Hair loss affecting different areas
Different causes of hair loss can affect different parts of your hamster’s body. If your pet hamster is vitamin deficient or loses hair due to a medical problem, this can affect any area. Hair loss caused by old age generally manifests itself on their stomach or back.
Allergic Reactions within your Pet Hamster
Some pet hamsters may have an allergic reaction to pine or cedar shavings and stained paper in their bedding. This can lead to hair loss, as well as other symptoms. Such as sneezing, scratching and runny eyes. However, the Animal Hospital warns that hair loss can also be a sign of a more serious underlying health problem. Such as a thyroid deficiency or tumor.
Mites
The most common cause of pet hamster hair loss is mites. As a vet Liz Johnson says, all hamsters have, but as they get older, they become less immune to its effects. Scratching the areas irritated by the mites can lead to other skin infections, such as ringworm. These results in bald patches, along with red and inflamed skin. Repeated rubbing on the cage bars or bedding allergies are other causes of this medical condition.
Prevention/Solutions for your Pet Hamster
If the cause of your hamster’s hair loss is environmental, the problem is easy to correct. Allergies can be resolved through the use of hypoallergenic bedding, while veterinary treatment and a clean cage help heal skin infections. A balanced diet that includes vegetables, such as broccoli, nuts, seeds, unsweetened cereals, cheese, and bananas will help prevent hair loss, especially in aging pet hamsters. Many pet stores sell soluble supplements designed for rodents. Reduce the amount of stress that your hamster is exposed to. Such as noise or other animals, improve your hamster’s health and help recovery.
By Raylipscombe
Considerations
According to the British Hamster Association, rodents have natural scent glands on their hips. If you lick them, these areas may appear to be ‘bald’ or have a strange appearance even though they are fine. Both sexes have these glands. However, they are more evident in males, which they use to demonstrate sexual maturity to females. Scent glands can be susceptible to tumors so it is important to consult a vet if you notice any growths around the area.
