Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Avoid toxic foods
• Method 2 of 3: Remove toxins from the environment
• Method 3 of 3: Treating a poisoned hamster
• Warnings

Hamsters are cute little rodents that are fairly easy to care for and make very good family pets. They are curious by nature and love to chew anything they come across. That is why it is very important that you take measures to ensure that they do not eat poisonous food and that their living environment is safe and free of toxic substances. This is especially true if you let your hamster out of its cage for some exercise. If you suspect your hamster has been poisoned, take it to the vet right away.

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Method 1 of 3: Avoid toxic foods

1. Check with your vet about toxic foods. Hamsters usually eat chunks in combination with fresh vegetables and fruits. While certain fruits and vegetables are recommended for hamsters, there are others that are poisonous. Ask the vet for a list of foods that are poisonous to hamsters. For example, the following foods are poisonous:
   • Tomato leaves
   • Almonds
   • Avocado
   • Potatoes and potato chips
   • Onions
   • Garlic
   • Chocolate
   • Apple seeds
   • Iceberg lettuce (in large quantities)
2. Wash fruits and vegetables. This removes toxic pesticides that may have been sprayed on fruits and vegetables. Make sure vegetables are cut into small pieces and washed before your hamster gets them.
3. Do not feed your hamster moldy food. Some people give their hamster leftover fruit and vegetables. Always make sure that the food you give your hamster is fresh and not rotten. Over time, mold can develop on fruits and vegetables, which is toxic to hamsters if ingested.

Method 2 of 3: Remove toxins from the environment

1. Keep a close eye on your hamster when it is out of its cage. If you let your hamster out of his cage for exercise, it is very important that you let him walk in a fenced-in area. Hamsters are very small and can fit through small cracks or run under furniture. So you need to keep a close eye on your hamster and make sure you have removed all toxins from the area.
   • For example, you can put your hamster in a hamster ball so that it is safe while getting exercise outside of the cage.
   • You should also ensure that cables are covered or removed and that other pets are kept away from your hamster.
2. Don't smoke near your hamster. Tobacco and its smoke are poisonous to hamsters. Avoid smoking in the same room as your hamster and make sure that no butts remain near your hamster.
3. Avoid using rat poison in your home. Some people use rat or mouse poison in their home to get rid of unwanted pests. However, this is highly toxic to hamsters and can kill them if ingested.
4. Make sure to get rid of poisonous houseplants. Certain plants can be toxic to your hamster. If you let your hamster out of its cage, make sure all poisonous plants are removed from the room. Some plants poisonous to hamsters are:
   • Cacti
   • Chinese wisteria
   • Azaleas
   • Clematis
   • Chrysanthemums
   • Ferns
   • Ivy
   • Hydrangea
   • Lilies
5. Keep medicines and cleaning products out of reach. Medicines and household cleaners can also be toxic to hamsters. These should be kept in closed cupboards out of reach of your hamster. Antidepressants, anti-inflammatories, and contraceptives are common drugs that are toxic to hamsters.
   • Also, make sure to rinse your hamster's cage well after cleaning it to prevent your hamster from coming into contact with toxic chemicals.

Method 3 of 3: Treating a poisoned hamster

1. Identify common symptoms of poisoning. Hamsters that have come into contact with a toxic or poisonous substance are likely to experience difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, fatigue, collapse, or coma-like symptoms. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your hamster to the vet immediately.
2. Take the hamster to the vet immediately. If you suspect your hamster has been poisoned, you should contact the vet immediately. Hamsters are very small and toxins can spread through their tiny bodies very quickly.
   • For a fee, you can also call a helpline to receive direct guidance from a veterinary toxicologist. Consider calling the animal emergency line at 144 to receive direct telephone guidance from a professional. If necessary, also read information about animal first aid at https://www.dierenbescherming.nl/contact/dier-in-nood/dieren-ehbo.
   • Never wait to see how symptoms develop if your hamster has come into contact with a toxic substance.
3. Take the toxic substance to the vet. You can help the vet diagnose and treat the poisoning if you know exactly what substance caused the reaction. For example, take the packaging, plant or chemical with you to the vet. This way, the vet can determine exactly which chemicals have been ingested, which can aid in treatment.
   • If you don't know exactly what poisoned your hamster, you can give the vet a list of possible toxins in or near your hamster's environment.
4. Follow the vet's care instructions. Once your hamster has received medical attention, the vet can provide you with ongoing treatment or grooming instructions. Read the instructions carefully to make sure your hamster is getting the care it needs.

Warnings

• Never attempt to self-treat poisoning without seeking medical attention first.