Hey there, it’s your boy Matt here. So, I’ll never forget the time I came home from a long day at work, ready to relax with my little hamster Jerry.
I go to pet him and suddenly, he’s scratching like crazy. I’m like, “what the heck Jerry, what’s wrong with you?” And then I see it.
Fleas. All over Jerry. I was freaking out, man. I had never dealt with fleas before and I had no idea what to do. But don’t worry, I’ve done some research and learned a thing or two about how to get rid of those pesky fleas on your hamster. Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What Causes Hamsters to Get Fleas?
First things first, it’s important to understand how your hamster ended up with fleas in the first place. While it’s not super common for hamsters to get fleas, it can happen. They can pick up fleas from other animals, or from their environment (like if you take them outside to play).
Fleas are attracted to warm, humid environments and they love to feed on blood. So if your hamster has a warm, humid cage and they’re not regularly treated for fleas, they could become a target for these pesky critters.
How to Tell if Your Hamster Has Fleas
If you suspect that your hamster has fleas, there are a few signs you can look out for:
- Constant scratching
- Bald patches on their skin
- Red, irritated skin
- Black specks on their skin or in their fur (these are flea droppings)
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to get rid of the fleas. The longer they stay on your hamster, the more discomfort they will cause and the harder they will be to get rid of.
Treatment Options
There are a few different options for treating fleas on your hamster. Here are a few methods you can try:
Topical Medications
There are several topical medications that are safe to use on hamsters and can effectively kill fleas. These medications are applied directly to your hamster’s skin and usually come in the form of a liquid or a spot-on treatment. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully, as using too much of the medication can be harmful to your hamster.
Oral Medications
There are also oral medications that can be used to treat fleas on your hamster. These medications are usually given in the form of a pill or a liquid and are administered by a veterinarian. If you choose to go this route, be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions carefully.
Bathing
You can also try giving your hamster a bath to get rid of fleas. Fill a sink or a small tub with lukewarm water and add a few drops of a gentle shampoo.
Place your hamster in the water and gently massage their fur to loosen the fleas. Be sure to be very gentle and avoid getting water in their ears and nose. After the bath, thoroughly dry your hamster with a towel and follow up with a flea comb to remove any remaining fleas.
Keep in mind that this method is not always effective and may not get rid of all of the fleas. It’s also important to note that some hamsters may not tolerate being bathed, so use caution and consult with your veterinarian if you’re unsure.
Environmental Control
In addition to treating your hamster directly, it’s important to also take steps to control the environment to prevent future infestations.
This includes cleaning your hamster’s cage thoroughly, washing their bedding and toys, and regularly vacuuming the area around their cage. You may also want to consider using a flea spray or flea powder in their environment to kill any remaining fleas or prevent new ones from appearing.
FAQ
Can I use flea medication meant for dogs or cats on my hamster?
No, it is not safe to use flea medication meant for dogs or cats on your hamster. These medications can be toxic to hamsters and can cause serious side effects.
Only use flea medications that are specifically formulated for hamsters and follow the instructions carefully.
My hamster has fleas and is pregnant. What should I do?
If your hamster is pregnant and has fleas, it’s important to take extra care in treating them. Some flea medications are not safe to use on pregnant hamsters and can harm the developing babies. Consult with your veterinarian for safe treatment options.
In the meantime, try to reduce your hamster’s stress as much as possible and keep their environment clean to prevent the spread of fleas.
I treated my hamster for fleas but I’m still seeing them. What should I do?
If you treated your hamster for fleas but are still seeing them, it’s possible that the treatment was not effective or that your hamster was re-exposed to fleas.
Consult with your veterinarian for additional treatment options and consider taking steps to control the environment to prevent future infestations. It’s also a good idea to regularly check your hamster for fleas and take action as soon as you notice any signs of an infestation.
Ain’t No Thing but a Chicken Wing
Dealing with fleas on your hamster can be a real pain, but with the right treatment and some preventative measures, you can get rid of those pesky critters and keep them at bay. Just remember to choose a safe and effective treatment option and follow the instructions carefully.
And most importantly, don’t stress too much. Your hamster will thank you (or at least they’ll be too busy snacking on some tasty chicken wings to care).