Top veterinarians, best-selling pet-care authors and other top pet-care experts are all part of the Pet Connection team. If you would like the newest, freshest weekly syndicated Pet Connection articles from the Universal Press Syndicate for your newspaper, publication or Web site, find out more here.
Selecting a healthy hamster
published 01/31/1999
Q: My mom and dad say I can get a hamster for my birthday. How can I pick out a healthy one? I’m 8, and it’s my first pet. — K.J., Sacramento, Calif.
A: Congratulations! Your first pet is a reason to celebrate. I know you’ll take good care of your new friend. Have your parents take you to a reputable pet shop, where it’s obvious the animals are clean and well-cared-for.
A healthy hamster will have a lush, glossy coat, bright eyes and a clear nose. Any sign of messiness around the eyes or ears or under the tail is a sign the animal may not be well.
Having a pet is a big responsibility. Keep the cage clean, and make sure your pet always has fresh food and water. Be careful to secure your pet’s cage carefully, for hamsters are talented escape artists.
All information copyright 2009 by Dr. Marty Becker and Gina Spadafori.
This information is provided for the personal use of Pet Connection readers
and may not be reproduced in any way or in any media without expressed,
written permission of Dr. Marty Becker, Gina Spadafori, Honest Dog L.L.C.
and the Universal Press Syndicate.
Contact us
for information on using any material
from this Web site. All advice offered is general, and the Pet Connection is
not responsible for any problems arising from the use or misuse of the
information. Since each animal and each situation is unique, we recommend
that you contact your own veterinarian for help with any health or behavior
problems in your pet.
Terms & Conditions