Dwarf Hamster Injuries

Dwarf hamsters usually aren’t the type to just lay around all day.  Sure I’ve seen a few couch potatoes hamsters, but most dwarf hamsters are extremely active, always running around, digging, and climbing!  They’ll climb around the tunnels you’ve built for them and even try to climb up the side of the cage.  All this activity is great, but sometimes it can lead to dwarf hamster injuries.
 

Dwarf hamsters can get injured quite easily.  After all, how big is that dwarf hamster of yours?  Some common dwarf hamster injuries are cuts, bites, and even broken limbs so it’s important to take the proper safety precautions.

Keeping the Cage Dwarf Hamster Safe
One of the primary things you want to do is make sure the cage is completely dwarf hamster safe.  That means not having anything in there with a sharp edge.  Look over any toys or supplies before you place them in the cage.  Also inspect the cage or habitat itself for any sharp edges or broken wires.

Another thing to check for are openings in the cage.  Whether it’s a small crack in a metal cage or gap on the cover of a glass tank, openings not only have the potential to cut your hamster if there is a sharp edge involved, but your hamster may try to escape and end up getting stuck (this could lead to a lost leg and there are certainly far too many dwarf hamsters that have lost a leg than there should be).  And don’t think just because there’s a small gap way at the top of the cage that there’s nothing to worry about, he will find a way climb all the way up there.

Outside Dangers
Now that you know how to keep your dwarf hamster safe while he’s in his cage, let me tell you a little bit about the dangers outside.  You want to be especially careful when you take your dwarf hamster outside of his cage.  First of all, your hamster could fall from a very tall height when outside of his cage, especially if it’s from a table or stand.  Also make sure you know how to hold him properly.  Because these guys are so small, they can easily be gripped to tightly.  Finally, take all the precautions necessary to keep the little guy from getting loose, the house is a very dangerous place for a dwarf hamster (with electrical outlets, vacuums, doors, etc.) and don’t even get me started on if he happens to run off into the outdoors.

How to Treat Hamster Injuries
If your hamster happens to have a small cute or bite, don’t get to concerned, this does happen from time to time.  What you can do is put a little bit of antibiotic ointment on his injury to help him heal.  If he happens to get a more severe injury such as having his leg crushed in the cage while trying to get out or breaking his leg, you’ll want to take him to the vet.  Your vet will probably put a splint on his leg to let it heal, but sometimes he may have to amputate his leg!

So just remember, dwarf hamsters are very fragile animals, they do seem quite indestructible sometimes with all their running and tumbling around, but take the precautions necessary to keep your little friend safe.  For more great tips on caring for your dwarf hamster, sign up for your free mini-course below: