Hamster don’t often get sick in their 2 to 3 year lifespan but on occasion they can contract an illnesses if their owners don’t fully understand how to prevent illnesses that are most common. Even then, it can still be beyond your control to keep your pet healthy. Genetics and environmental factors can come into play that can make a hamster more susceptible to illness.
While there isn’t much you can do about your hamster’s genetics, you can minimize your chances of owning an unlucky hamster if you only purchase your pets through reputable breeders or quality pet stores. Environmental factors on the other hand can be improved to help keep your hamsters from falling ill from any of the following common issues. Read about how you can treat a sick hamster.
6 Common Illnesses
- Mites Infestation
- Fungus Infections
- Lip Scabs
- Diarrhea
- Cold Virus
- Wet Tail Disease
Mites Infestation: If the coat of your hamster is disheveled, patchy or falling out, your hamster might have mites. Comb the fur and look for this tiny parasite with a magnifying glass. Parasite often attack hamsters that already have a low immune system. Prevent this by following the prevention tips we offer. A trip to the vet will be needed to get the proper sprays. Never try to use home remedies for this. Read more about treatment of hamster mites…
Fungal Infections: With similar symptoms to mites, a fungal infection will make the skin itchy, red and scaly. Again a trip to the vet will be necessary. In regards to pet fungus infections, always wash your hands thoroughly after handling your infected hamsters or anything in their hamster habitat. Read more about hamster fungal infections…
Lip Scabs: lip scabs on a hamster’s mouth are another form of fungi or bacteria infections. Hamsters with a weakened immune system through poor hamster care and a substandard living arrangement are more susceptible to this condition. Often it’s a vitamin deficiency in their diet. Read more about lip scabs on hamsters…
Diarrhea: If your hamster has a wet bottom and its stools are runny, it likely has diarrhea. Unlike in human, this is a very serious condition for hamsters. Get them to the vet immediately for treatment and make sure the sick hamster drinks enough water. It’s often caused by poor quality fresh food or something they should not have chewed on. Read more about hamster diarrhea…
Cold Virus: If you hamster is sneezing, wheezing or has a runny nose, your hamster likely has a cold. Try a heat treatment (discussed in Treat a Sick Hamster.) and strongly consider a trip to the vet. Read more about a hamster with a cold..
Wet Tail Disease: Much like diarrhea, wet tail disease involves a wet backside. It often occurs in young and baby hamsters and requires immediate treatment. A weakened immune system from stress caused by a separation from their mothers or poor food quality are the cause of this. Read more about hamster wet tail disease…
photo by: fwooper7
Author: Tim Winter
our hamster is actinf fine but we noticed hair loss with white spots what could this be
See this post on hamster hair loss for some help
are hamster is playing like it did but we went away and when we got her home so wans throw up seeds what can i do and do they get home sick
I would try changing up the diet a bit and seeing if that helps. See hamster food for more options. then if that doesn’t help, follow the tips on how to treat a sick hamster.
my hamsters eye is very swollen – noticed it yesterday and today it actually looks like the eye is going to fall out it is so enlarged – what in the world could be wrong ?
It sounds like an eye infection of some sort but. it could be caused from bacteria or even some type of allergy. I would clean the eye with a saline solution or some warm water. Then I might consider calling a vet to see if you need special eye drops.
Our pet dwarf hamster just died 20 minutes ago. I took this hamster in because a friend no longer could take care of her. My son named her Petrie. I didn’t realize she needed a special diet and we spoiled her with apples blueberries sun flower seeds and yogurt bites. I noticed her trembled and from what I learned from google I thought she was having a diabetic reaction. I was holding her through the night and after she had passed I noticed a lump on her chest and what looked like a small worm attached. Was this a parasite? And could if effect myself, my husband and our 16 month old and 4 year old?
Sorry to hear about your hamster. Since you are asking about a pretty serious question, I recommend calling a vet to get their opinion. There are some illnesses that can pass from hamster to human but I’m not sure exactly what this might be? It can’t hurt to thoroughly clean all the hamster’s things and disinfect the surfaces.
My hamster is shivering shaking and walking slowly.All he wants to do is sleep and he has a funny smell off him the same as when one of my children is sick. Like an antiseptic smell?? He is managing to drink water and ive changed his cage etc. Dont know what to do?? Thanks.
Your hamster might have a cold or flu. It is susceptible to many of the same illnesses as your children. That’s good news he is drinking and that you cleaned the cage. see this post on treating a sick hamster
MY HAMSTER ISNT LOOKING VERY GOOD.SHE HAS LOST WAIGHT SHE WONT OPEN HER EYES UP VERY FAR.SHE HASENT BEEN EXERCIZING. VERY MUCH AT ALL.
You should try to get you hamster to drink water since its losing weight. It’s hard to tell what’s wrong with your sick hamster without being able to observe it but you can take it to the vet to get it looked at. Is it going to the bathroom a lot, does it have a runny nose or trouble breathing? If you can’t make it to a vet, try following some of the steps on treating a sick hamster. Keep us updated on it’s condition.