How to Recognize When Your Hamster is Dying

Paying attention to the health of your hamster is a key part of being a responsible pet owner. Hamsters typically live for two to three years. As they age, you may find there’s little you can do to save them. However, hamsters are also susceptible to a variety of serious but treatable illnesses. If you suspect your hamster is sick, it’s important to take them to the vet. The vet can help diagnose exactly what is happening with your hamster’s health.

Spend time with your hamster daily. Spending time with your hamster each day is crucial to understanding its normal behavior. Changes in behavior are important signs that your hamster may be unwell. If you don’t interact with your hamster regularly, it will be harder to notice significant changes in their behavior.

• Establish a routine where you can play with your hamster at the same time each day. This will help you become familiar with its activities during the same time frame daily.

Monitor your hamster's eating habits. A healthy hamster will eat throughout the day. While they usually sleep during the day, they will wake up periodically to eat.

• Pay attention to how much your hamster eats during each feeding session.
• If your hamster eats less but still eats, observe its eating habits closely over the next one or two days.
• If your hamster stops eating altogether, you should take it to the vet immediately.

Observe your hamster's activity level. Hamsters are typically very active, especially at night. While they may sleep more during the day, don’t worry if your hamster is resting when the sun is up. If your hamster seems lethargic and uninterested in playing, it could be a sign of illness.

• If your hamster becomes less active and playful than usual, keep an eye on it for the next few days.
• If its activity level doesn’t return to normal, take your hamster to the vet.
• Hamsters may hibernate during long periods of cold weather. If you suspect your hamster is hibernating, evidenced by deep sleep and shallow breathing, warm its habitat and ensure food and water are available when it wakes up.

Check for signs of diarrhea. "Wet tail" and diarrhea are common in hamsters and can indicate a severe infection.

• Inspect your hamster’s tail area for any signs of moisture, such as mucus.
• If your hamster is experiencing diarrhea along with changes in eating and activity, it could be suffering from wet tail. Wet tail can be fatal within 48 hours, so it’s crucial to take immediate action and visit a vet.
• If wet tail is confirmed, the vet may prescribe antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medication, or fluids.

Examine your hamster's skin. Changes in the skin may indicate health problems. Specifically, look for signs of infection such as rashes, swelling, or abscesses.

• Red, scaly skin may be a sign of infection or other skin-related illnesses.
• To check for dehydration, gently pull the loose skin on the back of your hamster’s neck. If the skin returns to its normal position right away, it’s fine. If the skin remains wrinkled or doesn’t return to its original position, this could be a serious sign, and you should take your hamster to the vet.
• Hamsters may scratch excessively when they have skin issues, which could indicate an infection. However, continuous scratching could lead to further skin damage, making it easier for infections to set in.

Examine your hamster’s fur. Typically, a hamster’s fur is thick and shiny. As hamsters age, their fur will naturally thin out. However, if you notice sudden fur loss, it may be a sign of illness.

• Wet, matted fur around the belly and tail could indicate an infection.

Inspect your hamster's face, mouth, and eyes. Look for symptoms such as a runny nose, red or swollen eyes, and puffed cheeks.

• Hamsters often have a runny nose when they’re ill and are very prone to catching colds. These are typically not serious conditions, but if symptoms persist, consult a vet.
• Hamsters store food in their cheek pouches. If you notice that both pouches are constantly full for an extended period, it could indicate an infection.

• If your hamster is ill, be prepared for the situation.
• Always take your hamster to the vet if you have any concerns.
• When visiting the vet, bring a detailed list of symptoms and behaviors you have observed. This will help the vet narrow down possible diagnoses.
• If your hamster’s eyes are crusted or appear cloudy, contact the vet immediately.

• Your vet may not be able to do much for your hamster.