TREATING SICK HAMSTERS
Unless you are a qualified vet, it is recommended to go to the vet when your pet is facing any health issues or symptoms. This is because some home remedies may be harmful or may injure the animal. If given medication to administer to the hamster, ensure to give the medicine according to the amount given as an overdose may be fatal or harmful to the animal. If administering medicine on the skin of the hamster, always apply gently as the body of the hamster is very fragile.
Here are a few ways to treat your hamster if it is sick: Even though the above methods might improve the hamster's condition, it is still recommended to visit a vet if you suspect that your hamster is sick. SCRATCHING, LICKING OR CHEWING
It shows that your hamster might have fleas, ticks or parasites. If you see this occurring, it is advisable to bathe it with bathing sand more regularly to prevent this. Do also change the bedding such that it will not be filled with waste and food all over the cage. This would make the hamster unclean and thus more prone to bacteria, with the smell attracting fleas and other insects. If the condition does not improve, do bring it to the veterinarian. SNEEZING, PANTING, COUGHING & WHEEZING
If he is sneezing, bring him to a place with room temperature of about 28°C. If this still persists and you see your hamster with nasal discharge or scratching its nose too much, do bring it to the veterinarian for a check up and get it treated. SOME CONTACTS OF VETERINARIANS IN SINGAPORE.. CENTRAL Animal Ark Veterinary Group (Animal Ark Binjai)11 Binjai Park Singapore 589823 Tel: 6100 6000 | Fax: 64623319 | Web: www.arkvet.com.sg NORTH AAVC- Animal and Avian Veterinary Clinic716 Yishun Street 71 #01-254 Singapore 760716 Tel: 68539397 | Email: [email protected] | Web: aavcsingapore.webs.com FOR MORE VETERINARIANS IN SINGAPORE... http://www.sva.org.sg/sva_clinics_page.asp |
DIARRHEA
Diarrhea may lead to dehydration. . It is usually caused by intestinal or stomach blockage. Diarrhea is the result of too much water being deposited out through the hamster through bowel movement. Your hamster could have been eating too much of the same food that disrupts the digestive system of your hamster. Too much Vitamin C or undigested lactose (milk sugars) can cause your hamster to have diarrhea. If your hamster has diarrhea, stop feeding fruits and vegetables until it is better. Too much fructose (fruit sugars) intake can make matters worse! Also, remember to clean the rear end of the hamsters with Dettol to disinfect and kills bacteria. Make sure to give it water to re-hydrate itself WET TAIL This may be caused by the uncleanliness of the environment or cage it is living in. It may also be caused by the bacteria from diarrhea or by stress. There is sadly no home remedy for this. Take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible for treatment. In addition to the treatment, you should also keep your hamster warm and clean, isolate him from any other hamsters, and also make effort to thoroughly sanitize his cage to prevent re-infection or spread of the disease. STRESS Keep the hamster calm. High stress levels can cause the heart rate to pump faster and can cause its muscles to tense. Many diseases are stress-related, including wet-tail. TEETH PROBLEMS
If this occurs, you should bring it to to veterinarian for treatment as the teeth might cause harm to the hamster. A way you can do to prevent this from occurring is to buy a chew toy to mould the teeth such that it will stop from growing longer. EAST
Amber Veterinary Practice Pte Ltd50 Burnfoot Terrace, Frankel Estate Singapore 459837 Tel: 62455543 | Fax: 62452334 | Email: [email protected] | Web: ambervet.com/ WEST Island Veterinary ClinicJurong East Ville, 114 Jurong East St 13, #01-404 Singapore 600114 Tel: 65605991 | Fax: 65605619 | Email: [email protected] | Web: www.ivc.com.sg |