Hamsters are rodents just like mice. We know wild mice can carry fleas. But, is there something about hamsters that prevents them from getting them?
Myself, I have always assumed that hamsters are not susceptible to fleas. I owned two of them as a child, and I never saw any on either one.
So, can hamsters get fleas? I performed a little research on this subject and found that the short answer is YES. Hamsters can get fleas, but they get them mostly from other pets.
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How Do You Check a Hamster for Fleas?
If your hamster is frantically scratching at parts of his or her body, it may have fleas. Other parasite problems, such as bacterial infection or mites, are better known to cause hair loss, scaly skin, and dandruff.
Verifying the presence of fleas on your hamster involves parting its hair and looking for fast moving insects that cling to your its body. Thankfully, they are relatively large insects so it should be easy to see them.
If you see a flea and it suddenly seems to vanish right before your eyes, it has most likely jumped away. They have strong legs for their size, and they can cover great distances. Indeed, this is how they infect other animals so readily. Close contact is not required.
Another diagnostic method is to look for flea droppings that have adhered to individual hairs in your hamster’s coat. They will look like tiny black or dark red particles of dust.
Gently remove one or two and place them onto a white napkin or towel. Apply a drop of water to the particles and watch what happens.
If they start to dissolve and leave a red color on the paper, they are likely to be flea droppings. Fleas survive on meals of blood from your pet, so their droppings contain digested blood.
How Do You Treat Fleas on a Hamster?
Fleas on hamsters usually come from another pet. Therefore, successful treatment depends on eradicating them from their source as well as from your hamster. Check all of your other pets, if you have them, and treat them for fleas as well.
If you don’t have any other pets, think carefully about the environment and the events that occur on a daily basis around your hamster and its living quarters:
Has someone recently visited your home with a pet? That pet could have had an active infestation. And the bad news is, it only takes a couple of fleas deciding to jump ship and stay.
Do you live in a duplex home or an apartment building with neighbors who have pets? There could be holes or passages between the dwellings that are large enough for fleas to pass through from their pet to yours.
Is it possible that there might be an infestation of animal pests in your home, such as mice, chipmunks, or rats? These would be a natural source.
Do you, or any children in your house, spend a lot of time in the presence of other pets? Fleas can cling to your clothing long enough to reach your living quarters. And it is a quick jump to your pet.
Addressing The Problem Of Fleas On Hamsters
Once you know where they are, you can eradicate fleas as follows:
NOTE: Hamsters are somewhat delicate and much smaller than either cats or dogs. Therefore, it is always wise to consult a licensed veterinarian regarding the use of any of the products mentioned below.
Apply A Suitable Flea Insecticide Spray Or Shampoo On Infected Pets
It is critical to use a product labeled for the treatment of the type of animal that you are treating. Products that are safe for dogs may prove FATAL to your hamster.
Read the label and do not use it unless it is safe for use on the type of pet you are treating. Follow all of the product directions religiously.
If you can’t find products labeled for use on hamsters, check with pet stores or veterinarians. They are much more likely to carry such products.
Apply A Hormone Product Intended For The Treatment Of Fleas
These work by preventing juveniles from maturing, which leads to their death. Again, it is vital that you find evidence on the label that the product is safe for the pet you are treating.
It is also vital to follow the treatment instructions. Failure to do so may cause your efforts to be wasted or much less effective.
Apply A Natural Product To Repel Fleas Or To Make Your Hamster A Less Desirable Target
The best natural remedy for fleas is an optimally healthy hamster. Vitamin deficiencies are reportedly common among small pets. Such deficiencies make it easier for any parasite to become a part of your pets life.
The extract of Black Walnut is an effective flea repellant when given orally to your hamster. Purchase this at pet stores. As always, read the product label, find evidence of suitability for hamsters, and follow the instructions.
Be A Diligent Owner
Keep your pet’s cage or aquarium clean. Change its bedding regularly. Inspect your hamster regularly for fleas and other health issues and remove them if you find them.
Regular vacuuming can help prevent infestations by reducing the number of free-ranging fleas and their eggs. Immediately discard the vacuum bag or the collected soil because flea eggs can hatch inside vacuums and then find their way out.
If you do find fleas during your inspections, pop them into a dish of soapy water, or collect them and freeze them. If you can’t get rid of a vacuum bag that might contain fleas, put it in a plastic bag and pop it into the freezer overnight.
Now that you’ve taken care of the existing fleas, carefully replace all bedding materials from your cage or aquarium to eliminate any flea eggs that may be present. You should not return your little friend to that environment until you have completed this task.
Conclusion
Just like any other mammal, hamsters can suffer from fleas. However, there are some products available to help you to get rid of them, and we’ve mentioned a few tips to follow that will make your efforts more successful and long-lasting.
After you have dealt with the problem, take action to reduce the chances of a new infestation.
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