| Health |
| Hamsters can catch colds, get infections, and develop diseases just like humans; they can break legs and cut themselves just like we can. And just like us, they need help and care to get better. You should check the health of your hamster daily or weekly. Here's a list of things to check: Daily/Weekly Health Check (Feel free to print this list. For personal use only) Fur: soft, smells clean; dry all over, including under the tail. If your hamster is wet under the tail, this could be a symptom of diarrhea or "wet tail". A vet should be contacted IMMEDIATELY, as it can often prove to be fatal. (For more information on this disease, click here) Ears: clean, no smell Eyes: bright, shiny, clear; not running. A running eye can be the symptom of "sticky eye". Teeth: short, sharp Nose: not running, clean Mouth: closed, not watering. Watering at the mouth can be a sign that something is caught in your hamster's cheek pouch. Claws: relatively short Breathing: easy, regular Limbs: your hamster should not be limping or favouring a limb. If it is, it may have broken, cut, or sprained a paw or leg. Although your hamster should be able to cope fine on three limbs, you may choose to take it to the vet for treatment. * Be sure to handle your hamster carefully if it has hurt a limb If your hamster does not meet the check or shows signs of illness in any area, check our health reference to find out what the cause is and what to do. Health Reference (coming soon) As The Complete Guide to Hamsters' Health Reference is not yet complete, I would like to refer you to http://www.petwebsite.com/health.htm which has an excellent page on various health problems your hamster may have, what is causing the problem and how to react to it, as well as an easy to use cross-reference of symptoms and causes. |
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| Equipment Feeding The Cage Handling An Interesting Life Finding a Lost Hamster Health Dealing with Hamster Loss |
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