Scent Glands in Male & Female Dwarf Hamsters

When you discover through your sense of smell that your hamster has a scent gland, you may wonder if the poor thing's ill. Your dwarf hamster's scent gland is located on his underside, near the middle of his body. It may be covered by the fur or visible as a hairless area of skin. It is fairly common for the scent gland to appear greasy and have a distinct odor to it.

  1. Scent Gland Purpose

    • Male hamsters rub their scent glands against objects to mark territory. The scent of the gland can become more noticeable when the hamster is excited. The hamster may also express noticeable secretions. The female hamster's scent gland expresses secretions as part of the estrous cycle.

    Odor

    • The amount of odor created by a dwarf hamster will vary depending on the individual. The scent glands of male hamsters generally have stronger odors than those of the females. Adolescent animals have stronger, more noticeable odors than adults or babies have. Some hamsters will not smell at all; others may have a strong musky odor that you can detect from across a room. You will get used to the smell of your individual hamster. Changes in scent are what you want to be aware of; they can be indicative of health problems.

    Appearance

    • The scent glands of dwarf hamsters tend to be small and hairless and protruding from the midsection. It is fairly common for new hamster owners to mistake them for tumors. Scent glands naturally secrete a greasy substance that can be yellow or white in color.

    Health Problems

    • Dwarf hamsters are prone to developing infections in their scent glands, as well as tumors. Signs of a problem with the scent gland include sensitivity, change in size, change in color, swelling, crusting, redness, pus or blistering. Take your hamster to the veterinarian immediately if you believe there is a problem with his scent gland.