All hamsters have scent glands that can sometimes become infected. Some hamster owners don’t know their pets have scent glands until there is a problem with them.
The scent glands of hamsters can be red or swollen, and then it is necessary to treat them so that there are no bigger problems.
How to treat infected scent glands in hamsters?
Infected scent glands in hamsters should be cleaned with a damp sponge, and then you should contact a veterinarian to examine your pet and, if necessary, give him appropriate therapy.
In today’s article, you will learn how to treat infected scent glands in hamsters and similar questions related to the topic.
How to treat infected scent glands in hamsters?
When hamsters have infected scent glands it is necessary to clean the scent gland using a damp sponge soaked in water.
You need to clean the scent gland until it is completely clean. Then it is necessary to clean their cage to prevent inflammation of the scent gland.
After this first step, you should also call the veterinary to check and prescribe therapy for your little friend.
How to reduce the chances of infection of the scent glands in hamsters?
In order to prevent infection of the scent glands in hamsters, the most important thing is to maintain hygiene in the entire area where it lives.
Hamsters’ cages should be cleaned regularly to prevent or reduce the chances of this unpleasant occurrence of infecting their scent glands.
When hamsters have an infection of the scent glands they may have constant discomfort, pain, or bleeding. That is why it is important that hygiene is always at an enviable level.
Hamsters do clean themselves, but sometimes they can’t clean themselves everywhere.
What are the symptoms of infected scent glands in hamsters?
When the scent glands in hamsters are infected they have the following symptoms:
- protrusion of the olfactory cell
- the hamster constantly bites the scent gland
- occurrence of an abscess in the olfactory gland
- increasing aggressiveness
- bleeding in the area of the scent gland
If you notice these symptoms, you should immediately take your hamster to a veterinarian to examine it and determine the appropriate therapy.
When should you see a vet if your hamster has an infected scent gland?
If the hamster shows symptoms or you visually notice that it has a problem with the scent gland and its infection, you should immediately consult a veterinarian.
The vet will examine the hamster and give it the appropriate therapy so that the infected scent gland can be cured.
It is very important to react promptly because otherwise there may be bigger problems with health and the scent gland.
How to treat a blocked scent gland in hamsters?
When hamsters have a blocked scent gland it is a warning sign and cause for concern.
When a hamster’s scent gland is blocked then bacteria can build up. The next thing is the occurrence of irritation and infection of the scent gland.
In such situations, you should immediately take the hamster to a veterinarian to examine it and give it appropriate therapy.
When the scent gland is blocked then the hamster is unable to mark its territory.
How to treat a swollen scent gland in hamsters?
The scent glands in hamsters can become swollen, but this is not something that should worry us too much.
When hamsters have a swollen scent gland then they are preparing to mark their territory. However, so that they do not have swelling of the scent gland, it is best to have more security in the cage.
When they feel more secure then they won’t use the scent gland as much to mark their territory and it won’t be as swollen.
Make sure they are not stressed and have enough toys, all in order to feel safer.
What to do when a hamster’s scent gland is dry?
The scent glands of hamsters should always be moist, because if they are dry then it is a problem.
They should not have a dry scent gland because that means it is not working properly, it means there is a problem.
If you notice a dry scent gland, you should immediately take them to a veterinarian to help them and determine the appropriate therapy.
Do hamsters use the scent gland when they are scared?
When hamsters are scared, they can sometimes use the scent gland.
They then emit a scent in order to mark their territory.
Hamsters want to let other hamsters or other pets know that they should not come near their space by releasing a scent from their scent gland.
How do you know that everything is fine with the hamster’s scent gland?
When a hamster’s scent gland is not working properly then hamsters will lick their scent glands.
Hamsters lick their scent glands to release more scent from them and attract their mates or mark their territory.
Hamsters sometimes rub their bodies against objects in the cage instead of licking them to release the smell.
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What do you need to know about the scent glands in hamsters?
Scent glands in hamsters release pheromones that help them communicate with other hamsters.
The scent glands in hamsters have a strong odor that we humans sometimes mistake for the smell of their cage.
Scent glands can vary in size, and appearance, are more prominent in some hamsters, and can vary among different breeds of hamsters.
Male scent glands are more prominent than female scent glands.
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Why does a hamster’s scent gland have a crust?
When hamsters have a crust on their scent gland it shouldn’t worry you.
This means that there is an excessive accumulation of secretions, but it also means that the hamster may be preparing to mark some of its territory.
When hamsters have a crust on the scent gland, it is manifested by yellow spots.
Read more: How Much Does Hamster Abscess Treatment Cost?
Conclusion
When hamsters have infected scent glands, they need to be treated to prevent the condition from worsening. It is best to wipe their scent glands with a damp cloth and clean them as best you can.
Of course, you should also contact a veterinarian who will examine the hamster and give it appropriate therapy.
Hamsters’ scent glands should always be working properly, so it is important to always treat them when there is a problem with them.
Scent glands help hamsters mark their territory and let others around them know that they should not disturb their space.
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