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PDSA Vet Nurse Nina Downing answers all your pet questions
Dear PDSA Vet, I’m a new hamster tear staining in dogs to find out owner, and still learning more. all about proper hamster
Dear PDSA Vet, my Labrador care! Am I meant to wash my Buddy has recently been hamster, such as give him a little diagnosed with arthritis, bath like you would do for a what are the treatment options dog? Chloe available for my old boy?
Hi Chloe, hamsters are Javinder pretty good at keeping themselves
Hi Javinder, there are several clean so shouldn’t ever treatment options available need you to wash them. for arthritis, but it would
Water can actually remove be best to discuss Buddy’s individual the protective oils from your options with your vet. hamster’s fur, so it would do Possible treatment options more harm than good for your little fur friend. include pain relief, such as anti-inflammatory drugs that
Washing them in water can help to reduce swelling could also lead them to potentially and pain. catching a chill, and for
Joint supplements aren’t a such a small animal, can be replacement for medications, very dangerous and potentially fatal. and don't work for all dogs, but can be used at the same time as
A sand bath can be great for most other medicines. Hydrotherapy a hamster’s wellbeing and it and physiotherapy can help in keeping their fur clean. can both be useful to support your arthritic dog.
Dear PDSA Vet, I have a Bichon Hydrotherapy can be helpful Frise, Maggie with white as it is a form of exercise fur, but around her eyes she that doesn’t put too much has a browny-coloured stain strain on joints. For more on her fur, is this something to information about arthritis, worry about? Thanks, Peter head to: www.pdsa.org.uk/arthritisdogs Hi Peter, it sounds as indogs though Maggie has tear staining around her eyes. It’s a very common problem, especially in white coated breeds, like your Bichon Frise. Although it is usually harmless, it is best to have it checked over by your vet to make sure it is normal for Maggie.
The easiest way to keep on top of tear stains is to keep hair around your dog’s eyes and nose trimmed short. Also be sure to gently remove any dirt, tears or crust that has built up throughout the day.
Make sure Maggie is happy and as comfortable as possible and you can use cotton wool pads soaked in plain warm water to remove any daily dirt. Head to: www.pdsa.org.uk/