Why is my hamster losing hair? 5 Common Reasons

Content

• 1. Malnutrition.
• 2. Parasites.
• 3. Friction.
• 4. Shading
• 5. Medical conditions.
• Hamster hair loss treatment

Hamsters are extremely cute and cuddly with their furry fur and different color patterns. This is why it can be extremely alarming if you notice that your furry friend is losing hair.

If your hamster's hair starts to fall out, it's most important to determine why they're getting bald spots.

Hair loss in hamsters can be a symptom of many health conditions—from minor to major problems. In many cases, hair loss is caused by things in your pet hamster's environment. In this article, we'll discuss five common reasons why your hamster is losing hair and what you can do about it.

1. Malnutrition

One of the most common causes of hair loss in hamsters is malnutrition. If your hamster's diet doesn't include adequate nutrition—especially the right amount of B vitamins—it can cause hair loss.

A lack of protein in their diet can also cause problems with their fur. When consulting with your veterinarian, one of the first things they will ask about is your hamster's diet regarding their hair loss.

What to do:

If this is the suspected cause of your hamster's hair loss, your veterinarian may recommend changing its diet. Foods such as cheese, unsweetened grains, cooked eggs, whole wheat pasta, vegetables and fruits are considered beneficial in treating hair loss in hamsters. There are also water-soluble vitamins prescribed to small pets to help with hair growth.

2. Parasites.

The presence of parasites can cause many health problems in your hamster. And one of the most common symptoms is their hair loss. If your hamster has fleas, ticks, ringworm or worms, this can lead to constant scratching. This will then lead to damage to their skin, which can end up with lesions along with hair loss.

What to do:

If you suspect that your pet hamster has parasites, take them to the vet immediately and ask for the best solution to deal with the problem.

It is also extremely important that you not only treat your hamster for parasites, but also take care of its surroundings and environment.

Parasites not only affect your pet, but they can also affect your hamster's habitat and your home.

As you clear the environment of parasites, you should simultaneously start medicating your pet's skin. And once your hamster's skin heals, their hair will probably shed just as it did before the infection.

3. Friction.

Friction can also cause hair loss in hamsters. If your hamster spends a lot of time rubbing his body against his toys or cage, the excessive friction can cause his hair to fall out. This is especially common in hamsters with small cages because they have little room to move around.

What to do:

Make sure you get a cage big enough for your hamster. And this is especially important if you have more than one hamster. This way your hamsters can have plenty of room to play and run around easily without damaging their coat.

4. Shading

Yes, hamsters shed regularly. This phenomenon occurs during spring and peaks during autumn. When hamsters molt, you will notice that their fur coat is thinning. However, they usually won't get full bald spots.

Some breeds, such as Russian and Syrian hamsters, shed more than Roborovski and Chinese dwarf varieties.

What to do:

It is perfectly normal for hamsters to shed. Don't worry if this is the cause of your pet's hair loss. After the shedding process, the hair will grow back, and your pet hamster will once again have its lovely coat.

5. Medical conditions.

Certain medical conditions and diseases can cause hamsters to lose fur. Kidney inflammation and T-cell lymphoma are two causes that are commonly associated with hair loss. Another medical condition that often accompanies hair loss in hamsters is hormonal imbalance.

What to do:

If you notice that your hamster is shedding fur unusually, contact your vet immediately to schedule an appointment. They will assess your hamster's condition to determine what is really going on.

Hair loss from medical conditions can be very distressing. However, it's often a good sign that something isn't right.

Hamster hair loss treatment

Watching your hamster slowly lose its fur can be quite alarming. But chances are there's no big need to worry. Most causes of hamster hair loss are highly treatable and easily corrected.

Working together with your vet, you can give your hamster the best possible treatment. Just be sure to trust your vet and follow their instructions exactly, and your little hamster will be cute again in no time.

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