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Trimming hamsters teeth2007-11-24 22:15:42

I recently noticed that my hamster Duke seems to be holding his mouth open, and his teeth look longer. Maybe it's just me? He hasn't been eating as much as he used too, it comes and goes. I think his teeth migth hurt. Do you trim\clip hamsters' teeth? If you do, where do you get it done?

Answers:

Hi. I've kept hamsters for many years and have never had any problems with clipping their teeth myself. Taking them to the vet is unnecessary for this, as it puts far more stress on the hamsters, and usually you will have to pay a small fee for the vets' time.

It can be a little nerve-wracking the first couple of times, as you'll probably worry about your hand slipping and cutting them, but i've never had any accidents.

Anyway. The best thing to use is an ordinary pair of nail clippers. Hold the hamster by the scruff of the neck (where the skin is loose- This doesn't cause them pain,) This will make their mouth stretch and they will bare their teeth. Next, just ensure that the teeth are in between the two edges of the clippers, and the tongue is behing them.

Then just press quickly and firmly, and be very careful that the clipped teeth do not fall in the hamsters mouth.

It may sound a bit daunting, but you'll get the hang of it!

I usually clip my hamsters teeth about once every 1.5 months.

Also make sure that you have plenty of things for them to gnaw on, and this will keep clipping to a minimum.