Tips from Our Livonia Veterinarian
Hamsters are cute, smart animals who provide owners with love and entertainment. They are, however, delicate creatures prone to illness and a short life-span of only two years. It's important to understand all their needs before adding a hamster to your family. Learn more about hamsters care with these tips from our Livonia veterinarian, Sheehy Animal Hospital.
Hamsters Habitats
Hamsters have a lot of energy and need space to exercise and prevent boredom. At minimum, hamster habitats should be 15 inches long, 12 inches high, include a solid floor, and a wheel. Tunnels are also a great way to keep your pet active and engaged. If you want to house two hamsters together, they should be of the same litter or a mother and her baby. Syrian hamsters, however, must live alone. Line the habitat with plant-based or cellulose paper fibers only. Outside of the cage, offer your hamster a ball to travel around the house in, under supervision.
Hamster Diet
A hamster diet should consist primarily of pellet food. For variety, add small pieces of fruits and vegetables in moderation. Remove fruits and veggies not eaten after four hours, otherwise the animal may hoard the food, leading to an unhealthy weight. Offer apples, carrots, broccoli, pears, and turnips. Avoid garlic, onions, chives, lettuce, oranges, leeks, raw potatoes, and too much fruit, which can spike a hamster’s blood sugar. Always provide fresh water through a bottle attached to the habitat.
Hamster Illness
Monitor your pet daily and schedule a visit with our Livonia veterinarian if you notice any signs of hamster illness. Wet tail is a common bacterial disease with symptoms of low appetite, energy, poor grooming habits, and diarrhea. Signs of other hamster illnesses include runny nose, wheezing, loose stools, bloody urine, loss of appetite, hair loss, feet sores, and overgrown front teeth.
Hamster Appointments at Our Livonia Animal Hospital
At Sheehy Animal Hospital, your hamster is in good hands as we provide specialized care for exotic and pocket pets. Call us today for a hamster appointment at our Livonia animal hospital: (248) 615-7670.
