We are a family friendly community with an incredible resource of information for fish owners and enthusiast alike. In some cases, your urine may even take on a fishy smell. But that strong pee smell does not always indicate the sickness of your hamster. Trimethylamine is produced in the intestines after consuming certain types of food that are high in protein. If the tip of your urethra is burning but you're positive you don't have an STD, you could be experiencing a UTI, inflammation from an irritant, or, You may occasionally notice your urine smells stronger than normal. Is Hamster Pee Supposed To Stink? There are a few possible explanations for why your hamster may smell like fish. I have had many hamsters and none of them stunk like this. Hamsters use them (scent glands) to communicate among themselves. Yes, they may go through with the process because you are handling them, but it is not good for their fur and its not what they prefer in the wild. It can be a disturbing smell to deal with and it can easily spread throughout the room depending on how strong it is. Make sure to offer your hamster fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a good quality hamster food that is high in fiber and low in protein. In that case, the hamster may benefit from something like, say, a sand bath. When the liver is not functioning correctly, it releases more of a substance called bilirubin into the blood. Bacterial vaginosis (BV), Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut. This musky smell is usually as a result of their scent glands. Last medically reviewed on December 8, 2017. Her wheel sometimes has a milky white substance in it, and it dries into this gross gunky buildup. It might cause panic when you spot it for the first time. National Library of Medicines list Fishy smelling urine is quite a common problem and it could be due to several underlying conditions. Your first line of defense against hamster smells is bedding. At least, that is not their normal day to day smell. In some cases, a strong odor in hamster urine can be a sign of an underlying health issue. Hamster pee has a distinct odor that can be described as extremely pungent and unpleasant. It's actually not the urine that smells like popcorn but the animal itself. That is like your hamster having an infection that causes it to pass urine or discharges that have a fishy smell. DifferenceOk2047 10 mo. If liver problems are causing fish-smelling urine, youre likely to notice other symptoms, too. Or when she is pregnant or when she is beyond reproductive age. Another possibility is where the hamster smells due to clogged scent glands. These chemicals are largely found in male hamsters than in females. Expert's Assistant chat Customer: My hamster's urine smells very strong - why? This includes: If youre experiencing symptoms like these, see your doctor. If you're confident that the smell is not related to something you ate or a change in diet, call your doctor, who may want to evaluate you for an underlying cause, like a UTI or STD. But when there's something funky going on your urine does not smell "normal" to you you probably have questions. You must log in or register to reply here. Cystitis refers to inflammation of the bladder. Additionally, hamster urine contains ammonia, which is produced when bacteria in the urine break down urea. In certain species such as Syrian Hamsters, scent glands are strategically placed on both sides of their flanks. They will likely prescribe you antibiotics to get rid of the infection before it spreads to the kidneys. These include sickness or illness, not enough water, or a change in diet. i got a niteangel water bowl, and washed it before giving it to her. This is efficient, safe, and is going to ensure the hamster smells great throughout the week. So, what's going on? Bathing & Shampooing. A sand bath is essential as it will allow the hamster an opportunity to cleanse itself as it would in the wild. JavaScript is disabled. Additionally, a clean and well-maintained cage provides a comfortable and stress-free environment for your hamster to live in. As much as we love these little guys, there is one issue with hamsters that many pet lovers find difficult to deal with the strong and unpleasant smell of their urine. Schulz, L., Hoffman, R. J., Pothof, J., & Fox, B. If you are asking, Why does my hamster smell like pee? then its essential to come up with a plan right away. Invest in highly-absorbent bedding that can last a week without getting too stinky. Once you accurately identify why your hamster has a fishy smell, you can figure out what to do about it. