itching

Question
Hello again!
You know how i was talking about my hamster itching alot? well I was watching her and she only itches one side of her also i took a look at it if i saw anything and the one side of her back she was itching is like dry skin and it was a little white and flakey. The other side of her back was just normal. Do u think she might be alergic to the bedding or food? can hamsters be alergic to my dog? do u think she's alergic, sick or somthing else? thanks again!

      from Alexa

Answer
Hi Alexa,

Hmmm...Well, it shouldn't be her bedding, if you're using Aspen or Carefresh.  They are both completely safe, so you can rule that out.  The food shouldn't be a problem, either.  As for the dog, to rule him out, keep him out of the room your hamsters are in.

Is your hamster underneath a vent, or anywhere close to one?  If so, that could be the problem, especially if you have the heat running.  Heaters generally dry out the air, and they also dry the skin, which can causing flaking (in humans and in animals).  Move your hamster away from the vent, or if you can't, you can go to Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. and purchase a clear vent cover (it doesn't completely cover the vent, it just redirects it away from the area you want).

If this doesn't solve the problem, then you need to take your hamster to the vet.  (I know people don't really like hearing that, because there just aren't that many vets that deal with small animals, but you may have no choice, if your hamster is uncomfortable.)

If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Kelly