Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Taking care of your hamster's health is an important part of being a responsible owner for your pet. Hamsters live an average of two to three years. When a hamster is old and weak, there is nothing you can do to save it. However, hamsters are also susceptible to several serious treatable diseases. You should take your hamster to the vet if you suspect that he or she is infected. Your vet will tell you exactly what's going on with your hamster's health.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Observe the hamster's behavior

1. 

   Spend time with your hamster every day. It is important to spend time with hamsters every day to understand their normal behavior. Changes in hamster behavior are important signs that the hamster is sick.If you don't play with your hamster often, it can be difficult to notice important changes in your hamster's behavior.
   • Make a habit where you can play with your hamster at the same time of day. This will help you get used to the hamster's activities at about the same time each day.

2. 

   
   
   Observe your hamster's eating habits. A healthy hamster will eat throughout the day. Although hamsters usually sleep during the day, they will often wake up to eat.
   • Pay close attention when the hamster is eating and the amount of food it consumes.
   • If your hamster eats little, but still eats, keep a close eye on what it is eating for the next day or two.
   • If the hamster completely stops eating, you should take it to the vet immediately.

3. 

   
   
   Observe the hamster's activity. Hamsters are usually very active, especially at night. Hamsters will likely sleep a lot during the day, so don't worry if your hamster sleeps a lot during sunrise. If your hamster seems lethargic all the time and doesn't want to play, it may be that they are sick.
   • If the hamster becomes less active and playful than before, pay attention over the next few days.
   • If the hamster's activity frequency has not returned to normal, take your hamster to the vet.
   • Hamsters hibernate behavior when the weather turns cold for a long time. If you think your hamster is hibernating, as shown by deep sleep and shallow breathing, warm your hamster's whereabouts and make sure your hamster has food and water available when it wakes up.

4. 

   
   
   Check for diarrhea. "Wet tail" and diarrhea is a common problem in hamsters. It could be a sign of a serious infection.
   • Inspect the hamster's tail for signs of moisture, like mucus.
   • If your hamster has diarrhea and there are changes in how often you eat and function, it could be wet tail. Wet tail disease can be fatal within 48 hours, so get to work immediately and see your veterinarian.
   • If wet tail is detected, your veterinarian can prescribe an antibiotic, a diarrhea medicine, or an infusion.
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Method 2 of 2: Observe the hamster's appearance

1. 

   Observe the hamster's skin. Changes in a hamster's skin can be a sign of health problems. Specifically, look for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and abscesses.
   • Red, scaly skin can be a sign of an infection or other skin condition.
   • Check for dehydration by pulling the loose skin (the nape of the neck) over the hamster's shoulder. If you let go and the skin returns to its original position, this is normal. If the hamster becomes dehydrated, the skin will become wrinkled or stay in place. This is a serious sign and you should have your hamster checked by your veterinarian.
   • Hamsters will scratch more when there is a skin problem. This can tell you the rat has an illness. However, a hamster can also become infected if it keeps poking the skin repeatedly.

2. 

   Observe the hamster's fur. Usually, a hamster's fur will be dense and shiny. As hamsters age, their feathers will thin out. This is normal. However, if a hamster suddenly loses its hair, it may be sick.
   • Wet, ruffled hair around the abdomen and tail can be a sign of infection.

3. 

   Observe the hamster's face, mouth, and eyes. Specifically, look for symptoms of runny nose, red or inflamed eyes, and swollen cheeks.
   • Hamsters often have a runny nose when sick and are very susceptible to colds. These are usually not particularly dangerous diseases, but if the condition persists, see your veterinarian.
   • Hamsters have cheek pouches for storing food. If you notice that your cheek pouches have remained full of food for a long time, they may be infected.
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Advice

• If your hamster is sick, be prepared.
• When in doubt, always take the hamster to the vet
• Bring a detailed list of the symptoms and behaviors you observed when you visit your vet. This will help the vet narrow the range of possible diseases of the mouse.
• If your hamster's eyes are rusty or sticky, be sure to call your veterinarian right away

Warning

• The veterinarian may not be able to help your hamster.