Teddy Bear hamster with mites

Question
Hi, I recently read another question on this site having to do with mites and found it extremely helpful. My hamster, "Houdini", has already received one shot for mites and will soon receive a second one. My questions are these: should I continue treatment using Anti- Parasite spot on or something similar even after the second shot? And if my hamster feels really hot all over his body can I get him wet to cool him off?

Answer
Hi Gabrielle

In theory the second shot should kill the mites.  I don't use the anti-parasite medication unless needed, although I note that some of the brands do recommend using it monthly and I am sure it is safe to do this.  It might be worth discussing this with your vet when you take your hamster in for the second shot.  It really depends on what drug your vet has used.  He might advise against using any preventative medication for while.

Does Houdini feel hot?  What type of cage is he in, and whereabouts is it situated?  Hamsters often feel warm, with cold feet - this is pretty normal.

Whilst hamsters originally came from a hot climate, during the day time they would stay in the shade or underground so that they didn't over heat.  The problem in captivity is that if the cage is in a hot room and there is little ventilation they can suffer from heat stroke.  It is best to try and prevent this from happening in the first instance - the wire cages allow a lot more ventilation, but if Houdini is in an enclosed cage make sure it is in a cool part of the house.  If necessary, close curtains/shutters and put an electric fan on to keep the room cool during the very hot temperatures.  Never put the cage on a windowsill or near a window as hamsters can overheat quickly.  Make sure Houdini has water to drink so that he doesn't dehydrate.   Heat stroke can occur if the hamster has been exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period of time.  The first signs are that the hamster will get dull and limp before progressing to collapse and shock.  In an emergency such as this you can apply a small amount of water to them before using a fan to evaporate this water.  You must be very careful that you don't over-do this - don't put on too much water, nor allow the hamster to get too cold because going from one extreme to the other can make your hamster sick and could cause hypothermia.   Once the hamster has been revived, he should be given rehydration fluids (there are special ones for pets, but human rehydration powders are fine - mix according to the instructions).

Hopefully you won't need to do this for Houdini, but it is worth knowing what to do in an emergency.  It is only in extreme circumstances that I would put water on a hamster.

I hope this helps.  If you need any more information, please get back in touch.

Regards