So, you’ve found the confidence to tackle this matter of trimming on your own. All prices on petsmart.com are shown in U.S. dollars (USD). He/she will take care of the problem. Some hamsters may have real problems with their teeth as they grow older - some have been known to have teeth break continually making it difficult to eat. Research source. If your are hesitant at all to do this at home, then have your veterinarian do it. Can I use nail files to trim a hamster's teeth? they are sisters and both a little under two years old. If these teeth grow too long, they can begin to cut into his or her cheeks. Remember they are omnivores. Hamsters need to chew on something to keep their front teeth healthy and prevent them from growing further. Trimming Hamsters Teeth, free trimming hamsters teeth software downloads, Page 2. For example, don't give your hamster a random piece of wood you find if you are not sure what type of wood it is. Apple wood and hard dog biscuits will also help the hamster to keep its teeth trim. Many hamsters will use the bars of the cage to gnaw on or there are wood chews available from pet shops. However, this cost should not be confused with rabbit dental surgeries and the cost of rabbit tooth extraction. Your vet will likely use an ultrasonic dental machine to safely grind down the hamster's teeth. Clipping your small animal’s teeth is not an easy task, so if you have never attempted it before, you should take your rat or hamster to the veterinarian and have him instruct you on how to do it. Poorly trimmed teeth can cause further health problems instead of eliminating them. You should also feed your hamster a healthy diet that consists of commercial hamster mix, fresh fruit, and vegetables, which will help prevent dental problems. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. This can be either done by a vet or an experienced owner of rodents with a suitable pair of nail clippers. Hamsters have nerves that grow within the nail to a certain length, and it's hard to determine where the nerve ends. This will give the animal something to chew on and something to crawl through. Take it to your veterinarian. Vet said hamster will f … If you’ve got a hamster, then you need to know about the teeth problems your friend can develop. Malocclusion occurs when the front (incisor) teeth do not meet properly and grow too long for the animal to eat. Now, if I were asked what radioactive animal I would like to be bitten by, “hamster” would probably be at the top of the list. Vets always over charge people for these services and I don't think it's fair to hamster owners. Last Updated: May 28, 2020 Older hamsters who have trouble eating because of their teeth can be fed soft foods such as bread, scrambled egg, porridge and hamster … Hamsters’ incisor (front, gnawing) teeth grow continuously throughout their life; as is true for all rodents. In total, I counted 17 nuts or nut-like things, but I may have missed some. A breath refresh may cost you $10 alone, so the PetSmart service is truly a bargain. You can go in for a quick bath or full grooming services and the best is that the average Petco grooming cost is relatively low when compared to other pet solution companies. Hamsters are animals that only have one set of teeth for life. You can go in for a bath or you can avail of a full package that includes a bath, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and more. If hamsters don't wear down their teeth enough, the teeth can become overgrown, infected, and painful. I just could keep five packs of Skittles and two boxes of Slim Jims inside me and be set for the day. Cheek Pouch Disease. Yes they do, but never feed your hamster almonds. How do I keep my hamster still when checking its teeth? A great chew for hamsters are empty toilet paper or paper towel rolls. If this is a problem with your hamster, your vet can help prevent overgrown teeth. Other options to keep your rabbit’s teeth short Those with tooth root or cheek pouch impactions/abscesses or oral-nasal fistulas typically need surgery, antibiotics, and pain killers to remove impactions/abscesses, close fistulas and … ... Finance 4 Vetcare provides a simple and affordable way to spread the cost of veterinary treatments and procedures with an 0% interest loan, or an interest-bearing loan at 9.9% if you wish to spread the cost … Nevertheless, if you own a rat or hamster and are unsure of how to trim their teeth, best to play it safe and take it to a professional. Give your hamster a piece of untreated wood that has a hole drilled in it that is at least 2 inches (5.1 cm) in diameter. I was trying to find out why. The combination of a pregnancy and no appetite could be life threatening if not treated quickly. What happens if my hamster's teeth become overgrown? For tips on treating common hamster dental problems, scroll down! My Hamsters Teeth are Overgrown – What Do I Do? This will expose the hamster's