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Old 07-19-2012, 04:32 PM   #11
laurajaey
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Default Re: Am I allergic to my hamster?!

Quote:
Originally Posted by HadleyHam View Post
Are they these?
Wood Shavings by Pets at Home | Pets at Home

It doesn't appear that they are low in aromatic oils, so I'm not sure how suitable they are for small rodents or hamsters...

I would say it more likely that you are allergic to the wood shavings than the hamster
Small Woodshavings by Pets at Home | Pets at Home
It's these ones
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Old 07-19-2012, 04:34 PM   #12
laurajaey
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Default Re: Am I allergic to my hamster?!

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in the UK, woodshavings are usually pine I think, and they are kiln-dried so there should not be any dangerous phenols left. I use the woodshavings from P@H and have always done so - my hamsters have not had any ill effects.

I do also think it might be an allergy to the substrate though. have you tried touching just woodshavings straight from the bag and seeing if it's had any adverse effects on you? if so, there are other substrates that members of HC use, like Megazorb (wood pulp), Aubiose (hemp), Finacard (shredded cardboard) etc.
Okay, thanks, phew! The last thing I want is to make my little guy ill. He's never given me reason to think he's being affected by anything though!

And no, I haven't tried that. That's a great idea, I'll definitely try this tomorrow. Thanks for the tip!
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Old 07-19-2012, 04:36 PM   #13
HadleyHam
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Default Re: Am I allergic to my hamster?!

Quote:
Originally Posted by laurajaey View Post
I think that's the same in a smaller size.
I trust my fellow HCers if they trust the wood shavings but as someone with sensitive skin I think that your reaction is from the bedding and not the ham
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Old 07-19-2012, 04:46 PM   #14
kyrilliondaemon
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Default Re: Am I allergic to my hamster?!

We use those shavings with Skip
I agree with the idea of changing substrate though, its not uncommon for someone to be allergic to one.
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Old 07-20-2012, 01:34 AM   #15
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Default Re: Am I allergic to my hamster?!

I'd change the subscrate first before thinking about it being and allergy to the Ham. Make sure the ham can bath in sand a bit too if you can to get any of it off him too.

Change out the bedding and subscrate and bath the ham in clean sand and see how you're doing in a week or so. It may take a while for your body to calm down properly after an exposure to something you're allergic to.

Maybe try wearing long sleeves too.

I hope you feel better soon (((hugs))) Sorry, I hate hives and allergies too.
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Old 07-20-2012, 03:30 AM   #16
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Default Re: Am I allergic to my hamster?!

I do hope it is the substrate and not your hammie. Fingers crossed for you. xxx
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Old 07-20-2012, 03:33 AM   #17
laurajaey
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Default Re: Am I allergic to my hamster?!

Thank you for all the advice guys!
Definitely taking it all on board!
I wouldn't get rid of my hammy, no matter what! I'm going to keep on taking antihistamines and I'm going to change the substrates if it gets any worse. The sand is also a great idea so thank you everyone!
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I love him!
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Old 07-20-2012, 03:34 AM   #18
Call me Alison
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Default Re: Am I allergic to my hamster?!

my mum is really allergic to wood shavings like you wouldn't believe, she only has to walk in to a room with them in a bag and her eyes are streaming.

wood shavings make my eyes itch and unfortunately I'm allergic to megazorb, at the moment I'm using finacard with no problem.

i would def try a change of substrate xxxx
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Old 07-20-2012, 04:56 AM   #19
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Default Re: Am I allergic to my hamster?!

maybe its an allergy to the bedding/sawdust as sawdust makes me sneeze non stop
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Old 07-21-2012, 06:36 AM   #20
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Default Re: Am I allergic to my hamster?!

I am a bit late to the thread, but - if you have any kind of hay in the cage / handle hay, that could also a be a likely cause.

I have never been allergic to anything as far as I know and also developed an inexplicable, highly unpleasant rash on my lower arms several months ago. My dermatologist was quick to blame it on the hamsters, but - since I've never had any reaction to anything or any animal and this was the first time it had ever happened - I didn't entirely believe him.

From what I read up on then, hay or, as has been suggested, substrate are likelier causes. (It later turned out it was something else altogether and no allergic reaction to anything.)

I also would have kept my hammies no matter what. One suggestion in the case of allergies was: long sleeves and, if absolutely necessary, gloves. And making sure that you wash your hands thoroughly after handling whatever could cause the symptoms and before you touch anything else, particularly your face.

From what I've read, there are many people who successfully keep hamsters despite (proven) allergies to them. It seems that you can easily make the necessary adjustments in most cases, and that they often don't even involve medication.

Wishing you the best.

Last edited by Magnolia; 07-21-2012 at 06:38 AM. Reason: spelling
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