Many hamster owners are unaware that their pets can also get human diseases. Dwarf hamsters can sneeze and also hiccup or runny nose. If you can’t provide your dwarf hamster’s basic needs, such as a healthy environment and sufficient supply of food and water, they will quickly become unhealthy and unhappy friends.
Here is the list of diseases that your dwarf hamster may have, as well as ways to thwart them.
1. Cancer: Just like us, dwarf hamsters can also get cancer. This disease is normally triggered by living in a stressful environment. To avoid cancer, create a stress-free environment for your pet.
2. Diabetes – All hamsters can inherit diabetes from their parents. They usually develop it from eating too many sweets. To keep your pet free from diabetes, neutralize their consumption of sugar or fruit. Be sure to incorporate a high enough proportion of vegetables into your dwarf hamster’s daily diet.
3. Stress: Although stress is not a disease, it can be classified as the main factor causing ailments in humans and animals. To reduce your dwarf hamster’s stress, avoid loud noises and never place his cage near your television, stereo, or your dog’s cage. Let your little friend sleep during the day and always remember to clean your baby’s cage at least once a week. These things will help extend the life of your hamster.
4. Abscesses: Normally, a dwarf hamster gets abscesses if another dwarf hamster bites or scratches it. Once you notice a lump or wound caused by bites and scratches, see your vet. Veterinarians will check your pet and if he has infections, he will prescribe antibiotics. Another reason an abscess can occur is when your dwarf hamster has swallowed part of its cage due to its need to constantly chew to prevent its teeth from becoming too elongated, so make sure you give it plenty of chew toys.
5. Colds: Dwarf hamsters can catch colds from their owners. If you have a cold, avoid playing with your pet. Make sure his cage is placed in a warm area of the house where he can never get wet. You will know if your hamster has a cold because he will have a runny nose and sneeze from time to time. When your hamster has a cold, visit your vet if it doesn’t go away after a few days.
6. Torpodetism – When hamsters are unable to exercise regularly, they will have a medical condition known as torpor. Hamsters tend to put on weight when they have little physical activity. They also become very aggressive, they like to run up to 5 miles a night so it is necessary to put a wheel in their cage to prevent this ailment.
7. Allergic reaction: To prevent allergic reactions, never use wood chips that contain cedar or pine, both of which have harmful oils that can cause allergic reactions in dwarf hamsters. There are also foods like corn and maize that should not be given to your dwarf hamster because they can also lead to sneezing, skin irritations, watery eyes, hair loss, or other respiratory problems.
The diseases mentioned above can be prevented if you give your dwarf hamster a proper diet, enough exercise, and a stress-free living environment. They can live longer and healthier if you care for them as if they were your own babies. Before you pick them up, always make sure you wash your hands first to prevent them from infecting you.