Happy Hamster

[Ken King (Premo)]

Hamsters moult throughout the summer and autumn and at this time many hamsters may have periods where their coats are sparse or may have areas of fur loss. During times of sudden and extreme temperature changes fur loss resulting in large bald patches can occur. This is usually nothing to be concerned about and fur will usually start to regrow within a few weeks. All species of hamsters moult but the Chinese and Roborovski are generally less affected than the Russian species and the Syrian Hamster.

Nursing females may often develop some fur loss on their stomach and this is usually nothing to be concerned about as the fur will regrow once nursing is complete.

Fur loss can also occur in older hamsters (usually around one year of age or over) and usually occurs on the belly, hindleg and hip area first.

Fur loss can also be a symptom of a skin infection or skin allergy, mites, mange, diet deficiency or thyroid problems.

If fur loss is observed the skin should be checked for any signs of irritation, flakiness, scabs or sores. The hamster should also be observed for excessive scratching or any other signs of illness ie weight loss, lethargy, etc. If the hamster is exhibiting any signs of illness along with fur loss the hamster should be isolated from any others and veterinary advice sought immediately.

General fur loss due to old age or moulting (with no other symptoms) can be helped by crushing a yeast tablet on the hamster's food every other day, lessening the amount once fur has started to regrow. (Yeast tablets can usually be found at a chemist or pharmacy amongst the human vitamin tablets). If yeast tablets are unavailable, vitamin drops (available from pet stores) added to the water will aid fur re-growth.

[Ken King (Premo)]

Originally posted by kwillia
Wow! Since you didn't note a source, that must of been retrieved from your auxiliary storage! What can you tell me about sneezing schnauzers?

Just like humans, canine inhalant allergies are caused by pollens (tree, grass, and weed), dust mites, molds, and chemicals.

Although any pure bred or mutt can acquire inhalant allergies, the most common breeds that are affected include terriers (especially the West Highland white terrier, Skye terrier, Scottish terrier and Boston terrier), golden retrievers, poodles, dalmatians, German shepherds, Chinese Shar-peis, shih tzus, lhasa apsos, pugs, Irish setters, and miniature schnauzers.

The symptoms of an inhalant allergy include scratching, biting, chewing at feet and constant licking. The itching may be most severe on feet, flanks, groin, and armpits. They'll sneeze too.

Inhalant allergies are often the reason for recurrent ear infections in your dog.

[vraiblonde]

Must....control...urge...to...DANCE!!!!!
http://www.hamsterdance.com/
Dee da dee da dee da do do

who can actually lick their own elbow?

Originally posted by Dribbles
who can actually lick their own elbow?

Ah yes, we now play the game of cat and mouse. You say stuff that was posted long before you got here so we all sit around wondering who you used to be.

[watercolor]

Originally posted by vraiblonde
Must....control...urge...to...DANCE!!!!!
http://www.hamsterdance.com/
Dee da dee da dee da do do

YESSS!! that site is cool. Love the music. LOL!

hi-de, hi-de hey, hi-de ho

[watercolor]

Originally posted by Dribbles
who can actually lick their own elbow?

Say what?? I dont think I can do that. I can touch my tounge to my nose...

Originally posted by justhangn
Ah yes, we now play the game of cat and mouse. You say stuff that was posted long before you got here so we all sit around wondering who you used to be.

Who hasn't seen that email circulate around a mill. times? maybe I should have said "in an average life time one will eat 14 insects while sleeping."

Ken,

Hamsters moult throughout the summer and autumn and at this time many hamsters may have periods where their coats are sparse or may have areas of fur loss. During times of sudden and extreme temperature changes fur loss resulting in large bald patches can occur. This is usually nothing to be concerned about and fur will usually start to regrow within a few weeks.

I think this is what it is. I hate to be this way but I am not taking a $6.00 hamster to the vet. He has about 2 small patches of hair loss that seem to be equal on each side. My son thought they were spots, but I don't think hamsters have spots? At least I'd never seen one, but I am not a hamster expert either. He (they only sell males at petsmart now) isn't digging or scratching so it may just be normal fur loss.

In the meantime, he has to stay next to the computer. The dog has gotten him out of his cage and sent him running for dear life. The last time the dog got him out of the cage he sat on the floor and licked the hamster everywhere. The hamster stayed up for days cleaning himself. It is the only safe place in the house the dog cannot get to him.

[Sharon (Premo)]

Originally posted by IM4Change
The last time the dog got him out of the cage he sat on the floor and licked the hamster everywhere.

That is one lucky hamster, they usually end up as doggie snacks.