Ivermectin for Dwarf Hamsters
Pocket Pet · Phodopus spp. · typical adult weight 0.02–0.05 kg
Ivermectin is dosed at 0.2–0.4 mg/kg SC every 5–7 days in dwarf hamsters, per Merck Veterinary Manual (professional/veterinary version), "Hamsters," Rodents, Exotic and Laboratory Animals. merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/hamsters. Accessed 2026-07-06. URL: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/hamsters. Ivermectin is used in dwarf hamsters for Demodex infestation (demodicosis). Routes documented in dwarf hamsters: SC. A typical adult dwarf hamster weighs 0.02–0.05 kg. ExoticRx lists 1 cited dose rule for Ivermectin in dwarf hamsters, drawn from published veterinary references. Verify against current literature before clinical use.
Trade names: Ivomec, Heartgard
Dose ranges
| Route | Dose | Frequency | Indication | Evidence | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC | 0.2–0.4 mg/kg | every 5–7 days | Demodex infestation (demodicosis) | Weak | Merck Veterinary Manual (professional/veterinary version), "Hamsters," Rodents, Exotic and Laboratory Animals. merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/hamsters. Accessed 2026-07-06. URL: https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/hamsters |
Need the exact dose for your patient?
These ranges are per kg. Enter your dwarf hamster's weight to get the precise dose and draw-up volume — unit and concentration math done for you.
Mechanism of action
Potentiates glutamate-gated chloride channels in invertebrate nerve and muscle cells, causing paralysis and death of parasites.
Side effects & warnings
TOXIC to MDR1-mutant dogs (Collies, Shelties, Aussies) at elevated doses. DO NOT use in chelonians (turtles/tortoises). Narrow safety margin in some species. Test MDR1 status before use in herding breeds.
Species-specific contraindications and adverse-reaction reports for dwarf hamsters may differ from canine / feline reference data — consult the primary citations listed with each rule.
Frequently asked questions
What is the dose of Ivermectin for Dwarf Hamsters?
Ivermectin dose range in dwarf hamsters, with cited source references: SC 0.2–0.4 mg/kg every 5–7 days.
How is Ivermectin administered in Dwarf Hamsters?
Documented routes for Ivermectin in dwarf hamsters: SC.
What conditions does Ivermectin treat in Dwarf Hamsters?
Ivermectin is indicated in dwarf hamsters for: Demodex infestation (demodicosis).
What are the side effects of Ivermectin in Dwarf Hamsters?
These are general warnings for Ivermectin across species; consult the dwarf hamster dosing table above for species-specific guidance. TOXIC to MDR1-mutant dogs (Collies, Shelties, Aussies) at elevated doses. DO NOT use in chelonians (turtles/tortoises). Narrow safety margin in some species. Test MDR1 status before use in herding breeds.
Other Antiparasitic drugs with dwarf hamster dosing
Ivermectin dosing in other species
Why a species-specific page? Ivermectin pharmacokinetics differ across species: dose ranges, intervals, and route preferences are not interchangeable. Cross-extrapolation from canine doses is unsafe in dwarf hamsters — the rules above are the citations specific to this species, not generic recommendations.
Sourced from published veterinary references; awaiting credentialed clinical reviewer. See our editorial process. Reference only — not veterinary advice.