What to Do If Bitten by a Hamster? Detailed Guide to the Correct Treatment

Hamsters are the collective name for animals in the subfamily Cricetinae, with a body length of 5-12 cm. Except for the dwarf hamster distributed in Central Asia, all other species of hamsters have cheek pouches on both sides of their faces, extending from the molar side to the shoulders, which is how they got the name "hamster." These animals are very miniature and cute, are strongly territorial solitary animals, and are also very popular pets. Let's take a look below at what to do if bitten by a hamster!

Do Hamsters Bite People?

Hamsters do bite people. Hamsters are not born not biting people; being unfamiliar with the owner, being startled or disturbed, mistaking something for food, illness, etc., can all cause biting. Getting your hamster not to bite can also be achieved through training.

How to Avoid Being Bitten by a Hamster?

1. Try not to disturb the hamster while it is sleeping. It is best to wash your hands clean before contact, and you can slowly get close to the hamster by hand-feeding it food.

2. If the hamster is already very close to the owner or has always been very affectionate, and suddenly one day starts biting the owner, you need to check the hamster's physical condition. Generally, if a hamster is sick or unwell, it will also start biting.

What to Do If Bitten by a Hamster?

1. Minor bite: If it is only a minor bite with no bleeding or little bleeding, and the wound is neither deep nor large. You only need to wipe it with alcohol.

2. Severe bite

① First, you must squeeze out the blood first, and clean the wound and the surrounding area. The main purpose is to wash away the dirt attached to the hamster's teeth.

② Then use a cotton swab to stop the bleeding at the wound. If it is a penetrating wound plus a laceration, you need to use a cotton swab to peel open the detached skin.

③ The third step is to clean the exposed wound surface with alcohol (it hurts a lot).

Note: Hamsters are mostly artificially bred and do not carry bacteria such as plague or rabies. If you are still worried after treatment, you can go get a tetanus vaccine (note: it is the tetanus vaccine!).