all of a sudden my hamster smells really bad!he is a syrian and 7 month old.has anyone had this before or any advice please?as i said he has never been this smelly.
well i only cleaned him out yesterday and today his cage stinks like a strong fish smell!!he uses 2 corners to wee in and i spot clean them normally every other day then a big clean out once a week which was working great but the past 2 weeks he really smells and you can smell it when you just in the room!he doesnt really use his wheel now for some reason but he seems ok?
Hs he been eating and drinking normally - are you finding the same amount of poo and wee as normal? Is is bum nice and clean - not wet or smelly? Have you canged anything food maybe? Or given him somthing as a treat?
i will check him over tonight.but no nothing has changed food wise.i noticed when i cleaned him yesterday he didnt have a big stash of food like he normally does so he doesnt seem to be eating normal.i just dont understand it??
What kind of hamster is it? If it's a syrian, are you sure it's a boy? Perhaps it's a girl and in heat? That was my first thought at your description of the smell... Have you checked its bum? It might have diarrhoea or some other illness that causes the smell.
Location: Yorkshire, UK but my heart lies in Scotland!
Posts: 28,192
Re: smelly
You need to get him out and give him a good checkover especially his bottom and underneath. Does he feel nice and well fleshed or scrawny and boney?
He may have a urine infection. This can cause the fishy smell and make him feel quite poorly. It can be treated with some Baytril antibiotic so if you feel he is just not right then a vet visit is in order for a check up. One point - does he sleep in a small enclosed plastic house? Hamsters who sleep in these can get all sticky and steamy with bugs growing in the damp box causing a bad smell. Use either a cardboard box with lots of holes punched in it or maybe even just an open nest?
yes he sleeps in a plastic house i will change that asap!when i check him over what should i look for?and do i have to get baytril off the vet or can i buy it and how do i give it to him?thankyou for your help.
Location: Yorkshire, UK but my heart lies in Scotland!
Posts: 28,192
Re: smelly
When you get him out you need to first turn him over and look at his tummy. Make sure there is no sticky wet fur or poo smeared over his bottom. Nothing should be oosing out his vents either. Check for any cuts or swelling that may be abcesses that are leaking. Is he a boy? Can you see sort of lumps at the back that are his testicles?
Feel his body. It should be warm and you should not feel his bones sticking out. His coat should look plush and glossy if short haired and should not appear ruffled. His eyes should look bright and when fully awake his ears erect and he will appear inquizative.
You need to get Baytril from the vet as it is prescription only antibiotic. The vet would show you how to give it and it is best given direct in to the mouth from a syringe.
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