Mites are blood-phagous ectoparasites that are part of a large subclass of tiny arachnids, which are recognized around the world as one of the most common allergens. Not only people can be affected by mites, but all pets suffer the consequences of the presence of these parasites in their body.
In this article on our site, we'll talk about hamster mites, that charming rodent that has become one of the most pets most loved by children. In this article, we will tell you about its main symptoms, the forms of treatment and prevention, as well as some ideas of effective home remedies to combat mites in hamsters.
Why does my hamster have mites?
Mites naturally inhabit the skin and coat of hamsters, but amay eventually occur. overpopulation of these ectoparasites that can cause negative consequences for rodent he alth. In fact, mite infestations are among the most common diseases in hamsters, requiring special attention from their keepers.
In general, mite infestation in hamsters is associated with imbalances in their routine or in their organism, such as a weak immune system, inadequate nutrition , poor hygiene of his cage and his objects, or exposure to situations of high stress. However, it can also be related to underlying he alth problems, such as bacterial infections or skin problems.
Hamsters that share their home with other animals can get mites and other ectoparasites (mainly ticks and fleas) by direct contact. Let's remember that mites can affect other pets, such as dogs, cats, ferrets or canaries among others.
Hamster Mite Symptoms
The first symptoms of a mite infestation in hamsters are usually severe itching, swollen and reddened skin, and bald patches on his fur Subsequently, the formation of scabs or eczema on his skin can be observed, as well as the presence of liquid or dark spots, mainly in his ears (where he usually start mite infestations).
The itching and irritation caused by the mites are also quickly reflected in the behavior of the rodent, which is often more hyperactive and nervous than usual, being able to walk restlessly around his cage and even develop behavioral problems, such as anxiety or aggressiveness
If the mite infestation is not treated correctly and promptly, it can cause mange in the hamster.
Next we will review the most common symptoms of mites in hamsters:
- Intense itching
- Inflamed skin
- Red skin
- Dry, scaly skin
- Excessive scratching
- Skin inflammation
- Loss of hair
- Baldness
- Skin infection
Also Blisters may form in the regions around your nose, genitals, ears, and on your extremities.
Treatment of mites in hamsters
But what to do if my hamster has mites? When you recognize any of the symptoms mentioned above or detect any abnormality in their appearance or behavior, you should go to a specialized veterinarian in exotic animals. Remember that mites reproduce quickly, so infestations and their symptoms worsen just as quickly, putting your hamster's well-being and he alth at risk.
At the clinic, the veterinarian will carry out diagnostic tests essential for choosing an effective and appropriate treatment. Ivermectin-based acaricides are usually administered and are usually injected over several weeks. In the event that underlying infections are diagnosed, the veterinarian will also evaluate the possibility of treating them with antibiotics.
The complete hygienization of the environment of the hamster, including its objects, accessories, toys, drinkers and feeders, will be essential for a successful treatment. First, you will need to wash all these utensils and the cage using neutral soap and hot water. Then you can apply some insecticide/miticide product prescribed by the vet. Do not use traditional cleaners or corrosive cleaning products, such as creolin or chlorine, as they may aggravate the irritation of the rodent's skin and mucous membranes.
If you have more than one hamster in the same cage or other animals in your home, you will also need to check them for any problems. In the event that you identify any anomaly, logically, it will be essential to also take them to the veterinary clinic. Even if they show no symptoms, you should immediately separate them from the affected rodent(s).
Home remedies for hamster mites
There are also some natural remedies that can help eliminate mites in hamsters, however, remember that remediesThey are not a substitute for veterinary treatment and that their application must always be supervised by the specialist who handles your case.
Next, we will list natural alternatives to combat mites in hamsters:
- Garlic: it has antiviral, insecticide, antibacterial, vermifuge and antiparasitic properties. Although it is toxic in high concentrations, its moderate intake or application helps keep our pets free of internal and external parasites. To combat mites in the hamster, we will apply the garlic topically, making a maceration with a base oil, be it olive, corn, almond, etc. First, we crush a clove of garlic and then let it macerate for 12 hours in about 100ml of warm oil. Then we can apply a few drops of this solution on the hamster's skin daily until the symptoms disappear.
- Vitamin E: Vitamin E is also an excellent natural remedy for fighting mites and keeping your hamster's skin he althy. In pharmacies, we can buy vitamin E capsules, which are suitable for dermatological use. We will dilute a capsule in about 50 ml of neutral base oil (almond, olive, corn, etc.). The treatment should be done on alternate days, spreading only a few drops on the hamster's skin with the help of a sterile gauze, for one or two weeks (or according to the time recommended by the veterinarian).
- Tea Tree Oil: This is one of the most effective home remedies for mites in hamsters. Before applying it, we must dilute about 20 drops of tea tree oil in approximately 100 ml of neutral or base oil, such as olive, coconut, corn or almond oil. In preventive treatments, we can apply this solution once or twice a week. But if the hamster already has mites or has dry and inflamed skin, we can apply it daily until the symptoms disappear.
How to prevent mites in your hamster?
To prevent mites from affecting the he alth of your rodents, it will be essential to follow the following basic guidelines to strengthen the immune system of your hamstersand avoid imbalances in your body:
- Offer a complete and balanced diet to your hamster, which fully meets its nutritional requirements. If in doubt, consult your veterinarian.
- Provide adequate preventive medicine, which necessarily includes visits to the vet every 6 or 12 months, as well as providing basic hamster care.
- Enrich their cage, providing them with toys, accessories and complements that allow them to exercise their body and mind, combating the symptoms of stress and boredom.
- Maintain optimum hygiene in its cage and throughout the home, as well as ventilate the house and provide adequate lighting.
- If you have other pets, follow these same guidelines to preserve their good he alth and avoid contagion by ectoparasites and endoparasites.
