When taking care of your hamster, it’s very important that you educate yourself ahead of time. This is because hamsters are small, and quite fragile compared to other pets you may have had. For that reason, it’s important to know how to properly take care of them, and moreover, how to care for them in a sustainable manner.
Some questions can be asked and answered in a relatively short space of time. An owner may wish to know, for example, how often to clean out their cage. Once a week is the most viable answer, using non-toxic cleaning products.
However, it can sometimes be that little questions and curiosities can get the better of you. There’s nothing wrong with that - you don’t have to be an expert to take care of one with authentic action.
Certain topics can evade you, however. For instance, how should you best care for hamster teeth, and what associated dental problems are there to consider? As hamsters are so small, it’s unlikely that dental assistance will be available via a veterinarian, so how can you prevent them from developing teething issues in the first place, or soothe them once they appear?
So, let’s discuss:
Important fact about Hamster Teeth
Have you ever seen a little hamster gnawing on its food, and objects in its environment? This is because hamster teeth continue to grow throughout their lifetime, and as such, they need to gnaw to grind them down a little. That sounds harsh, but it’s perfectly natural. It’s also why they prefer rough foods such as dried fruits and hamster mixes, as this provides them the chance to improve their dental health.
Wood toys, blocks made from calcium and even hamster-appropriate biscuits can help them manage their teeth - particularly their incisors. Non-toxic gnawable items, such as the examples we have given, can be of particular help to your little hamster.
Hamster Dental Conditions
Hamster teeth should be somewhat brown white. They shouldn’t have discharge from the mouth and shouldn’t have noticeable halitosis. These latter points can be points of concern, and perhaps worth visiting a vet to resolve.
It’s also not uncommon for a hamster to break a tooth. They are active little creatures that sometimes get carried away. In this case, visiting a vet can help you deal with the overgrown side teeth as a result - often by clipping it shorter.
Hamster Diet
The diet of your hamster can contribute to their dental health, and not just in what they gnaw on to manage their incisor length. If giving them too many pieces of fruit, you may find that cavities will form, more easily than they do in humans.
If struggling with a broken tooth or other dental issues, softer foods such as spinach, or little dairy products (that help them hit their protein needs) can be a worthwhile use of your time. It might not seem like much, but these little efforts can help you maintain a healthy dental environment for your hamster, and while they can’t thank you, you can be sure they appreciate it.
With this advice, we hope you can care for your hamster in the best possible manner.