Should I get a hamster?

Question
Hello. I have been thinking about getting a hamster but I have two dogs who would be in the same area as the hamsters cage. I don't want to get one if it would be nervous scared and miserable so I was wondering if hamsters are usually nervous and anxious animals? Do you know if they are happy in homes with dogs?

Answer
Hi Jamie

Thanks for your question.

I would think it is fine to get a hamster however I would be tempted to get a slightly older Syrian rather than a baby as babies can get stressed and this can cause a terrible illness called wet tail.  If you get one from a rescue they will know the temperament of the hamster.

Obviously if there are other pets you do need to take precautions so that they are safe. A cage situated on a shelf would be safer with dogs than one that was lower down. Also make sure the cage is safe in that there is no chance of escape - some of the tubular ones are prone to coming
apart therefore I would recommend a wire cage with a plastic base - if you are in any doubt you can always wire the doors shut temporarily. Hopefully the dogs won't be bothered by the hamster once they are used to the scent from its cage. Remember that hamsters are nocturnal so they become active at night and this is the time you probably need to be more careful. During the day they will sleep. Providing the dogs aren't shut in the same room with them if you are out then they should be ok otherwise I suggest you move the cage into a room where the dogs can't o I.e the bathroom.

If you get an exercise ball for your hamster it is worth taping over any openings in case it comes apart if it bangs into furniture and I recommend you only put the hamster in the ball when the dogs are not in the room as you don't want them chasing it. Also when handling the hamster I would suggest doing this away from the dogs just in case it gets away from you as you don't want the dogs retrieving it!

I hope this helps you.

Regards
Sheila