Hamsters are tiny pets that ooze with cuteness! But don’t let that cuddly appearance make you forget that hamsters, like any rodent, have sharp teeth that can bite hard if they put their mind to it. Besides causing pain or discomfort, should you worry that a hamster bite can be fatal?
A hamster bite can kill, but this rarely happens. People with severe allergies, acute asthma, and other respiratory problems are more vulnerable to life-threatening anaphylactic shock from a hamster bite. Hamster bites can also become infected if untreated.
In the rest of this article, I’ll discuss what happens if a hamster bites you. I’ll also describe what to do if a hamster bites you and it bleeds. Finally, I’ll provide some tips on preventing hamster bites.
What Happens if a Hamster Bites You?
If a hamster bites you, the wound is usually superficial and creates a shallow scratch or puncture on the skin’s surface. The bite rarely draws blood unless the hamster bites down hard, such as in the case of an aggressive, highly reactive, or scared hamster.
However, most hamsters aren’t aggressive and prefer to hide in the corner of their cage or inside their play tunnels rather than strike when they feel intimidated or afraid. But beware: even a shy hamster will bite when provoked or when it has nowhere to hide.
The puncture wounds may be small, but they can cause discomfort and become infected. To prevent further problems from developing, ensure you do the following if your hamster bites you:
- Clean the wound with soap and water, and keep it dry.
- Cover the wound with a sticking plaster.
- Monitor the wound for any signs of swelling or heavy bleeding.
It’s normal for the wound to swell slightly, but the inflammation should subside in a few hours. If this doesn’t happen or if the swelling worsens, go to the ER and have it checked.
What Happens if a Hamster Bites You and It Bleeds?
If a hamster bites you and it bleeds, this means that the hamster’s teeth have punctured the skin quite deeply. Fortunately, most hamster bites, even ones that draw blood, tend to be small and aren’t cause for concern.
You should be fine if you wash the wound thoroughly, keep it dry, and use a dressing. The
pain and swelling from the wound should disappear in a few days.
You may also notice that the skin around the wound is purplish if the bite is deep and draws blood. This slight bruising is typical of deeper bites and should also improve in a few days.
However, certain people should be more concerned about hamster bites and seek immediate medical attention when bitten by a hamster. These include people who:
- Have severe allergies to medicines or food.
- Have had an anaphylactic shock in the past.
- Have acute respiratory problems.
- Suffer from medical conditions that weaken their immune system.
If you fit any of these descriptions, get medical attention right away. Anaphylactic shock can rapidly worsen and cause death without prompt and appropriate medical help.
It’s also important to get medical attention if the hamster that bit you has rabies or if you haven’t had a tetanus shot in ten years.
A hamster with rabies:
- Is aggressive
- Bites anyone and anything nearby
- Appears to have a paralyzed leg (or legs)
Hamster bites deep enough to draw blood are also prone to infections. Make sure you do the following to prevent infection:
- Wash the wound with soap and water.
- Apply iodine.
- Cover the wound with a sticking plaster.
- Keep the wound clean, and wash and replace the bandage daily.
Some signs that the wound is infected include:
- Increased pain
- Increased inflammation
- Pus
How To Avoid Getting Bitten by a Hamster
As always, prevention is better than cure. Hamster bites may not be the scariest thing to happen on earth, but they can be very painful and even fatal to some. To avoid this problem, you can do the following:
- Don’t hold or pick up an unbonded hamster. If your hamster is new to the home, keep your distance and allow it to become comfortable before even attempting to put your hand inside the cage.
- Stay calm. Hamsters are incredibly easy to startle, which can cause them to bite. Don’t make sudden movements when approaching your pet.
- Don’t make sudden or loud noises. You don’t want to frighten your hamster by being too loud or noisy. Let it relax by staying silent or talking softly and calmly.
Conclusion
Hamster bites are often harmless, even those that draw blood and turn purple. However, just to be sure, always clean the wound immediately and seek medical help as soon as possible if you’re likely to suffer an anaphylactic shock.
To prevent a hamster bite, avoid picking up a newly-adopted hamster, stay calm, and don’t make sudden or loud noises.