Syrian Hamster itching

Question
Hi Sheila,

I have adopted a hamster last week. I am slightly concerned as he has a small patch on his skin where he seems to be loosing fur. The skin underneath seems slightly dry. I have seen him itching quite a few times. What do you suggest is best for him?

Thanks,
Rachel

Answer
Hi Rachel

Thanks for your question.

Whereabouts on your hamster is this patch of skin?  Is it on his hips?  Syrian hamsters have scent glands on each hip and sometimes the fur is very thin there.  You can often see a brown mark on the skin where the gland is.  Some hamsters lick these areas a lot or scratch it which is fairly normal.  They rub themselves up against things to put their scent on it and especially seem to do this once their cage has been cleaned out.

If the area in question is somewhere else, then it might be worth giving him an anti mite treatment.  For Syrians this is relatively easy.  You would need to buy a drug called Ivermec.  You can find this drug contained in Beaphar's small animal anti parasite treatment (make sure it is the one for Syrian hamsters).  You put a drop on the back of the hamster's neck, then repeat the dose a couple of weeks later (check the instruction leaflet for full details).  This usually works.

If this is some sort of allergy related problem it would be worth looking at the woodchip/bedding you are using.  Some of the woodchips contain volatile oils that can cause skin irritation.  In which case you could experiment and just put in paper bedding for a week or two to see if there is any improvement - if not, then you know it isn't the woodchip.

I hope this helps you.

Regards
Sheila