Hamsters and other rodents are notoriously skittish creatures. In the wild, they’re often hunted by various predators, so they tend to be naturally alert to avoid danger. Though this behaviour is natural, it does mean that they are susceptible to anxiety or stress and require a safe, positive environment to make them feel comfortable. This article will explain how to recognise if your hamster is stressed and what steps you should take to look after it.
What causes stress in hamsters?
Rodents are easily frightened by stimuli such as loud noises or sudden movements. Try to avoid doing anything that could be interpreted as a threat. Remember that levels of pet stress are often related to the individual personality of your pet. Some hamsters will have very different demeanours to others. You need to spend time with your hamster so you can grow more familiar with it and spot unusual behaviour easily. If you think your hamster may be stressed, you should leave its immediate environment to give it a chance to calm down.
What symptoms should you be looking for?
In general, you will need to keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Compulsive Behaviour – This might include repetitive scratching, gnawing or excessive cleaning. Stressed hamsters can be incredibly hyperactive as they try to release accumulated tension.
- Aggression – If your hamster is holding its ears flat, baring its teeth or grunting a lot, it’s probably on the attack. Such aggressive behaviour often indicates stress, so you will want to make an effort to make it feel safe.
- Hair Loss – Hamsters with chronic anxiety might lose their hair or look noticeably more oily. If you notice bald spots, it is often due to the stressed animal plucking its own fur.
- Hypertension – A stressed rodent might experience body tension in the form of rigid muscles, which can cause your pet to shake. Another physical response to look out for is excessive salivation, which could also be a response to built-up tension.
- Shrieking – Hamsters are usually very quiet. When frightened, hamsters might emit grunts or snorts, and if really nervous, they may even shriek or squeal for help.
So what can you do to help a stressed animal?
There are plenty of basic steps you can take to keep your hamster healthy. Make sure it has a balanced diet, gets plenty of exercise and attention, and importantly, keep its cage clean. Improper hygiene often leads to stress. Hamsters also benefit from socialisation at a young age. If you have other pets, you will want to introduce them slowly and carefully. Give your hamster time to grow accustomed to your pets and their surroundings.
If your hamster shows persistent signs of anxiety or nervousness, you should also consider using calming sprays to help it relax. In stressful moments, the brain’s neurotransmitters become overstimulated and start firing off messages to the body to respond to danger. Natural treatments such as the essential oils contained in Pet Remedy calming sprays work with the body’s nervous system to calm the animal and help it destress.
