Do Hamsters Have Rabies?

Like other rodents, hamsters get into their mischief when you’re not watching.

They’re playful and adventurous, and they’re naturally curious. They’re also quite susceptible to disease.

If your favorite hamster seems to be struggling, it’s essential to diagnose the problem.

So, do hamsters have rabies?

Hamsters are adorable little animals that make great pets. However, there’s a dark side to them that most people don’t know about.

Hamsters are extremely susceptible to rabies, a fatal disease that attacks the nervous system and brain. In rare cases, hamsters can even transmit the disease to humans, which can be fatal.

In fact, hamsters are the second most infected pet in the United States after cats.

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While rabies can do a lot of damage, your hamster isn’t necessarily at risk.

In fact, it’s rare for hamsters to catch the disease. If rabies occurs, it’s usually because the pet was exposed to a snake bite or bat bites. In these situations, the hamster becomes infected and then passes the disease on.

Hamsters have an extremely small immune system and lack a rabies vaccination. As a result, they’re highly vulnerable to the disease.

Can Hamsters Give You Rabies?

As mentioned above, hamsters are not naturally susceptible to rabies. However, they can transmit the disease by biting and infecting other pets or humans.

Hamsters can also get infected through contact with infected saliva or an infected wound or bite. In rare cases, they can catch rabies through human bites or scratches.

Hamsters can also become infected through contact with infected urine and feces.

It is possible to catch rabies from a hamster bite or scratch, but the odds are extremely slim. Even if your hamster is infected, it’s unlikely to pass the virus onto you.

Overall, most experts agree that you shouldn’t worry about catching rabies from a hamster bite.

How Do Hamsters Get Rabies?

The good news is that your pet isn’t likely to catch and spread this disease to you or others.

The reason for this is that a hamster’s immune system isn’t strong enough to fight off the virus on its own.

Rather than rabies being the cause of your hamster’s death in the majority of cases, another disease or infection is usually to blame.

However, if you have another pet that has been exposed to rabies, it’s essential to take proper precautions to prevent the spread of this disease to both pets and humans.

Symptoms of Rabies in Hamsters

The first indication of a rabies infection in a hamster is a change in behavior.

It may look boring and lethargic at times; however, it’s also possible for a rabid animal to seem overly excited and aggressive at times as well.

During this severe stage of the illness, a rabid animal may also experience seizures and be unable to walk normally or be capable of standing on its own.

They may create aggressive noises you have never heard before and may suffer from abnormal breathing patterns.

In these rare circumstances, partial paralysis may occur in the hind legs or even the front legs of a hammy suffering from the illness.

A rabid hamster may also become paralyzed around the mouth area, making it difficult to eat food or drink water properly.

If your hamster exhibits any of these signs, it is essential for you to contact your local veterinarian immediately for treatment advice.

A veterinarian will be able to identify whether your hammy is suffering from an infectious disease or another form of illness or injury based on its symptoms and appearance.

How Can I Keep My Hamster Safe From Rabies?

A healthy and happy hamster will stay within its cage most of the time.

So, the greatest thing you can do to keep your little furry friend safe is to make sure it is well-protected from predators and potential disease carriers at all times.

Make certain that he or she cannot escape into your home or outside, and consider purchasing an outdoor enclosure to keep him or her safe and secure while you’re away at work during the day.