teeth while keeping it still. Food – about $3.99 to $9.80 depending on the size and brand; Feed them a variety of proteins, vegetables, and fruits. Usually, if hamsters have proper chew toys, their teeth do not need to be trimmed. Coat: We check for mats and shedding fur. Malocclusion of Incisor Teeth – Normally, hamsters do not need their teeth trimmed. Hamsters are great pets that are typically easy to care for. By using our site, you agree to our. Just ask a friend with any type of pet (dog, cat, hamster, guinea pig, etc) where they go. Skin: We look for lumps, irritations, flaking and fleas & ticks. At first I thought it was his brother bullying him and stealing his food/snacks (not true). Hamsters have very interesting teeth. I am afraid of trimming it and think it would be best to leave it to the professionals. If the teeth still meet but are so long that your hamster cannot fit a piece of food between them when it has its jaw wide open, then its teeth are too long. Only clip the very tip of the nail, and do so with extreme caution. You can also look at a map, or research vets in your local area online. Although the hamster is scared enough to give up its nuts, don’t worry about the clipping. You should have it seen by a veterinarian right away. In the wild, a hamster would use his teeth enough to keep them at the proper length, but in a cage he may need some help. Our Hands-on Pet Assessment. Regular trimming of the incisor teeth may be necessary if this occurs. As humans we can trim our nails with clippers but a hamster doesn’t have that luxury. Then just press quickly and firmly, and be very careful that the clipped teeth do not fall in the hamsters mouth. Then we are relieved to see it’s only nuts…a whole lot of nuts. The hamster repeats this a few times during the clipping. This article has been viewed 61,569 times. From the day a hamster is born until it dies, like all rodents, its teeth will continue to grow. Maintenance Costs of a Hamster. Finally I noticed overgrown teeth. Hamsters have teeth that never stop growing, so be sure to give them lots of chew toys to keep their teeth short. I recommend you contact your vet and set up an appointment. Plus, it’s the kind of superpower with which comes none of that great responsibility that Spider-man’s ghost uncle is always nagging him about. The cheapest option was in London, Ont., with a cost of $258 for a standard procedure, including basic pain medication, intravenous fluids and blood work. You can also give your hamster popsicle sticks, which are available at most craft and big box stores. However, we also have Canadian pricing available on our website. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. This YouTube video shows how it’s done, and its star hamster also has a very special surprise for all of us. Main Surgery. wonderfulpets2018@gmail.com Make sure chews are constantly available or your hamster could face dental problems in the future, such as overgrown teeth. In order to keep your hamster's teeth healthy, you should give them preventative care, be on the lookout for signs of infection, and get your pet dental care if a problem occurs. This will make identifying weight loss much easier. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/owning-a-pet-hamster, http://animals.mom.me/kind-wood-safe-hamsters-chew-1783.html, https://petcentral.chewy.com/how-to-stop-a-hamster-from-chewing-its-cage/, http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=132, https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/poisoning, https://u.osu.edu/pets4life/pet-care-basics/rodents/#hamsters, http://www.northstarrescue.org/pet-care-information/pet-hamster-care/143-a-guide-to-pet-syrian-hamster-cages, https://www.caringpets.org/how-to-take-care-of-a-hamster/illnesses/malocculusion-of-teeth/, http://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/hamsters, mantener saludables los dientes de un hámster, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. These teeth may periodically require tooth trims if your hamster doesn't wear them down himself. Almonds contain enough cyanide to kill a hamster. Give this medication to your pet as directed. - posted in Ailments & Injuries: Hello, I have two female gerbils , a black and white one called Milkyway plus a tan and white called Cinnamon. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Teeth & Mouth: We check for odor, tartar and other dental issues. This isn't something you should do on your own. When you. Often hamsters bottom teeth grow faster then the top, and the overgrown teeth can make it uncomfortable and sometimes hard for the hamster to eat. % of people told us that this article helped them. book an appointment > Contact Our Experts. Your pet’s Grooming Salon visit starts with our Hands-on Pet Assessment. References. Try to check your hamster's teeth once a week, and if you notice that the top or bottom teeth are overgrown or broken, take your hamster to the vet. