Taking care of your hamster's health is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Hamsters can live for two to three years. Sometimes, when he is old, there is nothing you can do to help him. However, hamsters are also susceptible to some serious illnesses that can be cured. You should always take your hamster to the vet if he suspects he is sick. Your vet will be able to tell you what's going on with your hamster's health.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Observing Hamster Behavior
Step 1. Spend time with your hamster every day
This is important so that you know his normal habits. Changes in your hamster's behavior are an important indicator that he is sick. If you don't spend time with your hamster on a regular basis, you may not recognize important changes in its behavior.
Develop it into a routine, which means you spend the same amount of time every day with him. This will help you become familiar with how your hamster behaves during some of the same times each day
Step 2. Observe your hamster's eating habits
A healthy hamster will eat regularly throughout the day. Even though your hamster will sleep during the day, it will still wake up frequently to eat.
- Observe the hamster when it eats, and how much it eats.
- If your hamster eats less, but still eats, pay close attention for the next day or two.
- If your hamster stops eating altogether, you should take him to the vet immediately.
Step 3. Observe the hamster's activities
Hamsters are usually very active, especially at night. Your hamster will often sleep during the day, so don't worry if it always sleeps in the sun. If your hamster looks lethargic all day and doesn't want to play, he may be sick.
- If your hamster begins to behave in a more sedentary and happy manner than usual, keep an eye on it for the next day or two.
- If your hamster's activity level doesn't return to normal, you should take him to the vet.
- Hamsters will hibernate naturally when they stay cool for a long period of time. If you think your hamster is hibernating, as indicated by a very deep sleep and very slow breathing, warm the area and make sure there is food and drink when he wakes up.
Step 4. Check for diarrhea
One common disease in hamsters is called "wet tail" and is usually accompanied by diarrhea. This can be evidence of a very serious infection.
- Check the base of the hamster's tail if it is wet and there is something like mucus.
- If your hamster has diarrhea that is accompanied by changes in feeding and activity levels, it may be due to a wet tail. Wet tail can be fatal in the first 48 hours. Therefore, you should immediately do something and take him to the vet.
- If the vet has determined that the hamster's disease is wet tail, he will prescribe antibiotics, antidiarrheals, or give fluids.
Method 2 of 2: Observing the Hamster's Appearance
Step 1. Pay attention to the skin
Changes in your hamster's skin can be an indication of a health problem. In particular, look for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, and abscesses.
- Red, cracked skin can be a sign of an infection or other skin disease.
- Check for dehydration by lifting the loose skin (the nape of the neck) over the hamster's shoulders and releasing it again. This skin should just snap back into place. If so, this means the hamster is in a normal state. If the hamster is dehydrated, the skin will be in a “tent” position (it forms a tent and doesn't return to its place). This is a serious sign and you should take your hamster to the vet for a check-up.
- Hamsters may scratch worse when they have skin problems. This can help you tell that one of the symptoms is present. However, scratching can also cause infection.
Step 2. Pay attention to the hamster's fur
Normally, this coat should look full and shiny. As hamsters get older, their fur will become thinner. This is a normal thing. However, if your hamster's hair starts to fall out all at once, he may be sick.
Wet and tangled fur around the hamster's belly and tail can be signs of infection
Step 3. Look at the hamster's face, mouth and eyes
In particular, pay attention if his nose is wet, his eyes are red or inflamed, and his cheeks are swollen.
- Hamsters often runny nose when sick, and are very susceptible to colds. It's generally harmless, but if it doesn't improve, go to the vet.
- Hamsters have pouches on their cheeks to carry food. If you notice that the sac looks full for a long time, it may be a sign that your hamster is infected with something.
Tips
- If your hamster is sick, be prepared to take care of it.
- When in doubt, always go to the vet.
- When you go to the vet, bring a list of the symptoms and behaviors you've seen for yourself. This can help the veterinarian narrow down the possibility of disease.
