Why is my hamster losing hair

Hair loss in hamsters is a common issue and can happen for many reasons. The term for all of this is called alopecia.

Alopecia is a term for hair loss of the head or body. This conditions is often connected to humans but it can also affect hamsters too. Typically hair loss in hamsters comes with age. Hair loss in old hamsters. Often this hair loss occurs as patches on the back of the hamster. If the hamster alopecia is thought to be caused by a poor diet, you should add more protein into the diet and cut back on cereals.

Why is my hamster losing hair

Continual rubbing on feeders or sides of the cage may be one cause but the most common reason for hair loss is age related. Age related fur loss is generally first seen starting around the tummy area then onto the hind legs and hips then neck and chest. An ageing male hamster with fur loss. The black spot that can been on his side is the hamsters hip spot, known as the sebaceous glands. Protein and vitamin deficiency can be another cause. A high diet of seed, particularly sunflower seed can lead to obesity and potential nutritional deficiencies. Vitamin deficiencies can easily be rectified by providing a high quality and a good balanced diet and supplementing the diet with water soluble vitamins from the pet store that may help in restoring any lost vitamins. I don't normally agree with these products but there may be something lacking, and it would probably do no harm trying them as any excess of water soluble vitamins are simply flushed out in the urine. Other supplements to the diet may include breakfast cereals unsweetened whole wheat pasta, cheese, boiled eggs, yogurt, and fresh vegetables. It is the deficiency of the B vitamins , especially B6 biotin, inositol and folic acid in the diet that can lead to fur loss and tiredness amongst a host of other things.

These medicines can cause inflammation of the small intestine, resulting in diarrhea and death within 2 to 10 days. Hamster reproduction is sensitive to the seasons and the cycle of light throughout the day and night.

Usually your hamster is a little fluffy ball of fun, but what happens if they start to lose a bit of that fluff? So what are some of the causes of alopecia, and what can you do about them? Both common and easy to fix, friction is when your hamster loses hair from rubbing a certain spot on its body too much. For the water bottle, it should be obvious what to do — fix it, or get a better one. In terms of cage friction, this is often a sign of stress caused by a cage that is too small for their needs, meaning that you should get your hamster a larger cage, preferably not a wire one.

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Hamsters are extremely cute and cuddly with their fluffy hair and distinct color patterns. This is why it can be extremely alarming if you notice your furry friend is losing his hair. Hair loss in hamsters can be a telling symptom of several health conditions—ranging from minor to major concern. One of the most common reasons for hamsters to lose their hair is due to nutritional deficiencies.

Why is my hamster losing hair

Whenever we can, we should try to help our pet. There are many reasons why your hamster may be losing its fur. Friction is one of the most common reasons for this. Even though many people find hamsters running on wheels amusing, overuse can lead to the hamster losing fur on its legs. Secondly, your hamster may be suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Another thing that can also have an effect on fur loss is the lack of protein. Add unsweetened cereal, cheese, cooked eggs, whole-wheat pasta, and fresh fruits and veggies. Make sure to talk to your vet, as well, and if they recommend it, you can add water-soluble vitamins to their diet.

Retirement village sutherland shire

Wood shavings from bedding can injure the feet or shoulders, which can lead to infection. Adult hamsters with vitamin E deficiency can have muscle disorders or weakness, which can lead to paralysis. Does anyone know what might be wrong with him? If several hamsters live together, it is important to remove the sick hamster from the other hamsters and to keep the living area clean and sanitary. Alopecia, more commonly referred to as hair loss or balding, isn't an uncommon experience for many hamsters. Depending on the cause and if it has been treated, most bald patches can grow back after undergoing treatment. These fungal infections will appear as a distinctive ring of hair loss with flaky, yellowed skin. Your veterinarian can identify this illness by laboratory tests. Just spray on! They may ask questions such as: Is the hair there but shorter? When it does occur, it is usually the result of infection with one or more kinds of bacteria, either alone or together with viruses and other types of infectious agents. Like fleas, mites are treated with topical sprays or powders that will be readily available in most pet stores — just get the ones labeled for use on hamsters.

Seeing your furry friend lose its soft fur can be disheartening, especially when they exhibit other troubling symptoms. Hair loss in hamsters can stem from various reasons, including molting, poor nutrition, ringworm, and excessive grooming. The reason your hamster is losing hair can be physiological, behavioral, or medical.

Im not sure how old he is because i rescued him but i would say hes mabe 2. The signs of illness when a hamster has an Escherichia coli infection are similar to other illnesses that cause diarrhea in hamsters. There are many possible reasons for this. Some hamsters with cage mates may need to be separated from the others in the event of a contagious reason for hair loss such as an ectoparasite. Treatment includes fluid administration either by mouth or by injection to correct dehydration and possibly antibiotics. Hair loss in hamsters is a common issue and can happen for many reasons. Broken bones, including a broken back, may result if the hamster is dropped or falls from a height such as a table top. The presence of these mites results in dry, scaly skin and subsequent hair loss," Dr. This illness is caused by the bacterium Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. This disease is contagious to humans, so any infected hamsters—or hamsters that have been exposed to infected hamsters—must be euthanized. We're Hiring!