Loss of Fur

[mnhiihuynh]

Hi!

My hamster suddenly is losing fur on her hind legs just a few days ago. I've been keeping an eye on it and noticed today that it's spread to the bottom of her stomach. I don't know if she is shedding because of this heat wave we're experiencing right now or some sudden health problem. Does anyone else's hamster shed like that?

Also, she typically runs out of her little bed area when she hears me shaking her food bag, but as of late, around the time she started losing her fur, she doesn't run out to eat anymore. She will either not come out at all, or stand there, poking her head out and after several minutes slowly creep her way towards her food.

There has been no changes to her daily routine or her cage. The only change is the extremely hot temperature. But I am not sure if that is all to blame to the sudden hair loss and behavior change.

If you guys have any idea or suggestions, it would be greatly appreciated. I'm very worried about her.

[WinnieTheHam]

Hi there, how old is she? With elderly hamsters it is quite normal to lose their fur in places. I would say the warm weather is the reason for why her behaviour has changed. they do tend to get a little bit slower when it is warm. Have you got anything cooling in the cage for her? a ceramic tile that has been in the fridge for a couple of hours would work, or a mug that has been in the freezer will do the job of cooling her down.

They can also lose their fur for other reasons, such as over grooming, running on their wheel or over things a lot. It can also be things like a hormonal imbalance like Cushings disease which typically shows symmetrical hair loss. Or things like Mites which usually makes them scratch a lot.

If you can, observe her behaviour, she may be out of her cage when you're asleep so it might be difficult. It's important to be observant to get to the reason for why this is happening to her. If you are really worried, it wouldn't hurt to get her to an exotic vet to have a check over.