Am I allergic to my hamster?!

laurajaey · 07-19-2012, 03:48 PM

Hello,

I make sure I handle my hamster every evening, but the last few nights I've noticed that the top of my arms have started getting bright red and quite hot. I'm a little itchy but I don't know whether I'm itching because I've been thinking of the whole allergy dilemma?

Do you think I'm allergic?! And can I keep him? I couldn't get rid of little theodore

Womblehands · 07-19-2012, 03:49 PM

Maybe its his bedding?

Sandti · 07-19-2012, 03:49 PM

You might be. You could keep him if you take antihisamine tablets but that would mean you have to take them everyday XD

laurajaey · 07-19-2012, 03:57 PM

Okay, thank you guys! I've just taken some Piriton so hopefully that helps!

StarlightSerenity · 07-19-2012, 03:59 PM

Sounds like a substrate allergy to me. What are you using?

laurajaey · 07-19-2012, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StarlightSerenity

Sounds like a substrate allergy to me. What are you using?

I'm using Pets at home wood shavings and shredded tissue

HadleyHam · 07-19-2012, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by laurajaey

I'm using Pets at home wood shavings and shredded tissue

Do you know what type of wood is used in that?

laurajaey · 07-19-2012, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HadleyHam

Do you know what type of wood is used in that?

No sorry, I've no idea..

HadleyHam · 07-19-2012, 04:18 PM

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

cathface · 07-19-2012, 04:31 PM

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.