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HAMSTERS Hamsters are usually small, healthy animals. Most owners of these small creatures feel bad after their hamster has died, but they shouldn't. Normally they only live for two years. Start spending more time with your hamster because they could get sick anytime. Make sure your hamster is eating and drinking normally, and it is best to check their teeth, fur, and nails. Even if you take good care of your hamster they could still get sick. If you ever get worried about your hamster be sure to talk to your vet. Here are some sicknesses your hamster is capable of getting. DIARRHEA change in your hamsters diet can cause diarrhea. DO NOT feed your hamster raisins or citrus fruit. Your hamster will have staining around his or her bottom. If your hamster has diarrhea then he or she may dehydrate. If you pinch some of your hamsters skin lightly and it folds back into place then your hamster is well hydrated. If it doesn't fold back into place you need to inform your vet. ABSCESSES These are closed swellings filled with pus that you see after your hamster has been bitten or injured. When these appear you need to bathe your hamster in a warm bath with a salt solution. You need to mix a teaspoon of salt with a pint of water. Clip your hamsters fur around the abscesses and keep it exposed until the pus has drained away. Talk to your vet if the abscesses do not heal in a few days. HIBERNATION If the temperature drops or when there are days when there is no sunlight your hamster may hibernate. Your hamster may appear to be dead. If your hamster is cold, stiff, or immobile, he or she MIGHT not be dead. Try to find a way to heat your hamster up if you want him or her to wake up. Make sure you don't overheat your hamster. HEATSTROKE Hamsters that become too hot become unconscious . Taking them to a shady spot or putting in a cold bowl of water may help. As your hamster cools off he or she will regain consciousness. DO NOT put your hamsters head in the water. CONSTIPATION This is not common to most hamsters but it is serious. Your hamster will suffer some discomfort. Clean water and fresh greens will usually cure constipation. hair he or she may have a skin disease. Your hamster can be taken to the vet and your vet will examine your hamster. WET TAIL If your hamster has wet tail , he or she will get very sick. This usually attacks young hamsters. Wet tail normally causes death. This disease can be caused by stress from breeding too early. You can take your hamster to the vet but treatmentis rarely successful. TIZZER'S DISEASE This disease is usually caused by wild mice and it normally causes death. Mice can contaminate products that your hamster uses. Try to keep wild mice out of your house. If your hamster has any accidents contact your vet. For more information go to Northern Hamster Club |