Many children cannot resist the cute, furry faces of hamsters,
and these lovable rodents are often the first pet a child is
allowed to have. However, in some pet stores, hamsters are
raised in close proximity with others and, if not properly cared
for, can be susceptible to illness. It’s only after the pet is
brought home that symptoms may appear. Responsible pet owners
must be aware of any behavioral changes a hamster exhibits, as
such changes might be indicative of illness. This can be
challenging, as hamsters are largely nocturnal and only awaken
after children go to bed at night. Hamsters are susceptible to
colds. A swollen nose and fluffed fur around the nose from
wiping nasal discharge on bedding are some symptoms of a cold.
The hamster may also be constipated or suffer from diarrhea.
Just like cats and dogs, hamsters also may host fleas and lice,
which they often catch from other pets in the house. You may
have to look carefully to determine if the hamster has these
pests. One of the biggest concerns o