Illness in hamsters can be hard to spot because they are so small, and they often hide health problems until they become severe.It is possible to see signs of stomach diseases, respiratory issues, and skin problems before they are too late.Don't hesitate to call your vet if you see any of the symptoms of these illnesses.
Step 1: A wet tail is covered in feces.
There is a disease called wet tail.The fur around its tail is usually soaked in urine or feces.You can see your hamster urinating or defecating.
Step 2: There is a cage with feces in it.
If you notice that your hamster has a wet bottom, you should look for it elsewhere in the cage.Use a gloved finger to sift through its usual bathroom area as well as the rest of the bedding in the cage.It's not indicative of wet tail to have diarrhea.It means your hamster has eaten a lot of fruits and vegetables.Small animals can get dehydrated very quickly, so it's important to get them to the vet as soon as possible.
Step 3: It's a good idea to watch for a decrease in appetite.
Take a look at your hamster's food bowl to see if it is full.The bedding in the cage should be checked for rotten food that the hamster hid.
Step 4: Be aware of any aggressive behavior.
Sick hamsters may lash out at their owners.If your hamster bites you, this could be a sign that it's sick.
Step 5: Increased sleep is something you should watch for.
Hamsters sleep a lot during the day, so you may need to stay up late to observe its nighttime routine.Your hamster may be sick if it seems like it's not waking as often and its energy level is lower than normal.
Step 6: It's a good idea to call your doctor as soon as possible.
One of the most serious diseases your hamster can contract is wet tail.If you're unsure, call your vet.If you call within 24 hours, your hamster will have the best chance of recovery.
Step 7: It is possible to see discharge from its nose or eyes.
Your hamster shouldn't have a discharge from the nose, so take a look at it.If you see lots of sneezing, your hamster is probably sick.Take these signs seriously and watch your hamster for any worsening symptoms over the next 24 to 48 hours, as a simple cold can turn into pneumonia.
Step 8: Listen for labored breathing.
If your hamster is wheezing or has trouble breathing, it may have a respiratory illness.Pay special attention to any wheezing while your hamster is resting because labored breathing may be typical after exercise.
Step 9: It's a good idea to watch for any cold.
It's possible that your hamster has an illness in its lungs.If you can, try to warm your home or the room it's in by turning up the thermostat or using a space heating device.Don't put anything hot next to the cage.Your hamster can suffer from heatstroke if the temperature is above 75 F.
Step 10: Take notice of any lethargy.
It's a good idea to keep an eye on your hamster at times when it is normally inactive, such as when you feed it during the day or at night.This could be a sign that it's not feeling well, if it isn't running in its wheel at night.
Step 11: Look for redness or flaky skin.
You can see the skin underneath your hamster's coat by running your fingertips through it.It could be an allergy to new bedding that causes flaky, dry, or red skin.If you have recently added something to the cage, remove it and clean it.You can probably rule out an allergy if your hamster's skin issues continue.Wood chips are likely to cause allergic reactions in your hamster.Instead of bedding, stick to paper.
Step 12: Check the inside of the cheeks for food.
Hamsters balloon out from their face when they shove food into their cheeks.If your hamster has a face like this all the time, try to get a look inside its mouth to see if there is anything to eat.If your hamster has an abscess in their cheek, it will need to be drained by your vet.If there is something cutting the inside of your hamster's cheek, be sure not to offer any snacks or treats that have jagged or sharp edges.
Step 13: There is a matted coat and excessive scratching.
If your hamster's fur is suddenly matted or missing in spots, that could be a sign of a skin problem.If it is accompanied by a lot of scratching, that could mean your hamster has mites.It's possible that hair loss is the result of abrasive bedding, rubbing against the wheel, or a leaking water bottle.It's a sign of problems with the kidneys in older hamsters.
Step 14: It's a good idea to watch for blood on its body or cage.
It is difficult to see issues on your hamster's skin, but if there is something serious, like an open sore, you will most likely see blood on its coat.In the bedding where it sleeps, you may see it somewhere else.If there are any changes in the bedding you discard, look for it when you clean your hamster's cage each week.
Step 15: If there is a lump on your hamster's body, check it out.
A lump can be a sign of a problem.If you feel a lump on your hamster's body, it is time to check it out.Take your hamster to the vet if you notice a lump.
Step 16: Take care of your hamster's incisor teeth.
Your hamster's incisor teeth could be a sign that it isn't eating right.Difficult eating can be a result of overgrown incisor teeth.Take your hamster to the vet to have its teeth looked at.