Do Hamsters Get Fleas: Yes. Treatment Guide 2024

Do Hamsters Get Fleas?

When you get a new pet, it’s essential to do your research so that you can provide them with the best possible care. This research includes finding out what kind of food they should eat, what environment they need, and whether or not they are susceptible to parasites like fleas. So, do hamsters get fleas?

How Hamsters Get Infested With Fleas?

Hamsters are, unfortunately, susceptible to fleas. These tiny creatures can hitch a ride on your hamster without you even realizing it and set up shop in their fur. Not only is this uncomfortable for your hamster, but it can also lead to health problems if left untreated.

There are a few ways that hamsters can get fleas:

• The first is through contact with other animals that have fleas. If your hamster comes into contact with another animal with fleas, those fleas will likely jump onto your hamster and start feeding off its blood.
• Another way that hamsters can get fleas is by coming into contact with flea eggs or larvae. These can be found in the environment, other animals, or in your home. If your hamster comes into contact with these eggs or larvae, they can hatch and start feeding off of your hamster’s blood.
• Finally, fleas can be brought into your home on clothing or other objects. If you’ve been outside and have come into contact with an animal that has fleas, there’s a chance some of those fleas could have jumped onto your clothing. Then, when you come into contact with your hamster, the fleas could jump from your dress onto the furry little creature.

How to Know if Your Hamster Has Fleas

There are several telltale signs that your hamster has fleas. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to take action:

1. If you see any bugs that look like this crawling on your hamster, it’s a good indicator that your hamster has fleas.
2. If you see any black dots on their skin, those are probably flea dirt—the feces of fleas.
3. If your hamster excessively scratches itself or generally seems uncomfortable, it might have fleas.
4. You see tiny black specks on your hamster’s fur. These are flea droppings and sure signs that your hamster has fleas.
5. Your hamster seems more agitated than usual. Fleas can be very irritating, so it’s not surprising that your hamster might be restless if it has them.
6. You see small, brown insects crawling on your hamster. These are the fleas themselves. If you see any, that’s a definite sign that your hamster has fleas and needs treatment immediately.

How to Get Rid of Fleas on Hamsters

Now that you know how to tell if your hamster has fleas, it’s time to learn how to get rid of them. There are a few different methods that you can use, and we’ll go over three of the most effective ones below.

Method 1: Use a Flea Comb

One way to get rid of fleas on hamsters is to use a flea comb. This unique comb has beautiful teeth that can help remove fleas and their eggs from your hamster’s fur. To use a flea comb:

1. Start at your hamster’s head and work your way down their body in long, slow strokes.
2. Check the teeth of the comb frequently and remove any fleas or eggs you find.
3. Once you’ve combed your hamster’s entire body, put them back in their cage and dispose of the comb properly.

Method 2: Give Your Hamster a Bath

Another effective way to get rid of fleas is to give your hamster a bath using lukewarm water and a small amount of non-toxic soap or shampoo. Wet your hamster’s fur with the water and then lather up the soap or shampoo before gently scrubbing their fur. Avoid getting water or soap in their eyes, nose, or mouth. Once you’ve finished cleaning, rinse all the soap or shampoo, and then dry off your hamster with a soft towel before putting them back in their cage.

Method 3: Use an Anti-Flea Treatment

There are also anti-flea treatments available that can kill fleas quickly and efficiently. These treatments usually come in the form of a spot-on treatment applied directly to the skin between the shoulder blades. Be sure to read the instructions carefully before applying any treatment to your hamster so that you don’t accidentally harm them or use too much/too little product. Apply the medicine according to the package directions, and then put your hamster back in its cage. You may need to reapply for the treatment every few weeks until all fleas are gone.

Flea Shampoo for Hamsters

1. SunGrow Natural Neem Shampoo

This all-natural flea shampoo from SunGrow is made with neem oil, a powerful natural insecticide effective against fleas, ticks, and lice. It’s also gentle on your hamster’s skin and fur, making it a good choice if your pet has sensitive skin.

1. Hartz UltraGuard Ridworm Liquid Treatment

Hartz UltraGuard Ridworm Liquid Treatment is an affordable and easy-to-use solution for eliminating your hamster’s fleas, worms, and other parasites. Add the recommended amount to your pet’s water bottle, and they’ll be protected from parasites for up to 30 days.

1. Vet’s Best Natural Flea + Tick Home Spray

Vet’s Best Natural Flea + Tick Home Spray is a safe and effective way to protect your home from fleas, ticks, and other insects. This spray contains a unique blend of essential oils to repel and kill insects on contact. Spray it around your home once or twice a week to keep pests at bay.

Final Thoughts

Yes, hamsters can and do get fleas. If you suspect your hamster has fleas, there are a few different ways to treat them. You can use a flea comb, bathe them, or use an anti-flea treatment. Be sure to follow the directions carefully when using any treatment, so you don’t accidentally harm your hamster. With the proper care, you can get rid of fleas on your hamster and keep them healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I treat my hamster for fleas?

To eliminate and avoid fleas soon, your veterinarian will probably recommend a spray that may be applied to your hamster and its surroundings. However, see a veterinarian before giving your hamster any commercial flea spray. For dogs or cats, specific flea treatments could be OK, but not for hamsters.

Can I catch fleas from my hamster?

Fleas are parasites that may make pets very uncomfortable. Be careful that fleas may spread highly quickly from animals to people. If your hamster hasn’t been interacting with other animals, it probably picked up these bugs from one of your other pets.

How do I know if my hamster has fleas?

The constant scratching is a sure indicator that your hamster has fleas. This may be followed by viciously rubbing the cage’s sides or biting at their flesh. All of these are signs that your hamster is agitated by something evil.

Can hamster fleas bite humans?

The blood of mammals, including humans, appeals to these tiny, flightless parasites. Bite occurrences on people typically happen when a single flea jumps from an infected animal onto your skin; however, fleas seldom do person-to-person. However, they only stay on your skin for a short period.