Hamster bald spot near the eye

Question
Hi Karen,

My hamster is 1.5 years old. He has been scratching his ears and eye area. Recently, i noticed a bald spot near his eye where he has been scratching. Please advise whether i should sent him to the vet? i did not have a good experience with the vet previously as my other hamster died when a job was given to him. Therefore i am very worried.

we clean his cage once a week. hence, we always ensure that his cage is always clean so why does he keep scratching himself?

Please get back to me asap.

Thanks a million!

Evangeline

Answer
Hi Evangeline,

    Hamsters over the age of 1 year will start to have some hair loss. Sometimes it is hard to tell if the hamster is scratching or just cleaning himself. I would suggest checking the area around this ears. It could be just dry skin, which is also common in hamsters over 1 year. But if you see any tiny red spots around the ear area, then it could be mites (sometimes you may be able to see them) and he should be taken to the vet.
    If you have anymore questions, please write again.

Thank you for writing and best of luck!