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Old 02-20-2013, 12:38 PM   #1
bonkers4hamsters
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Default How to make a hamster first aid kit

A hamster first aid kit is good to have all your emergency supplies in right when you need them. You can also put other things in that you use when your hamster is ill, or things your vet has given you. It is important to have some basic supplies, just in case, you probably have first aid items for yourself, so why not for your hamster? Keep your first aid kit in a place where you know where it is at all times, a plastic, labelled tub is ideal.

Things I have in my first aid kit:
-Any medication I have been given by the vet
-Syringes, for medication or baby food
-Plastic baby spoon, for baby food
-Cotton buds, cotton wool balls and tissues
-Vasaline, although this is mainly for wheels
-Supplement thing, I don't give it, I used to have it for my piggie and this is the best place to keep it
-Brush
-Hand gel, for if I am unwell or have a cold, it is also useful if you are treating something like a cut
-Nail scissors and nail file, for Bella's nails
-Small tub of treats, good as a distraction


I would also recommend you have:
-Flannel/small hand towel/handkerchief
-Disposable plastic gloves
-Any mediation/creams you may have
-Tweezers

Please note, this is not a definite list of what you should and shouldn't have, it is just a list of ideas and to show you what I have. I thought it would be helpful to share with others as it isn't often something people think about when they look at essentials when you have a hamster.
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Old 02-20-2013, 12:56 PM   #2
Mushiemallows
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Default Re: How to make a hamster first aid kit

This is a really good idea!! Thanks for sharing!
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Old 02-20-2013, 01:17 PM   #3
Lougarry
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Default Re: How to make a hamster first aid kit

Great idea. I would add:

Sudocrem - good for irritated skin
Styptic pencil - in case of nicks when trimming claws
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Old 02-20-2013, 01:47 PM   #4
iwasbornwright
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Default Re: How to make a hamster first aid kit

Can you actually trim your Syrian's claws? I wouldn't even want to try as their feet are so dainty and small.
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Old 02-20-2013, 02:58 PM   #5
bonkers4hamsters
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Default Re: How to make a hamster first aid kit

Yes you can, although I would only do it if you have to. I do my ww's and that is pretty tricky!
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Old 02-20-2013, 02:58 PM   #6
Lougarry
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Default Re: How to make a hamster first aid kit

I don't need to trim the Syrians' but the robos were a different matter - theirs grow really fast!
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Old 02-20-2013, 03:12 PM   #7
kyrilliondaemon
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Default Re: How to make a hamster first aid kit

Quote:
Originally Posted by bonkers4hamsters View Post
-Any mediation/creams you may have
Just one issue with that, I'm really strongly against the use of human medications (including basic antiseptics) on pets in emergencies. Plain boiled and cooled water with salt added is plenty good enough and there's a lot less risk of allergic reactions. The last thing you want in an emergency is to put some cream on a cut and find an allergic reaction.
Its not something you'd think of but I've got an allergy to savlon and for weeks I didn't realise, I just had every single fresh cut the savlon touched ending up mildly infected. Not something you want to have even a tiny risk of causing in your hamster when there's a safer alternative, in such a small animal it could potentially be the difference between the pet living and dying.

One other thing you might want in a ham first aid kit would be the emergency vets phone number. I honestly think that it'd be the only thing I'd want in a true emergency for a ham, they're so small that we can't really do much in an emergency without vet assistance.

Oh and as far as I'm concerned my human first aid kit (which I've only got because I used to love walking to the middle of nowhere and back reguarly and out there - yes, you need one) can easily be used in most pet emergencies so as a general rule I just keep that sufficing for everyone who really needs it. Non emergency stuff can be elsewhere for both humans and pets.
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Old 02-21-2013, 10:35 AM   #8
bonkers4hamsters
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Default Re: How to make a hamster first aid kit

Quote:
Originally Posted by bonkers4hamsters View Post
-Any mediation/creams you may have
Just one issue with that, I'm really strongly against the use of human medications (including basic antiseptics) on pets in emergencies. Plain boiled and cooled water with salt added is plenty good enough and there's a lot less risk of allergic reactions. The last thing you want in an emergency is to put some cream on a cut and find an allergic reaction.
Its not something you'd think of but I've got an allergy to savlon and for weeks I didn't realise, I just had every single fresh cut the savlon touched ending up mildly infected. Not something you want to have even a tiny risk of causing in your hamster when there's a safer alternative, in such a small animal it could potentially be the difference between the pet living and dying.
Sorry, I should clarify, any medication that your pet is on at the time, under vets instructions, i would not recommend giving your hamster medication or creams that you have not consulted with your vet about
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Old 02-21-2013, 01:13 PM   #9
LavoChain
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Default Re: How to make a hamster first aid kit

I agree that I wouldn't use any medications or topical creams on my animals unless it has been prescribed, even then I prefer to look into natural remedies for things but that's my own choice. I don't like medications in general, if there is another way I will always take it, whether that's for myself or the animals.

Syringes are the most important thing and everyone should have them, if your hamstes stops eating and drinking they need nutrients ASAP. Often we cannot get to vets there and then so these are vital in my opinion. I also suggest that anyone with diabetes prone hamsters should have some diastix test strips in. Obviously nothing beats having a brilliant vet on hand but not everyone has this luxury so a first aid kit is important, thank you to the original poster for bringing this up.
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Old 02-21-2013, 01:24 PM   #10
bonkers4hamsters
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Default Re: How to make a hamster first aid kit

Diabetic testing strips are a great idea!
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