Missing Fur & Irritated Skin on a Hamster

If you are a hamster owner, then it is important to choose a veterinarian that specializes in hamster. Not every vet is specialized to deal with hamsters. A vet who does will come in handy should your hamster experience specific problems that involve skin irritation and loss of fur. Missing fur and irritated skin on a hamster have many causes. If you notice these symptoms in your hamster, then take it to the vet immediately.

  1. Mites

    • Skin mites are tiny creatures that are invisible to the naked eye. Mites burrow beneath an animal's skin, causing itching, irritation and hair loss due to excessive scratching. Hamsters can contract and spread skin mites to other hamsters if they live in a colony, but they can also contract and spread mites to other animals. A hamster can recover from the skin irritation and hair loss associated with mites with the proper care. Your vet will prescribe an antimite spray. Always follow the directions when applying antimite spray to your hamster.

    Allergies

    • Allergies are another condition that can cause skin irritation in hamsters. Hamsters with allergies will experience itching that can lead to hair loss, irritation and infections of the skin due to prolonged scratching. Be mindful of any changes that you make to your hamster's food or bedding, as these are typical causes of allergies. If you have not made any recent changes and your hamster develops an allergy, then try changing its bedding to tissue or toilet paper. If the bedding is not the cause of the allergy, then you might need to change its diet.

    Living Conditions

    • Your hamster's living conditions may be the cause of skin irritation and hair loss. Hamsters living in wire cages will often experience hair loss and irritation around their feet if they walk on a wire floor. Properly cover the cage floor to avoid irritation. Hamsters will also experience skin conditions due to excessive heat. Keep the cage in an area of your home where your hamster will not be exposed to temperatures more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit or less than 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Ringworm

    • Ringworm is a fungus. Fungus grows and thrives in humid conditions. Hamsters that contract ringworm often live in cages without proper ventilation, such as plastic cages. Ringworm causes a hamster's hair to break off as the fungus grows. If your hamster contracts ringworm, then your vet will prescribe an antifungal medication and shampoo. Always wear gloves when administering medication to a hamster with ringworm. Disinfect the hamster's cage to prevent further outbreaks.