Hamsters are cute little rodents and are relatively easy to care for, making them great pets. These animals are naturally very curious and enjoy chewing whatever they come across. As a result, it's important to take extra precautions to ensure that your hamster doesn't eat anything toxic and lives in a safe and toxic-free environment. This is a must, especially if the hamster is left out of the cage for exercise. If you suspect your cute pet has been poisoned, take him to the vet as soon as possible.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Avoiding Toxic Food
Step 1. Ask your vet about foods that are toxic to hamsters
Hamsters usually eat feed in the form of pellets mixed with fruit and vegetables. Although some types of fruit and vegetables are recommended for hamsters to eat, some can cause poisoning. Ask your vet for a list of foods that are toxic to hamsters. For example, here are some foods that can poison them:
- Tomato leaves
- Almond
- Avocado
- Potato and potato chips
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chocolate
- Apple seeds
- Iceberg lettuce (if eaten too much)
Step 2. Wash fruits and vegetables
This will remove any toxic pesticides that may have been sprayed on the fruit and vegetables. Make sure the vegetables are cut into small pieces and washed before giving them to your hamster.
Step 3. Don't give your hamster moldy food
Some people give leftover fruits and vegetables to their pet hamsters. You have to make sure the food given is fresh and not rotten. Mold can grow on fruits and vegetables over time, and turn toxic when eaten by hamsters.
Method 2 of 3: Removing Toxins Around Your Hamster's Residence
Step 1. Watch your hamster as he comes out of the cage
If you let your hamster out of its cage to play, it's very important to keep it in an enclosed space. Hamsters are very small and can get into small crevices or cavities under furniture. You need to monitor it carefully and make sure there are no toxic objects in the area.
- For example, you can put your hamster in a hamster ball to keep it safe when playing outside the cage.
- You should also make sure the power cord is protected or unplugged, and that there are no other pets around the hamster.
Step 2. Do not smoke near the hamster
Tobacco and cigarette smoke are very toxic to hamsters. Don't smoke in the same room as your hamster and make sure there are no discarded cigarette butts nearby.
Step 3. Do not use rat poison at home
Some people use rat poison (rodenticide) at home to get rid of pests. This product is highly toxic to hamsters and can kill them if ingested.
Step 4. Make sure poisonous plants in the house have been removed
Some plants can also poison hamsters. If you let your hamster out of the cage, make sure all poisonous plants are removed from the room. Some plants that are toxic to hamsters are:
- Cactus
- Wisteria Yew
- Azalea
- Clematis
- Chrysanthemum
- Fern
- English Ivy
- Hydrangea
- Lili
Step 5. Store medications and cleaning products in a safe place
Medicines and household cleaning products can also poison hamsters. These items should be stored in a closed cupboard and out of reach of the hamster. Antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and birth control pills are some types of drugs that are toxic to hamsters.
Also, make sure that you rinse the hamster's cage well after cleaning to prevent the animal from being exposed to toxic chemicals
Method 3 of 3: Treating a Poisoned Hamster
Step 1. Identify common signs of poisoning
Hamsters exposed to toxic or hazardous substances usually show symptoms such as difficulty breathing, gasping for breath, fatigue, fainting, or coma. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your hamster to the vet immediately.
Step 2. Take your hamster to the vet as soon as possible
If you suspect your hamster has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian immediately. Hamsters are small animals so poison can spread quickly throughout their bodies.
- In the United States, you can also call special assistance services for guidance from a veterinary toxicologist. These services are provided by the ASPCA or Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661.
- Don't just watch and wait for symptoms to get worse when your hamster is exposed to toxic substances.
Step 3. Take the substance causing the hamster poisoning to the vet
You can help your vet diagnose and treat poisoning if you know exactly what substance is causing the reaction. For example, take the packaging, plant, or chemical product that poisons your hamster to the vet. This will allow the vet to understand what substance the hamster has ingested and determine the appropriate treatment.
If you don't know what's causing your hamster's poisoning, you can provide a list of toxic substances in your hamster's vicinity that could potentially cause the problem
Step 4. Follow the care instructions provided by your veterinarian
After the hamster has received medical attention, the veterinarian will usually provide instructions for further care or treatment. Read the instructions carefully to make sure your hamster gets the help it needs.