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-learnaboutpet_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0-asloaded{max-width:250px;width:250px!important;max-height:250px;height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'learnaboutpet_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',157,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnaboutpet_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); When a female hamster is on heat, both her body and her urine have some fishy smell. If a person suspects that any of the following causes are responsible for the fishy smell, it is usually safe to wait a few days and see if the smell clears up without treatment. It might be an infection, or it could be diabetes. Diets with excessive calcium components can also cause . This isnt always a concern, but it could be a sign of an underlying problem. If it is a female, her fishy smell could be a sign of her being on heat (and hence a natural thing not to worry about). Cleaning the cage is one of the biggest changes a hamster owner can make when it comes to managing bad odors. Urine that smells like ammonia isn't always cause for concern, but there are some instances where it can be. Where doctors worry is when you have additional symptoms. Genetics: Some hamster breeds, such as Russian dwarf hamsters, are more prone to strong-smelling urine due to their genetics. You can avoid foods known to cause fishy-smelling urine, but this can be difficult to do. CLICK HERE FOR THE BEST SHAMPOO SPRAY FOR HAMSTERS, Best Shampoo Spray for Hamsters (EDITORS CHOICE), Tip #2: Never Bathe Your Hamster in Water, Kaytee Quick & Clean Critter Dry Shampoo, 8-Ounce, tips for assisting a hamster with dry skin, Why Is Hamster Sleeping Without Bedding? Jun 12, 2005. Fix it: Drink more water if you're dehydrated. Produces Ammonia-Like Odor. Some pet owners add vanilla extract to a hamsters water to reduce the odor of their urine. That explains alot, she's the first female I've had. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, food recommendation, diagnosis, or treatment. (7 Interesting Facts), How To Feed Baby Hamsters Without Mother? It helps if you didnt replace the beddings too many times as hamsters get used to their scent. Understanding Hamster Urine and Its Composition, Factors Contributing to Strong Odor in Hamster Urine, Diet and Hydration: Key Players in Hamster Urine Smell, Health Issues that Can Cause Strong Odor in Hamster Urine, Tips for Reducing the Strong Smell of Hamster Urine, Importance of Cleaning and Maintaining Your Hamsters Living Space, When to Seek Veterinary Assistance for Strong-Smelling Hamster Urine. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Your doctor will prescribe you antibiotics to treat the infection. Urine smells are normally different from person to person, but a few specific smells can tip you off that something's going on with your health. If it is on account of her being on heat, you can dab out the secretions that bring about the fishy smell with a tissue. If that isnt the case, one needs to consider the possibility of the hamster being sick, and passing smelly discharges. If left untreated, a UTI may spread to the kidneys. Your vet can examine your hamster and determine if there is an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. Why does Your Hamsters Smell? @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-learnaboutpet_com-large-leaderboard-2-0-asloaded{max-width:250px;width:250px!important;max-height:250px;height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'learnaboutpet_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnaboutpet_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); Or it could be that yours is a female hamster, emitting the fish-like smell they naturally emit when on heat. What's more, while odor is important, it's often not as telling as other signs, including urine color. In answering the question on why does my hamster smell like fish, we first need to know whether the hamster is male or female. (ready for her to breed)but i may be wrong.about the horrible smell i dnt know.this wouldnt be produced by the white substance so i would reasearch more or take her to a vet.my male smells a bit but not that bad but thats wat males do,smell lol.but females hardly smell at all unless u forget to clean her out for a few weeks.im sure other people on here will help u further as im only going on past experiance.well thats about it i hope u get the problem sorted out. Check out the FishForums.net Monthly 1. Hamsters are generally not smelly. A person who is first experiencing symptoms, or who notices bleeding when trying to pass a kidney stone, should see a doctor. This guide is going to teach you how to remove the smell of pee from your hamster safely, effectively, and quickly. Now, let's get on with it. Your email address will not be published. Further, it could be that the cage where you are keeping the hamster is not clean. So it may be the cage that is smelling, not the hamster. This is common since they prefer handling sand and their fur is designed to clean itself using sand. In essence, you are going to want to create a set routine for when the cage will be cleaned. As long as you keep the cage nice and clean, you won't have a smelly hamster. Read about the causes of abdominal pain and painful urination, which include STIs, kidney stones, cancer, and more. Sometimes you may notice a strong odor emanating from the hamster's cage. This means that their pee is more concentrated, which leads to a more intense odor. Ammonia is basically what pee is made of. Everything You Should Know About Urine pH. Updated: 4/28/2022 Wiki User 8y ago Study now See answer (1) Best Answer Copy Urine can tell a person what is wrong with them, or