How to Treat Worms in Hamsters

Hamsters can be a very rewarding first pet for a child. Their care and illnesses over time mirror those suffered by house cats and can often be treated the same way. Their small bodies become afflicted with parasites like roundworms more easily than larger animals, and should be treated quickly to prevent further damage to the pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Magnifying glass
  • Empty shoe box
  • Hamster cage
  • Proprietary kitten wormer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the hamster around its midsection between the thumb and forefinger in a firm though not clenching grip. The animal must not be allowed to move while it is examined. Grip the magnifying glass in your free hand, and hold the glass over the animal's bottom. Examine the hamster's rectum and surrounding area by looking through the magnifying glass. Look for tiny rough worms, white in color, around the rectum and surrounding area.

    • 2

      Place the hamster in an empty shoe box with the lid open. Do not return the hamster to its cage or allow the lid of the shoebox to remain closed with the hamster inside; it must have a space to receive oxygen. Examine the hamster cage using the magnifying glass to search for more signs of roundworms as in Step one. Check the water bottle, floor paper and fecal matter in the cage in that order.

    • 3

      Purchase a proprietary kitten wormer. Add one to two drops of kitten wormer to the hamster's water supply. Allow the hamster access to its water supply. Repeat this process once a day, continually checking the hamster as in Step one to ensure eradication of worms. Return the hamster to its cage when the cage has been completely cleaned and all disposable materials containing worms have been destroyed.