AT-HOME HAMSTER HEALTH CHECK-UPS

Here are some handy checklists to assist you in performing health check-ups for your hamsters.  Regularly examining your hamster can help prevent illness, accidents, and even death.  The earlier an ailment is detected, the greater chance that the hamster will recover.  Please remember, if you have any doubt, take your hamster to the veterinarian.

Most of these check-ups can easily be done while playing with your hamster.  For example, you can examine the hamster’s ability to move when you are handling him in your hand.  These health checks are simple and should take about 15 minutes a day.  I suggest viewing this page daily and go through the steps while handling your hamster at first.  Soon, you will be able to perform these health checks naturally.  If your hamster is ever “hammy-sat,” I suggest printing this list out for the sitter.  In addition, this checklist will also assist you in selecting a new hamster from a breeder or a pet store. 

I will begin with the daily checklist and then a weekly checklist.  Most items are listed as area of the body, followed by problems to look out for.  If you see something that is abnormal that is not on this list, assume there’s a problem and seek help from a veterinarian.

DAILY CHECK-UPS  

Eyes: discharge, redness, stickiness, half-opened or closed

Ears: check for irregularities

Nose: discharge, sneezing, wheezing, clicking noises, bleeding

Cheek Pouches: large baggage held for more than one day? (to check for impacted pouch)

Fur: loss, dull, wet, lack of grooming, texture (i.e. rougher than normal), irritated skin

Tail/Bottom: dampness, signs of diarrhea, irregular discharge/blood (keep in mind, females in heat may secrete a white musky substance)  If see irregularities, check stools.

Feet: sores and cuts

Examine for lumps and cuts while handling

Behavior: acting normally? more aggressive/passive? lack of interest in foods/activity/your voice?  squeaks when handled? difficulty moving? excessive scratching?

Awkward Smells (be aware females in heat may give off a musky odor)

Food Level: normal consumption? eating too many favorites? clean dish and provide fresh food.

Water Level: normal? test flow by tapping with clean finger. clean water bottle, provide fresh water, and test flow again

Cage Accessories: any objects that can cause injury? (some hamsters move objects to dangerous positions or chew them into bad shape) any objects soiled? (i.e. wood house, bath sand)

Cage: any ants, mites, mold, etc.? normal stool? is the cage secure? tubes securely connected?

WEEKLY CHECK-UPS 

Nails: are they too long?

Teeth: yellow/brownish color? are they too long? are they crooked? (if so, I suggest checking teeth more often)

Check stools to be sure they have firm consistency (ideal during cage cleaning)

Measure hamster's weight (some owners suggest this)

There is no such thing as over-doing the health check up.  If you find any problems, write down what you observe.  If you feel the ailment is not life threatening, visit reputable websites such as Pet Website and post a message on Hamsters Galore! to determine what the problem could be.  If it is life threatening, take the hamster ASAP to the veterinarian.  If you are in any doubt, it is always safest to visit the veterinarian.

  

Written by: Lari