Health & Behavior
How to find a hamster vet near you and know when to go
If your hamster is sick, look for a veterinarian who regularly treats hamsters or other small exotic mammals. Searching “hamster…
Health & Behavior
Health & Behavior
How old is my hamster? What you can actually tell
If you do not know your hamster’s birth date, you usually cannot determine its exact age by looking at it….
Health & Behavior
Do hamsters need vaccines? What preventive care actually matters
No, pet hamsters do not need routine vaccinations. Unlike dogs and cats, hamsters do not have a standard vaccine schedule….
Health & Behavior
Do hamsters need a vet? When to go and what to expect
Yes, hamsters need access to veterinary care. They do not need routine vaccinations, but they can develop dental problems, respiratory…
Health & Behavior
How to pick up a hamster without getting bitten
The safest way to pick up a hamster is to wait until they are fully awake, let them become aware…
Health & Behavior
Can you litter train a hamster? A practical method
Yes. Many hamsters can learn to use a particular toilet area, and some need very little encouragement. BC SPCA notes…
Health & Behavior
How to hold a hamster safely without getting bitten
To hold a hamster safely, wait until it is awake and alert, let it investigate your hands, then scoop it…
Health & Behavior
How to find an escaped hamster safely
If your hamster escapes, contain the search area first. Close doors, secure cats and dogs elsewhere, stop using appliances the…
Health & Behavior
Why is my hamster scratching? Mites and other causes
If your hamster is scratching frequently, intensely, or enough to damage the skin, do not assume it is just normal…
Health & Behavior
Hamster runny nose: causes and when to see a vet
A runny nose in a hamster should be taken seriously. Nasal discharge can occur with respiratory infection, but dusty or…
Health & Behavior
How to bond with your hamster without rushing it
Bonding with a hamster is less about following a fixed timeline and more about letting the hamster learn that your…
Health & Behavior
Why is my hamster losing weight? Causes & when to see a vet
Unexplained weight loss in a hamster is a reason to contact a hamster-experienced vet. Dental problems can make eating painful…
Health & Behavior
Hamster constipation: signs, causes and when to see a vet
Constipation in hamsters can show up as hard, dry droppings, straining, abdominal discomfort or noticeably reduced stool output. Do not…
Health & Behavior
Hamster Closed Eye: Why It Happens and When to Worry
A hamster keeping one eye closed while awake can have crusted discharge, conjunctivitis, irritation, an eye injury, or another eye…
Health & Behavior
Hamster eye infection: signs, causes and when to see a vet
A hamster with a weepy, crusted, swollen, red, or closed eye should be checked by a veterinarian promptly. These signs…