Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Menu
  • Home
  • Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • Veterinary Resources
  • About Us
    • What To Expect
    • Meet Our Doctors
    • Payment Options
  • Services
    • Dental Care
    • Flea & Tick Prevention
    • Heartworm
    • Spay & Neuter
    • Vaccinations; Why We Give them
    • Weight Management
  • Contact Us
  • Sitemap
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
          • Prairie Dogs
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Behavior & Training
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Cats
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Pet Dangers
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • Online Store
    • Pharmacy Policy

10534 W. Ustick Rd.

Boise, ID 83704 US

(208) 323-1210

  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Choosing Your Pet >
  • Small Mammals >
  • Pocket Pets >
  • Hamsters

Hamsters

  • Created in Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Pocket Pets, Hamsters

hamster

Hamsters are cute and adorable. If you had one growing up, your parents probably took care of it. Taking care of them can be challenging; however, once you master the art, it becomes more manageable by the day. Here is how you can take care of your pet hamster.

Bathing and Grooming

Hamsters always stay clean and seldom need baths. However, when the need arises, you can spot-clean your pet using unscented baby wipes or a damp washcloth. If your hamster is hairless, you can rub some little aloe-based lotion to its skin to ensure it remains soft. There is no need for concern if your hamster’s teeth become yellow as it grows older. This is quite normal for hamsters, and cleaning the teeth is not necessary.

Feeding

Hamsters eat various foods, but they mostly need fresh vegetables, fruits, dry food, and some protein to keep them going. You can feed your hamster a small number of vegetables, fruits, grain, or Timothy hay daily; however, the food shouldn't be more than 10% of your pet's total diet. It is best to discard any fruits or vegetables not eaten within 24 hours to prevent harmful bacterial growth.

Health Concerns With Hamsters

If you own a pet hamster, here are some of the health concerns that you should be aware of.

Diabetes

Diabetes in hamsters occurs when its body does not produce adequate insulin or cannot use insulin properly. If you have a dwarf hamster, you should know that it may be predisposed to the disease. Common diabetes signs include excessive urination and thirst, although they could also indicate a bladder infection or a kidney disease. It is best to consult a veterinarian if your hamster has these signs. It is vital to know that obesity often leads to diabetes. You should limit high-fat foods, such as sunflower seeds or fruits that have high sugar content.

Overgrown Teeth

Your pet's teeth will grow throughout its lifetime and should be worn down through chewing. If this does not happen, your hamster's teeth may grow excessively long, leading to abscesses. If your pet has overgrown teeth, it won't be able to eat properly and will likely lose weight. To prevent this problem, provide hamsters chew toys, which will help to grind down overgrown teeth or even prevent this condition, to begin with. If the condition is already serious, bring your hamster to Critter Clinic so we can gently grind down overgrown teeth.

Taking care of your hamster will help it remain healthy and prevent diseases such as diabetes. If you think that your pet is unwell, a quick trip to see us is essential for your hamster’s health.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Cats
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids
Help protect your furry ones with Bravecto and Tri-Heart plus. Call to schedule an appointment today!

Featured Links

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

Office Hours

Critter Clinic

Monday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

  • "Testimonials coming soon..."

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • March Newsletter: Care Tips for Your Pocket Pets

    Do you follow these pocket pet care guidelines? ...

    Read More
  • March Newsletter: First Time Pet Owner? Here's What You Need to Know

    Bring a pet home soon? Take a look a few things you should know. ...

    Read More
  • Caring for Your Older Pet

    Many of the same problems that affect people as they age, such as arthritis and diabetes, can also affect your pet. Making a few changes to the way you care for your furry friend will help you ensure that your pet stays healthy and happy as the years go by. Look for Common Signs of Illness Changes ...

    Read More
  • February Newsletter: Weird Things Your Cat Does and What They Mean

    Looking for an explanation for your cat's strange behaviors? ...

    Read More
  • February Newsletter: Where to Start When Training Your Puppy

    Is your puppy ready to be trained? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: National Bird Day

    Got any plans for National Bird Day? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: Don't Forget to Vaccinate Your Pets this Year

    Is pet vaccinated? ...

    Read More
  • December Newsletter: Cold Weather Tips for Your Pets

    Are your pets ready for winter weather? ...

    Read More
  • December Newsletter: Pets and the Holidays: What to Know before Feeding Your Pet Table Scraps

    Could holiday table scraps cause health woes for your pets? ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: How arthritis can affect your pet

    Could your pet have arthritis? ...

    Read More

Request Appointment

Anderson

Veterinary Clinic

Connect With Us

No social media links found. Please configure it
  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map