Hamster sick, maybe ate candy!!

[Jlamb]

Pepper or Rosie or whatever my daughters calling her today is sick. My wife found her eating some candy the other day and took it out of her mouth but maybe she already swallowed some. Swollen tummy, droopy eyes, ears always pinned back. Sticky and half digested stool like diarhea but still as if she's constipated. Gave her bath to remove encrusted and half pooped stool, ugh, poor hamster! She felt better after but now is weak again. Giving lots of love but its not enough, any thoughts? A drop of vegitable oil? -detective

[Felicitous]

What kind of candy was it? Most types of candy are bad for hamsters, though some do more damage than others. I know that for my first hamster, she ate TONS of candy and chocolate and was fine. That time I had no knowledge about hamsters at all, and I want to kick myself for being so cruel to that first hamster I had. It was after she died that I started to read and study about hamsters x.x Stupid me!

Be sure that after you gave your hamster a bath, let her dry completely before setting her down in her cage. Just make sure that she always has fresh food and water available, and also a clean cage. Take extra good care of her until she's better. Or just let her rest, most hamsters can heal by themselves with basic help from the owners, unless the sickness is really bad. If the hamster doesn't get better within a week or so... take it to the vet immediately. Try to avoid soft and wet food for a few days, that should help with the diarrhea problem a bit. Maybe try some vitamin drops, or DriTail (even though it doesn't actually work much, give it a try if you have it).

Best of luck to your hammy ;) I hope she gets better!

[Zouave]

Lettuce is good for constipation, but not too much as it can cause the runs.

I am surprised candy could do that. What kind, and are you sure she did not eat something else too?

[Jlamb]

We think she ate some reases pieces or a gobstopper. My daughters birthday party and she let her run around for a bit. Could have eated more than that though. I'll try the lettuce.

[Zouave]

It should not have a serious effect, I don't think.

If the lettuce starts giving her the "runs" cut back on it. Lettuce has no nutritional value so switch to kale or broccoli later. Be sure she has plenty of water to avoid dehydration if she does get the "runs". :)

I think she will be fine.