Why is my hamster losing hair

Alopecia is a term for hair loss of the head or body. This conditions is often connected to humans but it can also affect hamsters too.

Hamsters are supposed to be cute and fluffy so hair loss and bald patches are typically a sign that there is something wrong. Hair loss can be a symptom of an assortment of different health conditions. It can also be caused by things in your hamster's environment. A small amount of hair loss is considered to be normal. Hamsters shed and at times, their coats may appear a little bit on the thin side when they are molting.

Why is my hamster losing hair

Usually your hamster is a little fluffy ball of fun, but what happens if they start to lose a bit of that fluff? So what are some of the causes of alopecia, and what can you do about them? Both common and easy to fix, friction is when your hamster loses hair from rubbing a certain spot on its body too much. For the water bottle, it should be obvious what to do — fix it, or get a better one. In terms of cage friction, this is often a sign of stress caused by a cage that is too small for their needs, meaning that you should get your hamster a larger cage, preferably not a wire one. Hair loss on the legs may be caused overuse of a metal hamster wheel, which often rubs up against the same spots repeatedly. There are many alternatives to metal hamster wheels that may not be as abrasive, or the simplest solution may be just to remove the hamster wheel for a short period of time until the fur grows back. Depending on the type of your hamster, their fur may be thinner at some times of the year than others, usually in spring or fall. This is not a cause for concern and actually means that your hamster is quite healthy. In this case, you should ask your vet what diet would be right for your hamster. They might also recommend that you give your furball water-soluble vitamin packets that are specifically designed for small pets, but make sure that your vet recommends this before you move forward with it. Because the hamsters can feel the bite, they often scratch at the tick, and this is what causes them to lose fur in that area. When removing a tick, you have to be careful to ensure that you get all of the head and mouth parts out of the skin. Although fleas are also pretty rare for hamsters, they can be itchy and cause your hamster to scratch its fur away.

The underlying skin that becomes exposed may become dry and scaly. It is absolutely normal for burrowing animals or rodents to shed hairs, especially during the fall or spring season. Actinomycosis is an infection caused by the fungus Actinomyces bovis.

Hair loss in hamsters is a common issue and can happen for many reasons. The term for all of this is called alopecia. Just like in humans, there are lots of different reasons for hair loss in hamsters. The pattern of the loss and anything else that might be happening can narrow down the cause, including:. Age Related : this can also be stress related as hamsters are more susceptible to stressors as they age. Environmental Trauma : rubbing certain parts of the body on parts of the cage or fitting into spaces to burrow can cause hair loss. Barbering : cage mates excessively grooming or chewing on hair can cause hair thinning, short hairs, or bald patches.

But what can you do if your formerly fluffy hamster starts losing hair faster than Donald Trump? A hamster may lose hair due to pathological or non-pathological causes. A veterinarian should examine all hamsters with excessive hair loss; depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include medication, diet, separation of cage mates, improved hygiene, and parasite control. All is good with the world until you notice bald spots on your dwarf hamster. To your horror, you realize the bald dots are spreading! What is the owner of a balding hamster supposed to do? Is there any way to stop your hamster from losing even more hair and maybe even reverse the process? Alopecia is the scientific term for abnormal hair loss resulting in balding patterns that may cause your hamster to:.

Why is my hamster losing hair

Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Hamsters are extremely cute and cuddly with their fluffy hair and distinct color patterns. This is why it can be extremely alarming if you notice your furry friend is losing his hair. Hair loss in hamsters can be a telling symptom of several health conditions—ranging from minor to major concern. One of the most common reasons for hamsters to lose their hair is due to nutritional deficiencies. A lack of protein in their diet can also cause problems with their fur.

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But also take a look at this post to see if your hamster might have another skin issue Reply. Despite its name, ringworm is not caused by worms. Sign up for weekly pet health tips and insights from our veterinarians. Natural hair loss will occur during the spring and autumn months when temperatures and seasons are changing. The legacy of this great resource continues in the online and mobile app versions today. So what are some of the causes of alopecia, and what can you do about them? Created with lov by Responsival. Adult hamsters with vitamin E deficiency can have muscle disorders or weakness, which can lead to paralysis. You Might Also Like. When hamsters shed, you will notice their fur coat becoming thinner.

Whenever we can, we should try to help our pet. There are many reasons why your hamster may be losing its fur.

If your anything like me we would spend almost anything for our loved babies. Poor Diet Dietary deficiencies can also cause baldness but you should consult your veterinarian before making any changes to your hamster's diet. Inflammation of the kidneys, which worsens over time, is more common in older and female hamsters. Hair loss is a symptom of several medical problems your hamster might face, including chronic renal failure and mange. In this video below this young male hamster is in a summer moulting. Some vets in the U. This is a condition caused by the reduced production of the natural moisturizer called sebum and a problem seen only with advancing age. In male hamsters, the flank glands over the hips may be infected. Nursing females may also lose fur when nursing a litter, but the hair should grow back once the pups are weaned. Immediately wash any clothing that may have come in contact with contaminated bedding or other items. I had a female Syrian hamster which is less than a year old but over 6 months old definitely.