Pet Care

What Are the Signs That My Hamster Is Sick?

A hamster is relatively easy to maintain as it does not require much attention. However, it is essential to maintain your Hamster hygiene by cleaning its environment regularly and keeping an eye for any sign of sickness. Dirty environments and poor medical attention can lead to your hamster succumbing to death. To detect whether your sad hamster is sick, you may see some of the listed signs.

Diarrhea

One of the significant visible signs of sickness in your hamster is diarrhea. Diarrhea may result from several reasons, including a dietary shift to a more vegetable or fresh food-based diet, intestine-related parasites, or administered antibiotic doses. To deal with diarrhea, consider lessening vegetable or fresh food diet for some time and ensure they have a continuous water supply.

Hair Loss

Secondly, you may notice hair loss on your hamster. Hair loss may result from nutritional deficiency, a parasitic infection that causes irritability, allergic reaction to food intake, or cage materials. When setting up a cage, consider using non-abrasive smooth surfaces; usually, when irritated, hamsters tend to rub themselves against surrounding materials which may contribute to hair loss.

Lethargic

Additionally, you may notice your hamster has fewer movements and spends most of the time huddling in corners; this behavior may be explained when the hamster is either stressed or having some health difficulties. When injured or have fractured limbs, they may experience pain while moving hence the minimal movements.

Sneezing

Sneezing or continuous wheezing also adds up to the list of signs of sickness. Sneezing or wheezing is usually an indication of cold or respiratory complications. If the pet is suffering from a cold, the sneezing is accompanied by a runny nose and red, watery eyes. An allergic reaction to dust or anything in their food may also explain the sneezing but improves over time.

Wet Tail

Wetness around the tail; the primary cause of a wet tail is usually stress. Stress affects mostly young hamsters; constant change in the environment is a major contributor factor to stress. Diarrhea can also explain a wet tail resulting from intestinal infections, which can be fatal if not given attention.

Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite. You may notice your hamster has changed eating or drinking habits, whether consuming little or no food and water. Abscesses or mouth problems maybe some of the reasons why your hamster is not eating. During fights, Hamsters may pick up mouth injuries around the mouth which explains the lack of eating.

Ruffled Coat

Lastly, you may observe your hamster has ruffled skin. A wet coat or a ruffled coat indicates that your hamster may be having several issues, including skin infections, respiration diseases, or other complications. Parasites such as mites are usually the most common reasons your hamster may have an unkempt skin coat.

Pets are always there; on top of that, they give us a sense of responsibility. Therefore, their wellbeing matters a lot to us; you must note any signs of ill health to avoid further serious complications or death. Taking note of sickness signs at an early stage may help you save your pet’s life.

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