If your hamster doesn't seem to be acting like it's "normal-old-self",
Remember, "Prevention Is Better Than Any Cure".
maybe something's wrong! If you cannot figure out what it is,
hopefully it won't be the way you take care of your hamster!
Mistakes in care that can lead to sickness.
Here's a chart to help you distinguish a healthy hamster from a sick one.
When it comes to hygiene, it is a necessity. Bacteria, viruses, and even worms can be transmitted to hamsters through other domestic animals in your household. Even some human illnesses can be a danger to your hamster's health. That's why washing your hands before and after handling your hamster is important.
Hamsters have a chance of catching a cold from drafts, temperatures that are too high or too low, and air that is too dry or too humid. Some symptoms include a runny nose, its eyes tear, and interest of eating is lost. If your hamster has a cold, move it to a draft-free spot with an air temperature of about 21-23°C (70-73°F). If your hamster still doesn't eat, you can consult the vet and ask questions.
Hamsters will develop this when their feces are soft to runny. These are usually a reaction to improper conditions or care such as bad food, housing in places that are damp or too cool, dirty drinking water, or a diet based too exclusively on corn. To treat diarrhea, withdraw greens, fruit, and other foods high in moisture. Feed your hamster only grains (dry food), and high-quality hay if possible. Optional is giving it lukewarm camomile tea or very weak black tea (unsweetened, of course!). But I prefer using "HAGEN'S Diarrhea Aid Drops", since I won't have to worry about the "strength" of the teas. If there's no improvement after one day, consult the vet.
Please DO NOT confuse diarrhea with wet-tail. Wet-tail is when the animal's tail and anal area, and often parts of the belly, are damp or soiled with soft excrements. See your vet and he/she will prescribe an antibiotic that is given in drinking water.
Please note that all of the above information is from "Hamsters" by Otto von Frisch.
In a healthy hamster In a sick hamster
Eyes Bright and shiny, no discharge Inflamed, fur around eye sticky
Coat Thick, with a silky sheen Disheveled, dull
Anal region Clean Smeared with fecal matter
Body shape Evenly cylindrical Sides caved in
Nose Dry Damp
Behavior Lively, alert Disinterested, apathetic
Last Updated: Tuesday, October 31/00
