In the United States, 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.Every now and then you should check your hamster to make sure he is healthy and safe.
Step 1: Take a look at your hamster's nose.
A hamster's environment can cause a cold or breathing problem.To make sure the temperature is right, you should check your hamster's nose weekly.Does your hamster's nose seem wet?Is the discharge coming from his nose?The hamster is in good health if you don't.Your hamster may have a cold if his nose is wet.Hamsters catch colds easily 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 have eye problems.Eye infections and chronic conditions can cause cloudy eyes.Your hamster's eyes should be checked daily.If you have eye infections or chronic conditions, you should have any unusual changes evaluated by your vet.He or she can help with the health of your hamster.Hamster eyes should be clean.There should be no tears in the corners of the eyes.In the event of an illness, a hamster's eyelid may swell.
Step 3: Look at the hamster's bottom.
There should be no fecal matter or unusual discharge in the hamster's rear end.A hamster's rear end can be used to detect issues with the stomach and reproductive problems.You should check your hamster's rear on a daily basis.It's possible that a hamster is 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 pet may have an upset stomach.Give your hamster a few days to get used to it.Contact your vet if they do not.An infection of the womb in female hamsters can be detected by examining the 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, you should immediately get your hamster to the vet.
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 more prone to hair loss.Hair loss in a younger hamster may be 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.There is a coat on an older hamster.In a younger hamster, matted patches of hair, flaky skin, and bald spots can be a warning sign.It's possible to see a sign of a problem like fleas or mites.They can be a sign of a chronic condition.It is important to have your hamster evaluated by a vet in the event of fur or skin changes.If mites, fleas, and chronic diseases are not ruled out by a vet, your hamster may be allergic to his bedding or toys.Change the bedding or remove any new toys from his cage.If you notice a change in your hamster's fur, it could be an allergic reaction.
Step 5: Take a look at your pet's teeth.
The teeth of hamsters are not perfect.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're healthy.The length of the hamster's teeth should be the same.The bottom teeth are longer than the top teeth.Provide your hamster with toys that 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.Your vet can give you instructions on how to trim your hamster's teeth.
Step 6: Your hamster's nails should be inspected.
Similar to teeth, hamster nails can become overgrown.Store bought hamster sand can be used to give a hamster with longer nails.The hamster will wear his nails down as he digs 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 curving downward.Some hamsters don't like sand.hamsters don't like playing in the sandThe 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 seem to improve with sand.
Step 7: It's a good idea to watch for lumps.
Hamsters can have 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 hamster to come to you.Put your hand in the cage and wait for him to come sniff you before you pick him up or handle him.Don't put your hamster in pain by handling him gently.Take a good look at your hamster's body for any new bumps.Don't worry if you find a small lump on your hamster.Hamsters are prone to cysts.Early intervention is key if the lump is cancer related.Your hamster has a better chance of recovery when a lump is removed in its early stages.You should make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.Hamsters have scent glands.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.It may change by a few grams each week, but it could be a sign of a health condition.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: Be aware of healthy behavior.
Understand what is normal in order to recognize warning signs.Your hamster should be active.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.A hamster's breathing patterns should be clear.If your hamster sleeps a lot, is sleepy, or has labored breathing, you should take him to a vet.
Step 10: It's a good idea to keep an eye on water consumption.
There is a chance that hamsters can develop diabetes.Increased water consumption is an early sign.If your hamster seems to be consuming more water than usual, you should take him in for a checkup.Hamsters drink different levels of water.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 need to have a treatment plan with your vet.
Step 11: Take a look at the urine color.
The urine of a hamster should be clear or yellow.This could be a sign of a variety of problems.It might be an effect of the pellets you're using.There is a chance that your hamster could have a bladder stone.As soon as possible, red urine should be examined by a vet.
Step 12: There are changes in movement.
Older hamsters can suffer strokes.strokes can happen at any ageThey occur at night and your hamster may not be able to run or walk in the morning.There could be other health problems if there were sudden changes in movement.If your hamster is having trouble eating or drinking, he may have suffered a stroke or another health condition that affects his movement.He needs to be evaluated by a vet.A hamster can suffer chronic seizures.While his mouth is open, your hamster might move his arms and legs uncontrollably.His eyes look dull and unfocused.There is no cure for Seizures, a hereditary condition.Your hamster's cage, food, and water can be adjusted for his safety and comfort.Hamsters with seizures can live a normal life.