If you have a hamster bite and it is bleeding, there are ways to stop it using anti-biotic creams or visiting a doctor.
Now, what’s the cause of hamster bites?
Hamsters are one of the cutest breeds to keep as pets and pamper them. Yet, all hell breaks loose when your hamster gets aggressive and starts biting you.
So, if you are concerned about hamster bites, this article will definitely be of good use. It will discuss:
- Do hamsters usually bite?
- Why does my hamster bite me?
- What should I do if my hamster bites me?
- How to stop my hamster from biting me?
Let’s begin!
Do Hamsters Usually Bite?
Before talking about the treatment and reasons for hamster bites, it is important to know whether they usually bite or not.
Just like other rodents, hamsters are capable of biting as well. However, the biting may not be frequent if they are not aggressive. Sometimes, hamsters do bite out of love and affection!
Hamster bites are not really serious but yes, they may hurt and cause deep wounds. So, if you feel like your hamster is biting you a lot, it is time to introspect a little.
5 Reasons Why Your Hamster Is Biting You
Once you realize that your hamster is not biting out of love, rather something else, you should know the reason.
Some of the major reasons why your hamster is biting you are:
1. They Are Afraid
One of the major reasons why hamsters bite is because they are scared and afraid.
Hamsters are small creatures, like other rodents, that get scared very easily. So, if you are not well-acquainted with your hamster, it may bite you to protect itself.
Thus, it becomes necessary to develop mutual trust between you and your pet hamster.
Wondering how to know if your hamster is happy? Click here to learn more.
2. Lack of Discipline
It is okay to spoil your pet hamster. However, not to the point that they lose their discipline when it comes to you.
An indisciplined hamster would not hesitate in biting you, be it for fun or simply like that.
3. They Are Unable to Sense You
Hamsters do not really have a great vision. They usually rely more on their smelling senses for identification.
So, as funny as this sounds, if you have eaten anything, they may mistake you for a piece of a morsel or other food items!
4. They May Feel Agitated Due to Your Touch
A lot of times we pick up our pets to show them our love. However, when it comes to a hamster, it is a different case.
If you keep holding the hamster a lot and picking it up, it may try to break loose by biting your finger.
5. You Woke Up Your Hamster
If you got bitten while you tried to pick up your sleeping hamster, then you startled your little pet.
As mentioned earlier, hamsters get scared easily, and thus, they bite you when they feel even a little threatened.
So, these are some of the reasons why your hamster bit you.
What Should I Do If My Hamster Bites Me and Drew Blood?
If your hamster bit you or keeps biting you, there are certain things to keep in mind.
These things are:
- If the bite did not pierce the skin, you can simply wash it with soap and water. Applying antibiotic cream is also preferable.
- If you have a deep bite that causes bleeding, you can either visit a doctor (highly preferable) or clean the wounds using an antibiotic cream and cotton.
- If you fear infection, you should definitely visit a doctor and get prescribed medicines.
Now the question arises – Do you need a tetanus if a hamster bites you? The answer is yes. If the bite breaks your skin, then you should definitely consult your doctor regarding this.
Some tips for hamster bites are:
- If your hamster bites you, do not shake the pet off your finger. Instead, try lowering the finger and putting it near its cage.
- Do not shout or scream at the hamster. This may cause your pet to get scared and bite you more.
- You can use Neosporin antibiotic ointment to reduce pain and skin infection.
- If you see swelling on the bite even after two days, it may be an infection, so visit your doctor.
How to Stop Hamster From Biting?
There are various ways to stop your hamster from biting you continuously. Let’s take a look at some of these easy and painless methods.
1. Give Some Time
Even humans take time to get used to others, how can we expect a little hamster to adapt to its owner easily?
So, if you have a new pet hamster, give it some time to get used to you. Allow your pet to roam around for some time and get familiar with the surroundings.
Meanwhile, do not touch your hamster a lot. Instead, talk to your hamster and allow the furry pet to get used to your smell.
2. Clean Your Hands Properly
As mentioned above, your hamster may smell food on your hands and bite it. So, always wash your hands with soap to get rid of any smell related to food.
This way the hamster will know it is you!
3. Give Treats Occasionally
Nobody can say no to treats! You can definitely build a bond with your hamster by giving treats occasionally and increasing the trust between you two. But please avoid human treats like honey, as they are unhealthy for your tiny furry friend.
4. Hold Your Hamster Properly
One thing to remember is that hamsters do not like getting picked up from the top.
What you can do is put your hand out to them, and let them climb on top of it. This can be comfortable for both the hamster and you. It will also strengthen the hamster’s trust.
5. Let Your Hamster Sleep!
If your hamster wakes up all of a sudden, it may develop fear and thus, result in biting.
So, don’t disturb your hamster while it is asleep. Let your little furry buddy get rest and wake up fresh!
Should I Be Worried If My Hamster Bites Me?
Well, every pet owner faces this issue in one form or the other. It absolutely does not mean that your pet hamster does not love you or adore you.
So, no it is not a matter of worry but rather, a matter of introspection. You may have to change your ways of dealing with your hamster and follow some of the tips we suggested.
In this way, you are developing a good bond while also steering clear of hamster bites!
Final Thoughts
Hamsters are pretty small creatures that need to be loved and protected properly for building their trust.
Serious hamster bites are a sign that they are not feeling comfortable with you. However, don’t worry because there are ways to gain your furry little creature’s full trust and love.
So, follow these tips and have a fun time with your hamster!
References