what is going on with their body. Soper, D. E. (2015, January). Can diet help improve depression symptoms? Genie - July 2, 2023. Normal hamster pee is cloudy white in color and typically feels thicker due to the presence of calcium in the diet. The shampoo spray will be safe, easy-going, and is going to make an immediate difference. Is somehting wrong with her? Hamster pee has a pungent odor due to ammonia. Further, in answering the question on why does my hamster smell like fish, we need to know whether the smell comes and goes, or it is permanent. If the hamster is female, and the fishy smell is permanent, it could be on account of discharges that are as a result of internal infections. Males have a stronger scent, although females can also get stinky during their mating period. Unfortunately our community is not allowing posts/comments for the time being due to the recent events putting a larger workload on our moderator team. This bacterial infection in the vagina causes fishy, foul-smelling discharge. Less often, a person who has a diet very high in TMA and unusual bacteria in the gut can develop the syndrome. Anyone with one or more of the following conditions should contact a doctor immediately if they suspect that their liver is failing: Treatment will depend on the extent of the liver failure, but it may include medication, hospitalization, or a liver transplant. In females, scent glands play a critical role. What Causes Urine to Smell Like Fish and How Is This Treated? Some pet owners add a little bit of the old beddings back. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the By providing your hamster with a balanced diet, encouraging them to drink water, regularly cleaning their cage, and seeking veterinary assistance when needed, you can help keep your furry friend healthy and happy. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. This is going to allow you to start fresh and follow a tighter schedule. Theyll prescribe antibiotics to help eradicate the infection before it spreads to the kidneys. Small and stuffy enclosures are typically smellier than larger setups. Gender: Male hamsters tend to have stronger smelling urine than females, as their urine contains higher levels of concentrated urea. Fetching Fun: Whats the Best Adventure Name for Your Pup? Female hamsters typically get smelly during their mating period as they use their scent to attract males. This is likely the case if the fishy smell comes and goes every few days. Kidney Stones. (7 Interesting Facts), Can Hamsters Eat Blackberries? This is not to say that females do not have a scent too. Instead, make sure you drink plenty of water especially when drinking caffeine to help dilute the scent and stay hydrated. And in most cases, it could be an indication that something is wrong with it health-wise. i clean my hamster every week, wash everything with fantasitk and within a few days it starts again. However, foul-smelling urine might be the first sign, he says. Investigating the power of music for dementia. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. There are several factors that can contribute to the strong odor of hamster urine. Leukocytes in the urine could be a sign that you have an infection or an obstruction in the urinary tract or bladder. How To Keep Your Hamster's Cage Odor-Free. See a doctor if the smell does not disappear in a day or two. How Do You Know If Your Hamster Has A UTI? Hamsters tend to drink very little, so its important to offer fresh water multiple times a day. Phenylketonuria is an uncommon inherited disorder that raises the number of phenylalanine in the blood. I have had many hamsters and none of them stunk like this. Anyone who suspects that they have a UTI should see a doctor. Its not unusual to see a change of color in your urine. Kidney stones are mineral deposits that collect in the kidneys. In many cases, the disorder is passed genetically and causes no other symptoms. It is important to keep your hamsters cage clean and well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of unpleasant odors. The bacteria from the infection can result in a strong fish smell in the urine. Pregnancy can make the urine more concentrated. i also have a female hamster that smells really bad. (And Which Bedding is Best!). Contests including the Tank of the Month, As a result, its recommended to give them high-quality sand and set up a sand bath. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-learnaboutpet_com-box-4-0-asloaded{max-width:300px;width:300px!important;max-height:250px;height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'learnaboutpet_com-box-4','ezslot_3',153,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-learnaboutpet_com-box-4-0');Lets see more in detail about Hamsters smelling like fish and reasons for Hamsters to smell like fish and how to prevent hamster from smelling like fish here. You are going to enjoy being able to make the most of this spray and its going to get rid of the stench quickly. Leukocytes are white blood cells that help protect people from infection. Why Do Vitamin B Supplements Turn Urine Yellow? Sometimes, rather than posing the why does my hamster smell like fish question, one may ask why their hamsters pee smells like fish. It helps to potty-train your hamster so that they go to the toilet in one area of the cage. While discharge is distinctly different than urine, that may be the scent you're smelling when in the bathroom. The hamster diet: Hamsters are omnivores and their diet usually consists of fruits, vegetables, and pellets. This is why the best course of action is to eradicate the smell before it worsens. The animals body is coated in protective oils, which is why it is not advisable to wash them in water. 