Hamsters are one of the most popular pets in the world and for good reason.
They’re generally low-maintenance, fun to watch, and relatively easy to care for.
However, one thing that might puzzle hamster owners is why their furry friend spends so much time scratching themselves.
And due to the frequency, it can be something to be concerned about.
In this post, we’ll explore the reasons behind why hamsters scratch themselves, and when you should start to worry about it.
Why do hamsters scratch themselves?
Scratching is a natural behavior for hamsters. They do it to groom themselves and to remove any foreign objects that may be stuck to their fur. Scratching also helps to relieve itchiness caused by things like fleas or dry skin.
Additionally, scratching helps to stimulate blood flow and loosen any dead hair that might be clumped together.
While it might look like your hamster is simply being messy, in reality, they’re just trying to keep themselves clean!
He could simply be trying to remove something from his fur, such as a piece of food or an insect.
However, excessive scratching can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
If your hamster is constantly scratching itself, it’s important to take it to the vet to rule out any health problems.
Common reasons
Hamsters scratch themselves for two main reasons: grooming and removing foreign objects from their fur.
Grooming is an important part of keeping a hamster’s fur clean and free of tangles.
When a hamster grooms itself, it uses its front paws to remove any dirt or debris from its fur.
It will also lick its fur to help keep it clean.
Removing foreign objects from their fur is another reason why hamsters scratch themselves.
If a hamster gets something stuck in its fur, it will use its front paws to try to remove it.
This could be anything from a piece of food to a burr from a plant.
In the wild, hamsters would spend a lot of time grooming themselves and each other as a way to bond and build social ties.
Scratching also helps to relieve itchiness caused by things like fleas or dry skin.
Additionally, some experts believe that scratching is a way for hamsters to relieve stress or boredom.
If your hamster is scratching more than usual, it might be a sign that something is wrong.
Check for signs of fleas or mites, and make sure their cage is clean and spacious enough to meet their needs.
If you’re concerned about your hamster’s scratching habits, talk to your veterinarian for further advice.
When to worry about it
Excessive scratching can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
If your hamster is constantly scratching itself, it’s important to take it to the vet to rule out any health problems.
Some common conditions that can cause a hamster to scratch excessively include allergies, parasites, and fungal infections.
Allergies are the most common cause of excessive scratching in hamsters.
If your hamster is allergic to something in its environment, it will scratch itself in an attempt to relieve the itchiness.
Common allergens include dust, pollen, and certain types of bedding.
A trip to the veterinarian will help to determine if allergies are the culprit.
Parasites, such as mites, can also cause a hamster to scratch excessively.
These tiny creatures live on the surface of the skin and feed on the hamster’s blood. This can cause the skin to become irritated and lead to excessive scratching.
Mites are contagious, so if you have more than one hamster, it’s important to treat all of them at the same time.
Fungal infections, such as ringworm, can also cause a hamster to scratch itself. If you suspect your hamster has any of these conditions, it’s important to take it to the vet for treatment.
Another frequent medical condition is dry skin.
Just like humans, hamsters can get dry skin, especially in winter when the air is dryer.
If your hamster’s skin looks dry or flaky, you can try bathing it with special Hamster shampoo (available at pet stores).
Just be sure to rinse your hamster off well afterward so it doesn’t ingest any soap.
You can also try putting a humidifier in your hamster’s room to help add moisture to the air.
hamsters are also prone to skin infections.
If you notice your hamster scratching itself more than usual, or if its fur is looking red and inflamed, it’s important to take it to the vet for treatment.
Attending the medical conditions
The treatment options depend on the generating cause of the excessive scratching.
If your hamster is found to have parasites, the vet will prescribe a course of treatment to get rid of them.
This usually involves giving the hamster a series of baths with a special medicated shampoo.
If your hamster has an allergy, the vet will help you to identify the allergen and take steps to remove it from the environment.
This may involve changing the type of bedding you use or cleaning the cage more frequently.
If your hamster has a fungal infection, the vet will prescribe a course of treatment with antifungal medication.
This is usually given in the form of topical cream or ointment that is applied to the skin.
For dry skin, the vet may recommend using a moisturizing shampoo or cream.
If your hamster has a skin infection, the vet will prescribe a course of treatment with antibiotics.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, hamsters have a habit of scratching themselves, and it’s part of their natural behavior.
Hamsters scratch themselves for two main reasons: grooming and removing foreign objects from their fur.
However, excessive scratching can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
If your hamster is constantly scratching itself, it’s important to take it to the vet to rule out any health problems.
Allergies, parasites, and fungal infections are some of the most common reasons why hamsters scratch excessively.
If your hamster is constantly scratching and you suspect your hamster has any of these conditions, it’s important to take it to the vet for treatment.
Otherwise, you may inadvertently be putting their health at risk.
