do it.
Step 4: Administer medicine.
Continue to restrain the hamster while you take the dropper.If the animal licks the dropper, gently push the medicine out.The hamster might not be willing to work with someone.It may resist.Try to get the dropper into the side of the animal's mouth that has no teeth.The medicine will be swallowed if it is squeezed out.Don't try to open the hamster's mouth with your fingers.Pulling up at the animal's mouth can be done, but you can also be bitten.
Step 5: Reward your hamster.
Medicine can be unpleasant for a hamster.Being restrained is traumatic because the liquid may taste bitter.Reward your pet with some seeds to calm it.If the medicine was bitter, a piece of food may cleanse it.
Step 6: Measure the correct amount.
It's easier to give medicine to your hamster in food or water than it is in person.On the other hand, you don't have to deal with the animal.It is difficult to keep track of consumption and the animal might avoid eating or drinking.Measure out the correct amount from the medicine bottle with a small dropper.Follow your doctor's instructions and make sure you have the correct dose.Hamsters can easily overdose.
Step 7: The medicine should be dissolved in the water.
If the vet suggests it, you might want to put the medication into the water supply.Take the animal's water bottle out of the cage.Put the medicine from the dropper in the bottle.You will need to make sure that the meds are well mixed and that they are changed daily.Only de-ionized water can be used.There was no tap water.When you return the bottle to the cage, keep an eye on your pet.Make sure the animal continues to drink.
Step 8: The medicine should be dissolved into food.
If you want to give the food to the animal, place the drops on a piece of the hamster's food.You can either place it in the cage or give it to the hamster.There are hamsters.Depending on the dose, it might take a few of them to administer the medicine.Another idea is to give the animal a treat like baby food.Put a small amount of food with the full dose on the spoon and let the animal eat until it is gone.
Step 9: If you give antibiotics, be careful.
Anti-biotics can change the balance of the animal's intestines and kill it.Follow her instructions if the vet has prescribed antibiotics.The safest medication for your hamster will be prescribed by your veterinarians, who are aware of the risk of antibiotics.
Step 10: Your vet can give you instructions.
Giving medicine by mouth is easier and less expensive than parental administration.A shot is a more effective method.If this is the best way, your vet will tell you about it.Some medicines can't be given to hamsters by mouth.If you have to give the shot yourself, ask the doctor for instructions on how to do it.It is not very difficult, but you have to be able to do it correctly.If possible, have the vet write down the instructions on paper.You can refresh your memory at home.
Step 11: Your site and supplies should be prepared.
The correct dose of medicine can be drawn out with the help of the syringe and other supplies.You will need a needle or sharp, as well as the medicine the vet gave you, and an alcohol pad.You should set up shop in a safe place.Before you go ahead, read the instructions carefully.You have to be careful to avoid an overdose.Remove the cap and wipe the top with an alcohol pad.
Step 12: Take the medicine.
Take the protective cap off the needle and hold it in your hand.The scale has a line on it for you to use.The tube will be filled with air.Push the needle through the rubber top and out the air.A vacuum will be kept from forming.The needle should be in the medicine if you turn it upside down.Pull the plunger back to the dosage amount.If you want to remove trapped air bubbles, you can gently push the plunger on the syringe and tap on it with your fingers.The needle needs to be removed.It should be kept sterile.You should cover the needle with the protective cap if you have to set it down.
Step 13: The hamster needs to be restrained.
Carefully remove your pet from the cage.Exercise wheels and food dishes may be obstacles that the animal cannot avoid.scruffing is the best way to give a shot to a hamster.Again, pull the scruff taut by pinching it between your thumb and forefinger.You can support the animal's body with your palm.The hamster needs to be put down.
Step 14: Give the shot.
The protective cap should be removed with your free hand.Prepare to deliver the medication by holding the animal steady.If you want to get a shot into the body, you need to wipe the lower left part of the abdomen with an alcohol wipe.Place the needle at a 30-degree angle in the sterilized area if you tip the animal so that its nose is pointing down.The medicine needs to be injected and the needle removed.Pull the skin up over the injection site to make a small pocket for the shot.Put the needle in the pocket and sterilize it.The plunger needs to be retracted.Reposition the needle if you see blood or fluid.Do it again.If you find a good site, push the plunger to inject the medicine and remove the needle.When you're done, return the animal to its cage.