2. People with prostatitis may notice changes in urination, including a fishy smell. All rights reserved. Kidney stones can cause severe pain that radiates from the side and back down towards the groin. These glands are commonly referred to as hip spots or flank glands. They may be a sign of an underlying liver problem or a complication of an already-diagnosed condition. The accumulation of dirty stuff inside (pee, feces, soiled bedding and the bacteria they attract) can ultimately give rise to a fishy smell. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Some people are more susceptible to liver failure than others. Fish of the Month, Pet of the Month. That could be anything from too many toys in the cage to an aggressive cage mate. So, why does hamster pee smell so bad? Before you rely on your pee smell to self-diagnose, though, keep in mind that smells can be up for interpretation. Hamsters can fart, yes, release farts in the air and believe me, it will not smell like roses LOL. B vitamins in your multivitamin are often the culprit of smelly urine. Stress Stress can cause your hamster's urine to smell rancid. She is an established authority in the pet blogging community, and her blog, "Paws and Claws," has been featured in numerous publications. what should i do? . Trimethylaminuria is a rare metabolic disorder that occurs when the body is unable to break down certain compounds properly. Or it could simply be on account of you not cleaning her cage properly or regularly enough. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Imam, T. H. (2016, May). Changing the bedding once a week should do the trick, as long as you spot clean the bathroom area during the week. The bedding will mask any smells coming from the hamster cage. In either case, a person should contact a doctor if they cannot identify the cause of a fishy odor. "Urine will have a characteristic odor that may be different in each person," Piyush Agarwal, MD, professor of surgery and urology and director of the Bladder Cancer Program at The University of Chicago Medicine, tells LIVESTRONG.com. Learn more about white blood. This includes fishy-smelling trimethylamine. They help in territory marking in addition to attracting a potential partner. Or where it is due to improper/irregular cleaning of the hamsters cage. Diet and dehydration UTI Bacterial vaginosis Trimethylaminuria Prostatitis Kidney stones Liver problems Cystitis. If so, what can I do? Anyone who asks why does my hamster smell like fish (specifically if it is a female) is first advised to consider the possibility of the hamster being on heat. While it does not affect the urine, a person may notice the odor while using the bathroom. Serious conditions can occasionally be responsible for this odor, and prompt treatment can be vital. The smell then spreads to the entire cage. If you feel the smell is pungent and needs to be corrected right away then cleanse the cage thoroughly. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. It could be that your hamster is dirty, and that is making it smell so bad. Hamsters are not fond of water and will not want to take a bath in it. It can be something as benign as the hamster being on heat (especially if it is a female), and emitting the fishy smell as a mating signal. Female hamsters that are on heat may indeed have some fishy smell. When the urine smells, it may indicate that the kidneys are not functioning correctly, often due to infections or kidney stones. It could also mean that the hamster has health problems, causing her to pass out discharges with fishy smells. It contains a high concentration of urea, which is a waste product produced when the body breaks down proteins. Hamsters are often mistaken to be dirty, but they are meticulous self-groomers. Hazelnuts and Hamsters: What You Need to Consider, Why do Hamsters Fight? Your email address will not be published. The answer is no. Adding baking soda to the litter box to absorb odors. thanks for the advice. Whats Causing My Abdominal Pain and Painful Urination? In that case, it is best to have a vet check the hamster. August 7, 2022 by Darrell Cain. For instance, you will want to know whether something is wrong with the hamster, hence the smell. Some other symptoms include: BV is common in sexually active women. Fishy-smelling urine is associated with an intense, fish-like odor from the genital area from urine and vaginal secretions. If this does not happen, a person should consult a doctor. Learn more about the causes and treatment. To reduce the smell of your hamsters urine, its important to ensure your furry friend is getting a balanced diet that meets all their nutritional needs. Some . Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate. You'll find that your hamster will tend to pee in a particular area of their cage and if you put a jar there that the hamster can get into, it'll start peeing in the jar instead so you can take the jar out every day or so and clean it out and hey presto- no smelly hamster pee. It is possible to help the cage smell better by using cleaning products. A fishy smell in urine may be caused by the presence of bacteria, TMA, or an interaction between them. Several causes relate to diet and lifestyle, such as eating certain foods or becoming, A persons health and diet can impact the smell of their urine. That is when she is on heat. Included is detail on when to see a doctor and treatments for the condition. I was spot cleaning where my hamster often pees, and i noticed that it smelled horrible. It is easy to overlook urine as an indicator of health, but it can provide important information about how well the body is functioning. 6 Causes of Non-STI Burning at the Tip of the Urethra, Everything You Need to Know About Urinary Hesitancy. Rinse your hamsters cage thoroughly as your pet will be bothered by strong foreign smells. These issues can include: 1. In most cases, the smell is going to begin emanating from the hamster before spreading to other parts of the cage. We avoid using tertiary references. Use mild soap to wash off the dirt and debris from all areas of the enclosure. Fix it: This infection is cured with a single dose of antibiotics. Some medicines like antibiotics can make your urine stink. Can diet and exercise reverse prediabetes? In some women, however, the infection causes vaginal discharge that has a strong fish-like odor. It may be caused by something you ate or a lack of water. In some cases, the diet and territory marking of hamsters can affect their smell. So you can consider kidney infections, urinary tract infections, internal infections etc. Why Does My Dwarf Hamster Smell Like Fish? VIVO Pets Rodents Hamsters Do Hamsters Stink? If that is not the case, the hamster may be sick (perhaps with a kidney or bladder infection), which makes it pass smelly urine. On another note, it could be that your hamster is sick. 5 Things You Should Know, 8 Hamster Breeds Different Types of Hamsters, Can Hamsters Eat Strawberries? Some pet-friendly cleaners will also deodorize, but you can still buy a separate deodorizer. Why Does My Female Hamster Cage Smell Like Fish? How Do You Get Rid Of Hamster Urine Smell? Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. It could be that she is on heat. We avoid using tertiary references. They can stop or slow urine flow, leading to a buildup of salt and ammonia. Mirkku7 It depends largely on the type of bedding and how often you clean the cage. It is advisable to clean your hamster cage before deodorizing it. i could also be wrong but i know how you feel about the smell. They can also make infections more likely. But it's far from intolerable. They can also prescribe an alpha blocker to relax the bladder and make it easier for the stone to pass. the only thing im thinking could have caused this was a new water bowl. (2016, July). If you have foul-smelling or pungent urine that has a strong ammonia scent, then it's likely you're dehydrated, leading to more concentrated urine. Many hamster owners have noticed this strange smell and have wondered what could be causing it. Spot clean a hamster's cage and remove any . The male licks the scent glands when he is excited, and you should observe them for infections or redness. What the Smell of Your Poop Can Tell You About Your Gut Health. These relax the bladder neck and reduce painful urination. That is after discovering that it is not the hamster itself that smells like fish, but rather, its urine. Where you encounter a fish-like smell, and the hamster is female, the first possibility to consider should be that of the hamster being on heat. Last update on 2023-07-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. This is due to a number of factors, including the hamster's diet and the concentration of ammonia in their urine. The exception to this would be when the female hamster hasnt reached maturity age. Scan this QR code to download the app now. A possibility is that, for instance, the hamster has a kidney or bladder infection, which is making him pass out urine with a fishy smell. Related Queries: What Should Hamster Poop Look Like? Other times, like when you wake up in the morning, your pee has that, well, "strong pee smell." (2014, July). Kidney stones that are moving into or from the kidneys can cause an infection somewhere in the urinary tract. There are a few reasons why hamster pee might smell like popcorn. It is usually the result of a build-up of trimethylamine in the urine, and can cause great discomfort. Mayo Clinic Staff. Where the fishy smell is on account of poor cage hygiene, you can improve on the same. One possibility is that they are simply attracted to the smell of popcorn. In this article, learn more about the possible causes of clear urine and when to see a, Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.
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