How to treat ant bites on my hamster?

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Filed under: bites 

Our little hamster has some bites on his shoulder, side and nose. The hair is missing in clumps at the bite sites. We've had a problem with ants getting into the food dish before. I think they got ahold of our hamster. The bites aren't bleeding, but you can see the dried blood. How can I treat him? He's scratching alot, which also makes me think they are ant bites. Can I give the hamster benedryl? What can I do to make him feel better and help him heal?
Thanks for your help and suggestions!

No benadryl for the hamster. Why do you seem so sure that these are ant bites? How would ants get to the hamster. Whatever the irritation is, I think you should clean the area and get some hotspot lotion from the pet store. Dilute it with some water (use 1/2 of the lotion and 1/2 water) and put on the area. This should help with the itching. Then keep watch of the area. May take a couple days to get better.

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8 Comments on How to treat ant bites on my hamster?

  1. Stormy on Fri, 28th Nov 2008 5:37 pm

    2. Maybe give him a minibath with just some lukewar water, no soap (to rinse his bites, clean it up a bit) and call the vet for their advise =]
    References :

  2. Emily on Fri, 28th Nov 2008 5:51 pm

    3. Well, hamsters are very delicate little guys. Don't do anything without a vet's consent. You might want to just take him to the vet to be safe
    Good luck, and I hope your hamster feels better. :]
    References :

  3. commorancy on Fri, 28th Nov 2008 6:19 pm

    4. I wouldn't personally give any human internal drugs to a hamster. Also, whatever you put on his skin, you need to make sure it's non-toxic to the hamster as he'll lick it off. You should call a vet and consult with them to find out if there are any lotions or creams you could use that wouldn't be toxic to the hamster.

    The first priority, though, is to make sure that the ants no longer reach him. The bites should eventually heal.
    References :

  4. lala meeh on Fri, 28th Nov 2008 6:39 pm

    5. why are ants near your hamstringster?
    References :

  5. Nancy W on Fri, 28th Nov 2008 7:16 pm

    6. No benadryl for the hamster. Why do you seem so sure that these are ant bites? How would ants get to the hamster. Whatever the irritation is, I think you should clean the area and get some hotspot lotion from the pet store. Dilute it with some water (use 1/2 of the lotion and 1/2 water) and put on the area. This should help with the itching. Then keep watch of the area. May take a couple days to get better.
    References :

  6. A. Marie G. on Fri, 28th Nov 2008 7:51 pm

    7. this happened to me too except i have rats. a woman at the pet store told me to soak all the toys, the cage, everything except for the water dish/bowl. scrub it down with a washcloth too. make sure you rinse it all well, and i'd suggest throwing out the food. i would try and get your hamster food from a different pet store from now on because the ants/fleas may have been in the food at the pet store. keep the food in a container with a twist lid. also it may be fleas not ants so i would check on that.

    good luck. this procedure worked for me so i hope it will for you. i hope your hamster gets better!
    References :
    i have rats and the same thing happened.

  7. Guinea*Pigs on Fri, 28th Nov 2008 8:27 pm

    8. First, dont give the poor thing benedryl
    second, set up tons of ant traps in every room, especially the hamster room
    third, bring the hammie to the vet and get him looked at
    he will prolly tell you to put either iodion or hydrogen peroxcide on the cuts
    try not to take the things from him, they are less expencive at the store.
    but for now, put some peroxcide on it until you get a vet appointment.
    Good Luck
    and i hope he gets better!!
    References :

  8. ♪♫ Steph ♫♪ on Fri, 28th Nov 2008 8:33 pm

    9. you cannot give a hamster human medicine. he will be fine. call the vet
    References :

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