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Next, just ensure that the teeth are in between the two edges of the clippers, and the tongue is behing them. Once a month it's good to get a hamsters nails trimmed and to check their teeth. Tips for Trimming Your Hamster’s Nails at Home. Do nuts and other hard foods help file down the hamster's teeth? How can I get my hamster to stop chewing the bars of its cage? Nails: We look at the length and identify splits, breaks and overgrowth. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 61,569 times. Hold the hamster upside down, with two of your fingers pulling back on its cheeks. What can I do!? Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Broken or otherwise misshapen teeth should be looked at by a veterinarian. Chew sticks are often made out of balsa wood or another light-weight wood. Vet provided antibiotic for eye, and at same time clipped lower teeth. A hamster’s cheek pouches may become impacted with large pieces of food or cotton/paper bedding that get stuck to … To have a happy life, hamsters need to be in an environment that offers them safety but also challenges their bodies and minds. I usually clip my hamsters teeth about once every 1.5 months. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This saves time and money that would otherwise be spent at the vet, and many hamster owners take to doing this after seeing their vet trim the nails a handful of times. Also, be sure of what you are giving your hamster before you give it to them. As for their storage capacity, I always knew they could squirrel away food like that, but I had no idea it was to such a degree. It may sound a bit daunting, but you'll get the hang of it! The gerbil, hamster, mice and rats have continually growing incisors however the cheek teeth are not continuously growing and are classified as short (hypsodont) teeth. Their teeth are their most important instruments and if not cared for the right way, they could overgrow and cause permanent damage and maybe even kill your pet rat because of the inability to eat. Are you worried about your fuzzy friend's dental health? I myself own a Roboroski named Mocha who you see in the My dwarf hamster has been losing weight over the last week. can help wear down my hamster's teeth? I was searching on how to trim my gerbil's teeth and I found this forum full of hamster info. How to trim their teeth? Hamsters with cheek teeth issues may have difficulty eating, lose weight and have swollen lower jaws or swellings below or around their eyes. If a hamster had nothing to gnaw on to keep its teeth in trim the teeth may … Consider dog biscuits a special treat that will also keep your pet healthy if eaten in moderation. Posted in hamsters, rodents. As rat and hamster owners know, these animals’ teeth are constantly growing. Source: YouTube/Hamuhamu Expedition of Kuma-chan’s Room, © SoraNews24 -Japan News- / SOCIO CORPORATION, YouTube/Hamuhamu Expedition of Kuma-chan’s Room, Twitter is abuzz over gorgeous new visual promotion for the hit anime film Your Name, Human plays dead on floor, is quickly revived by affectionate puppy kisses 【Video】, We try the new Famichiki Burger from Family Mart, Tokyo’s latest plan to boost birth rate: Pay people 100,000 yen per baby they give birth to, Sapporo decides to sell new Japanese beer with English mistake on label, Parents of bullied teenage girl who committed suicide commission portrait to “attend” Seijinshiki, We taste the new Japanese KitKat, aged in whisky barrels in Islay, Scotland, Deceptive strawberry milk package angers 7-Eleven customers following banana scandal, We try a rotating sushi restaurant in New Delhi, are surprised to find no rotating sushi, English mistake on new Japanese beer leads to suspension of sales before its release, Genital manju sweets, with a dash of “pubic hair”, raise eyebrows in Japan, We take a trip to Japan’s Lovot robot cafe, cuddle with a bot and learn how to love, » “It’s nuts!” Hamster’s tooth trimming turns into surprising magic act. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. Then I thought it was depression, etc. X Not all exotics have problems with their teeth, but hamster teeth can cause problems. For tips on treating common hamster dental problems, scroll down! Anywhere really. Molars are not as easily identified as being overgrown, so the pet is usually already being seen by a veterinarian by this point. MECHANICAL TRIMMING 202 MANUAL TRIMMING 205 DENTAL EXTRACTION 207 SURGICAL TREATMENT OF ABSCESSES OF DENTAL ORIGIN 211 12 ... limit to what an owner would pay was the cost of a new animal. From Teeth to Tail. Additionally, some hamsters only have 12 teeth as they may have 2 molars (as opposed to 3) on the top and the bottom dental arches. Upfront Costs For Your Hamster’s Environment. This problem is a disease known as malocclusion. For others who don't have the time for or are not ready for a larger pet, hamsters are pleasant animals that can bring joy to the household. Unlike ours, rodents’ teeth do not have nerves so it is relatively painless. