The Hamster First Aid Kit 

We have first aid kits at home and in cars for us--why not have a kit for our pets?  Listed below are items that are suggested to keep handy in case of a medical emergency.  I advise keeping most of these items in a convenient container near the hamster's cage, for ease of finding.  As always, wash your hands thoroughly before and after treating your hamster, and be sure to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible.  This information cannot substitute veterinarian advice.  Most of these tools in your kit are for temporary treatment (for example, at midnight or weekends when offices are closed).  Again, there's no such thing as overstocking your first aid kit.  This information was adapted from Wendy's site, The Official Rodent Refuge, with generous permission.  (Be sure to check it out!)

1)    Veterinarian's name, phone number, and address

It's very important to find a veterinarian that sees hamsters before your hamster is ill or injured (before you purchase a hamster--even better).

2)    Latex Gloves

To protect yourself and your hamster while working on a wound.  Some drug stores sell these and you can always ask your vet for some.

3)    Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)

Use for disinfecting minor wounds (even on you!).  Use in small amounts to area twice a day.

4)    Styptic Powder

Useful to stop bleeding if nail is cut too short.  You can find this item usually in the bird, cat, and dog sections of most pet stores and in the first aid section of grocery stores.

5)    Neosporin Ointment

Use only for very minor wounds.  Although Neosporin is a triple-antibiotic, I do not like using this ointment, as it can harbor bacteria.  Use with caution.  Be sure to get the "plain" kind (without the pain killers).  I actually prefer Polysporin (for these reasons), but it's harder to find.  Apply a miniscule amount to area (wipe off excess).  Repeat procedure twice a day for 3-5 days.

6)    Salt

Use for cleaning minor wounds and cuts.  Boil one pint (~20 fl. oz.) of water, cool, and then add one teaspoon of salt.

7)    Sterile Cotton Pads and Q-tips

Useful for cleaning wounds.

8)    Blunt-tipped Scissors

Useful for cutting away fur to treat wounds or to free hamster from entangledment (use carefully and do not use sharp-point scissors)

9)    Pedialyte

To hydrate your hamster in the event of not drinking or illness.  Pedialyte is an children's oral electrolyte maintenance solution that can be found at most grocery stores and drug stores.  Try to purchase the non-flavor version.  Dilute 50% (1/2 water, 1/2 Pedialyte) and administer by syringe/dropper or in water bottle (if drinking voluntarily).

10)  Kitten Milk Replacement Formula

Useful for syringe-feeding hamsters that have difficulty eating.  Common brands include KMR and Whiskas and are available in powdered and pre-mixed forms.  Avoid high protein levels (i.e. 40%), or you will need to dilute this out.  Protein levels around 7% is ideal.  Can be found in pet stores and most grocery store pet aisles.

11)  Kaopectate

For mild diarrhea.  Give 0.5 ml twice a day, directly.

12)  Olive Oil/Cod Liver Oil

Handy for treating mild constipation.  Give one or two drops.

13)  Feeding Syringes

Useful for force-feeding hamsters that won't eat or drink, or those that are too ill to have enough strength to eat/drink on their own.  Also appropriate for administerating oral antibiotics.  Most pet stores sell syringes and you can ask your veterinarian for some.  If using syringes for antibiotics, be sure to use a syringe from the veterinarian, as it'll give you the appropriate measurements (very crucial).

14)  Heat Pad or Lamp

To be placed at one area of the cage for sick hamsters.  In the event of no electricity, a hot water bottle will work (filled with extra warm tap water).

15)  Clean Hand and Face Towels

16)  Extra Water Bottle

You never know when a water bottle will become faulty, usually happens when all pet stores are closed.

17)  Pet Carrier

Ideal for taking hamsters to the vet, evacuations, and for emergency quarantines.  I suggest having a carrier for every hamster, such as the Kritter Keepers.  They have different colored lids, so that you can "assign" a color to each hamster.  They are also secure, have convenient handles, and provide ventilation.

18)  Bucket or Similar Container

Perfect for capturing escaped hamsters.

19)  Band-aids, variety of sizes

Not for the hamsters--but for you!  You never know when a hamster may bite.

  

Written by: Lari