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Hamster has a small hole in cheek pouch. What to do? Will it heal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Hamster | Male | 1 year and 1 month old | 0.192 lbs

hi my hamster’s left cheek pouch has a small hole there’s no blood or anything what should I do right now? Will it be get well by it self? How do I take care of him right now?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on October 23rd, 2018

Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The hole might have been caused by a perforation or an abscess that opened up. The best recommendation would be to see a veterinarian. If not, try and keep the wound clean with a warm washcloth. Do not apply anything topical such as Neosporin and this will upset the normal bacterial flora of the intestinal tract, if he grooms and ingests some. Monitor to make sure he is eating well and not loosing weight. If kept clean, it could heal up on its own. Good luck.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 13th, 2018

    Ouch, poor Cheeky! You need to separate him and put him in own cage with his own food, water, and bedding. You also need to take him into a vet immediately. This is quite a large wound and it has to be treated by a vet now. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

    Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

    Published on August 5th, 2019

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This may be due to an infection for example. It may be that a part of the food got through the skin and it is now infected. I recommend that you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to evaluate this further and decide what would be best in terms of therapy. Best of luck!

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 26th, 2020

    Unfortunately there are no over the counter medications you can give a hamster. If a vet there in your country will not treat hamsters surely they would do a euthanasia. It is better to relieve his suffering humanely rather than just letting him pass naturally while in pain, in my opinion. That would be the kindest thing you can do for him. If you don't have him euthanized there is really nothing you can do for him other than minimize stress: so don't handle him too much and be sure he has food and water available if he wants to take them in.

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