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Normally they maintain the size of their chompers through gnawing on whatever they can find. A hamster must gnaw these down or face serious health problems. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Yes. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. In the case of an infection caused by overgrown teeth, your veterinarian will likely prescribe your hamster a round of antibiotics. Make sure that every chew is non-toxic. Try to weigh your hamster regularly so that you know what it weighs when it is healthy. Excess saliva can often be spotted by the staining it creates around the hamster's mouth and on its chin. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. If your hamster’s teeth get too long, his teeth can actually grow into his chin or the roof of his mouth and it can be extremely painful and unpleasant for your hamster. If the top or bottom incisors are overgrown, they will not meet and grind against each other. Try purchasing flavored chews. It as become very weak. This will give the hamster something to chew, and the hamster will even turn it into bedding. At check-in, a safety-certified salon associate will meet your pet and perform a thorough evaluation to ensure they are healthy and ready for pampering. However, if there is a problem with this habit it is possible their teeth will grow out of control and cause more serious health problems. Repeat medication £29.90. This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This little rodent has a big surprise for its handler as he gets ready to trim its teeth. However, about a minute in, it suddenly looks as if an alien is about to crawl out of its mouth. This article has been viewed 61,569 times. Furthermore, teeth brushing costs $10 on average, which is just one dollar less than what PetSmart offers — and you get a mint freshener too! I already tried apple branches and five other wood chews from the store. The added flavor will make your hamster want to gnaw on them more. Nevertheless, if you own a rat or hamster and are unsure of how to trim their teeth, best to play it safe and take it to a professional. My hamster is pregnant and is not eating any food. You should get a hamster cage, toys, an exercise wheel, bedding, food, and a food bowl before you buy the actual hamster. Overgrown teeth causes. How to Keep Hamster Teeth Healthy: 14 Steps (with Pictures) For many families, hamsters are a fun first pet to introduce children to the responsibilities of animal care. However, they are prone to dental problems because their front teeth grow consistently throughout life. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. To weigh your hamster, place a treat on a digital scale and then zero out the weight. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Unlike ours, rodents’ teeth do not have nerves so it is relatively painless. Overgrown back teeth need to be clipped with special tools, and this procedure should be done while the hamster is sedated in a veterinary office. To keep hamster teeth healthy, give your hamster plenty of things to chew on in its cage, like chew sticks and untreated wood. Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today. After the veterinarian confirms that the molars are too long, he will recommend anesthesia to properly trim and file the teeth. Hamster’s teeth are crucial to their health, so you need to know how to help him out if something happens.. I’ll cover the main dental problems hamsters can get into, how to check for those problems, and how to treat them. Pricing. The teeth of a hamster are similar to finger nails in a human. For instance, nail trimming costs, on average, $10, which is the same amount PetSmart would charge you. Hamsters, like some other exotic pets, have the type of teeth that grow continuously throughout their lives. Unlike some other animals, a hamsters teeth never stop growing. Packages of chew sticks generally cost $1-$10 USD, depending on what brand, quantity, and store you buy them from. But if all else fails, then just add some nasty flavor to the bars. However, there are cases where hamsters teeth over-grow, and need to get trimmed. Wood from an apple tree is best but cherry, peach, or pear wood works as well. If you look inside your hamster’s mouth, you’ll see two incisor teeth in their upper and lower jaws. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Keep-Hamster-Teeth-Healthy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Keep-Hamster-Teeth-Healthy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Keep-Hamster-Teeth-Healthy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg\/aid877761-v4-728px-Keep-Hamster-Teeth-Healthy-Step-1-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"