8 Signs To Know Your Hamster Is Sick

All of us love our pet hamsters and would like to make sure that they are healthy; these tiny creatures cannot tell us that they are not well, but may show certain signs that make it necessary for us to recognize that the hamster is sick. They fall victim to various illnesses and injuries like colds, pneumonia, tumors, broken bones, reproductive failure, mange, parasites, infections, abscesses, diseases, cancer, diabetes, wet tail, and tooth problems. If you suspect your pet is ill or hurt you should contact a vet or proper small animal care giver immediately.

8 Signs that a hamster is sick or ill:

a) Cold: A runny nose and irregular breathing means your hamster has got a cold; ensure that you keep the temperature between 65 and 75 degrees F. Someone should take care of him/her and take the pet hamster to the vet if he/she does not feel better in a couple of days. Avoid going near the hamster if you are unwell.

b) Fur loss: Generally a hamster’s coat loses its luster and thickness when he/she ages; otherwise rapid fur loss or alopecia, a serious problem could be due to mites, lice, mange, infections, abscesses, tumors, scratching, and adrenal disease. Contact a vet if the fur does not grow back and continues to thin over the next few days.

c) Loss of appetite/weight: Generally healthy hamsters are continuously munching and storing food in their cheek pouches and habitat and it is very rare that their food bowl is untouched. If you notice that your pet hamster has lost weight, he/she may be suffering from an infection, pneumonia, cancer, or another serious illness that needs medical attention.

d) Breaks: Being fragile creatures broken bones and fractures in hamsters are not uncommon; if you find him/her limping or not moving remove the wheel, tubes and anything he/she may climb on and fall. Also place food and water bowls close to the injured hamster and consult a vet immediately.

e) Wet tail: A serious health problem in small animals it could kill a hamster within a week if not attended to immediately by a vet. You would notice some discharge around the hamster’s tail and it would be matted. If this symptom is permanent and it is accompanied by diarrhea it could be a sign of alarm; the diarrhea be controlled by reducing or stopping the intake of greens.

f) Tooth problems:  Teeth problems could be serious and lead to death if unattended to; see a vet if your pet hamster doesn’t eat, has a foul smell, visible loose, missing or overgrown teeth or blood coming from the mouth.

g) Suddenly becomes fat: Sudden gain of weight in your pet hamster could indicate an adrenal disease, tumor, diabetes, or other illness.  

h) Puffy pouches: Puffy pouches though cute indicate unintentional cuts by the hamster on the insides of his/her pouches by hoarding food and things in them. Consult your vet if you notice constantly full, look overly stuffed pouches, or blood around his/her mouth; if unattended infection could occur on the injured pouches.

Image Courtesy: Google