Why is my new hamster scratching, grooming, and drinking so much?

Yes you should as this could be due to a skin infection, possibly caused by a mite infestation. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. 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!

Thanks for reaching out about Molly. Aging hamsters can often suffer from adrenal diseases which can lead to polydypsia/polyuria (drinking and urinating often), dermal conditions and decreased immune system. That could have manifested in a proliferation of previously existing mites. Often mite treatment need to be repeated to end in remission. Testing for adrenal disease if difficult, probably best investigated with an ultrasound. Treatment is even more problematic. Trying to treat the resulting symptoms (scratching) might be more effective. Good luck.

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!

This presentation could be caused by a mite infestation or possibly a skin allergy. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. 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.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There are many reasons for itching and overgrooming including bacterial infections, mite infestations and trauma. Your vet can take some skin samples to determine the exact cause. In the meantime, you can trim your hamsters nails to prevent further self trauma.

This is likely to be due either to a mite infestation or possibly an allergy. Intense itch can cause severe distress in hamsters. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. 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.