By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
A hamster weighs somewhere between about 30 and 150 grams, so even a day of not eating or drinking can tip it into serious trouble. Like many small prey animals, hamsters instinctively hide weakness, which means the first signs owners spot are often late ones. Knowing what normal looks like, and acting quickly when something changes, gives a hamster its best chance.
One point specific to our readers: hamsters are classed as a prohibited species in Australia and cannot legally be imported or kept as pets here. This guide is for owners in countries where hamsters are kept legally, and for general education. Australian families looking for a similar small pet may want to consider pet rats, mice or guinea pigs.
Key takeaways
- Hamsters hide illness, so small changes in eating, drinking, droppings or activity matter.
- Wet tail (severe diarrhoea) is an emergency, especially in young hamsters.
- Teeth grow continuously and can overgrow without suitable chewing material.
- Breathing problems, lumps and skin disease are common in older hamsters.
- Hamsters need a vet experienced with small exotic mammals.
Signs that a hamster may be unwell
- Eating or drinking less, or weight loss (weekly weighing on kitchen scales helps)
- A wet, dirty or smelly rear end
- Hunched posture, ruffled coat or reluctance to move
- Sneezing, clicking breathing or discharge from the eyes or nose
- Drooling, difficulty eating, or teeth that look long or misaligned
- Hair loss, scabs, flaky skin or excessive scratching
- Lumps, swellings, or a bulging cheek pouch that does not empty
- Increased drinking and urination
Common hamster health problems
Wet tail and diarrhoea
Wet tail usually refers to a bacterial bowel infection that causes watery diarrhoea, often in young hamsters after the stress of weaning or rehoming. Dehydration develops fast and the condition can be fatal within a day or two without treatment.
Dental problems
Hamster incisors grow throughout life. Without enough chewing, or if teeth are misaligned, they overgrow and make eating painful or impossible. Never trim teeth at home; a vet can shorten them safely.
Respiratory infections
Sneezing, nasal discharge and laboured breathing can come from bacterial infection, often linked to draughts, dusty bedding or ammonia from a dirty cage.
Skin conditions
Mites, fungal infections and allergies can cause hair loss and itch. Older hamsters often develop thinning fur from age or hormone changes.
Cheek pouch problems
Sticky or sharp foods can become stuck in the pouches, causing infection or a pouch that turns out of the mouth.
Lumps and tumours
Lumps are common in older hamsters. Some are abscesses, others are tumours. A vet can help work out which.
Diabetes
Dwarf hamster species, particularly Campbell's dwarf hamsters, are prone to diabetes. Increased thirst and urination are typical signs.
When to see a vet
Emergency now: diarrhoea or a wet tail, not eating or drinking for more than about 12 hours, laboured or open-mouth breathing, bleeding, collapse, or a hamster that is cold and unresponsive.
Same day: a pouch that will not empty, a prolapsed pouch, drooling or difficulty eating, an eye injury, or sudden lameness.
Within a few days: a slowly growing lump, gradual hair loss, or mild sneezing in an otherwise bright hamster.
How exotic vets assess and treat hamsters
An exotic vet will weigh your hamster, examine the teeth, pouches, skin and abdomen, and listen to breathing. Small size limits some tests, but skin samples, droppings checks and X-rays are often possible. Treatment may include fluids, warmth, assisted feeding, dental trimming, wound care or surgery, plus medicines selected specifically for hamsters. Many common antibiotics are dangerous to small rodents, so never use leftover medicines from other pets.
Prevention and everyday care
- Provide a large enclosure with deep, dust-free paper-based bedding for burrowing.
- Spot clean daily and do a fuller clean weekly to keep ammonia down.
- Feed a quality hamster pellet or block, with small amounts of fresh vegetables. Avoid sticky or sugary treats.
- Supply safe chew items such as untreated wood and cardboard.
- Keep the enclosure in a quiet spot away from draughts, direct sun and extremes of temperature.
- Weigh your hamster weekly and keep a record.
FAQ
Why are hamsters illegal in Australia?
They are classed as an exotic pest risk because escaped animals could establish wild populations and harm agriculture and native wildlife.
How long do hamsters live?
Typically about two to three years, depending on species and care.
My hamster is cold and still. Is it dead?
Hamsters exposed to cold can enter a torpor-like state. Warm the room gradually and contact a vet promptly.
Can hamsters catch colds from people?
Some respiratory infections can pass between people and small rodents. Good hygiene and minimal handling when you are unwell are sensible.
Talk with a vet
If you keep a hamster where it is legal and you are worried about a change in health, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can talk through the signs and help you decide how quickly an exotic vet should see your pet. Chat with Dial A Vet. Diarrhoea, breathing difficulty or collapse needs an in-person vet urgently.
References
- Merck Veterinary Manual: Hamsters, disorders and diseases
- Quesenberry and Carpenter, Ferrets, Rabbits and Rodents: Clinical Medicine and Surgery (textbook)
- Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: Bringing cats, dogs and other pets to Australia
- Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries: Prohibited and restricted pets
- RSPCA UK: Hamster care and welfare
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.