Hamster itching?

United States
April 10, 2009 11:18am CST
Does anyone know what would cause this? He's scratching out all his fur. He eats well and is taken care of otherwise too. He just started it in the last few days, but last night when I went to clean his cage out there was a big wad of fur he had scratched out. He keeps scratching himself like a dog does.
4 responses
Niah
@Niah1976 (739)
• Paranaque, Philippines
10 Apr 09
Maybe he has fleas. The best thing to do is to take him to the vet so that he will be given the medicine for that.
joinforcash1
@joinforcash1 (90)
• United States
10 Apr 09
No fleas. I have checked him out for stuff like that. His skin appears normal so thats why I am so confused about whats causing it.
Niah
@Niah1976 (739)
• Paranaque, Philippines
13 Apr 09
Maybe you switched to another brand of soap or shampoo for him. But if you really wanna be sure that causes his itchng please take him to the vet so he will be comfortable again. Good luck and Happy my lotting to you!!!
Pigglies
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
22 Apr 09
Hmm, if the skin appears to be normal it isn't as likely to be mites. Usually that will cause some dandruff. They can also get an intensely itchy hormonal hairloss which would require a vet to diagnose.
Manna02
@Manna02 (86)
• United States
30 Apr 09
If it isn't mites, fleas, or bacteria, perhaps it's just nerves. Just like people, animals can have anxiety or stress problems. It could be a nervous habit for the little one.
Pigglies
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
22 Apr 09
Sounds like possibly mites? Where did the fur start coming out first? It could also be fungal or some parasite other than mites. But if it's mites or lice treating with ivermectin will work. Go to www.guinealynx.info for dosing information and you may need to ask for help on using that dosing information for hamsters. I don't know the dosing rate for hamsters off the top of my head.
club80profits
@club80profits (194)
• United States
10 Apr 09
Or can be he has some bacteria on his skin . The simpliest answer and dumbest answer is take him to the vet.