Effective Treatments for Hamster Diarrhea: Quick Guide

Section 1: Causes of Hamster Diarrhea

1. Overconsumption of highwatercontent fruits and vegetables can lead to diarrhea in hamsters, such as watermelons, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and tomatoes.

3. Accidental ingestion of frozen foods can also cause diarrhea.

4. Sudden changes in weather or extreme temperature fluctuations can cause hamsters to catch a cold and develop diarrhea.

5. Neglecting to clean the cage promptly can lead to a poor living environment for the hamster, contributing to diarrhea.

6. Bacterial infections, such as wet tail syndrome, can occur if the hamster is not careful and can lead to gastrointestinal diseases.

Section 2: Symptoms of Hamster Diarrhea

When you notice your hamster has diarrhea, first check if its tail is damp. Then, proceed with appropriate treatment.

1. No Damp Tail

If the diarrhea is mild, with soft, dark brown stools but the tail remains dry, and the hamster seems relatively alert, it's likely just a minor case. It's advisable to treat conservatively without medication. You can move the hamster to a quiet, dark environment and provide a small amount of grape juice to rehydrate and restore energy. Avoid feeding fruits and vegetables during this time.

For more severe cases of diarrhea caused by poor diet, you can administer Gentamicin solution diluted with water using a syringe without a needle. After the symptoms improve, offer a drop of plain yogurt daily to improve gut function.

Ensure you change the hamster's water frequently, clean the cage regularly, and separate male and female hamsters for a while.

If you use sawdust in the cage, consider adding a layer of absorbent sand to increase the cage's moisture absorption, helping the hamster expel urine quickly and reducing the risk of bacterial infections, which is beneficial for the recovery of diarrheastricken hamsters.

Notes:

If the diarrhea occurs during winter, it might be due to the hamster being chilled. In this case, add more cotton to the cage and move it closer to a heat source for warmth. Also, ensure the hamster receives adequate nutrition.

If the diarrhea is due to excessive consumption of fruits and vegetables, stop feeding these items and provide only water until the hamster recovers.

2. Damp Tail Symptoms

For hamsters with diarrhea and damp tail symptoms, you can try giving them a small amount of overthecounter human antibiotics, such as cefalexin capsules. Administer 2 to 3 capsules at a time, opening them and letting the hamster lick the contents. Feed this three times a day for three days, and the symptoms should significantly improve.

Special Reminder:

If the hamster's stools are very loose, you can use montmorillonite powder to alleviate the symptoms. Ensure the hamster fasts for an hour before and after taking the medicine to ensure the drug's effectiveness. Once the stools return to normal, gradually introduce drier food.

Hamster Care Tip: To minimize the occurrence of diarrhea, ensure your hamster is wellprotected from the cold and fed a balanced diet, which can significantly reduce the risk of this condition.