Why is my hamster itching constantly after escaping under house?

Hi there! So very sorry to hear about Jasper! I certainly think you're on the right track thinking about mites. This diagnosis however should be confirmed or ruled out by your veterinarian who can scrape the skin for mites and identify them under the microscope. The itchiness from the mites can cause stress and weight loss. Other causes of itchy skin can be sensitivity to any new products in the environment that may be causing itch and irritation. Also, hamsters can develop Cushing's disease, which effects the adrenal glands - tiny glands around the kidneys that control hormone levels. These hormone levels can become disrupted in this disease process and cause thinning skin and weight loss. Either way, I'd bring your little guy in to see his veterinarian, so he can have an exam and some testing done. One of the mites we can see on pets is called a scabies mite, and those are contagious to humans. Therefore I'd have him seen as soon as you can!

I am sorry to hear about Chip. We do worry about parasites like skin mites in hamsters. We could also have an allergy or irritation due to bedding. I would recommend removing all bedding and cleaning his cage thoroughly and replacing with a scent free paper bedding (such as Carefresh). If the itching continues, I would recommend making an appointment for him to be check out by a veterinarian. Good luck!

There are a number or reasons why Blizzard is scratching himself a lot. It could be allergies such as a contact allergy, but it could also be that he is suffering from dry skin or mites. The only way to know for sure is to have him seen by a vet. The vet can diagnose what is causing his itching and can prescribe a treatment for him. I recommend taking him into the vet first thing on Monday. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

He is probably itchy. Itch in hamsters can be caused by this could be due to an allergy, although it could also be infection or mites. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Some skin tests may be needed to rule out mites and infections. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Your hamster may be suffering from ectoparasites such as mites or fleas and/or an allergy to the bites. I suggest you take him to a veterinarian for a hands-on exam and diagnosis. The vet can prescribe or treat your hamster with a proper medicine to kill the parasites. There are mite treatments for hamsters available in the pet shops, but I am not sure whether they are effective. You will definitely need to clean and disinfect your hamster's cage, bedding and toys and food and water containers to hopefully prevent the mites from reinfecting your hamster after treatment.

Moo Moo may have mites. Take a magnifying glass and inspect his fur. You may see mites crawling around, or skin damage. You should be able to get a mite spray at a pet shop to treat Moo Moo with. You will need to completely clean out the cage, replace the bedding, disinfect the toys and the cage. Hopefully that will exterminate them.

Poor Molly, she certainly looks like she is having a problem with her skin. The most common cause of dry, scaley skin and itching is mites. I would recommend having her seen by a veterinarian who can assess her for underlying skin disease and recommend a treatment accordingly.