Hamsters are one of the most popular small pets in the world. They are easy to care for and can be very entertaining. However, like all animals, hamsters can get sick. In this blog post, we will discuss six common signs that your hamster might be sick. If you notice any of these signs, please take your hamster to a veterinarian as soon as possible!
How To Tell If Your Hamster Has a Cold (6 Common Signs)
If you think your hamster might be ill, it’s important to know the signs so you can get them the help they need. Here are six common signs that your hamster has a cold:
1. Watery eyes
Hamsters are susceptible to colds, just like humans. The main symptom of a cold is watery eyes. The tear ducts become inflamed or blocked when the hamster has a cold which causes them to become watery.
When a hamster has a cold, one of the most distinctive symptoms is watery eyes. This is caused by the same virus that causes the common cold in humans, and it leads to inflammation of the hamster’s respiratory system. This can cause a runny nose and difficulty breathing, as well as watery eyes. In severe cases, the virus can even cause pneumonia.
If your hamster has a cold, the best thing you can do is provide plenty of fresh water and give them time to rest. Colds typically last for a week or two and will resolve on their own. However, if your hamster’s condition does not improve or if they develop other symptoms, such as weight loss or lethargy, then it’s best to take them to the vet for an evaluation.
2. Matted fur
When a hamster gets a cold, one of the most noticeable symptoms is that its fur becomes matted and clumped together. This is because the hamster’s body is trying to conserve heat, and the matted fur provides insulation against the cold. In addition, the hamster’s immune system is working overtime to fight off the infection, and this can lead to a build-up of oils and sebum in the fur. While it may not be the most attractive look, a hamster’s matted fur is actually a sign that they are fighting off an illness.
While matted fur on a hamster can be a sign of diarreah, underlying skin condition, or just poor grooming habits, it is often a sign that the hamster is coming down with a cold. This is an easy sign to notice because as you know hamsters are doing a great job at keeping their fur shiny and clean. If you notice a difference in their fur and overall look, look for further signs of illness.
3. Discharge from the eyes
When a hamster has a cold, one of the symptoms may be discharge from the eyes. This is caused by the presence of bacteria or viruses in the respiratory system, which can lead to inflammation and mucus production. The discharge may be clear or yellowish, and it can cause the hamster’s eyes to appear watery or irritated. In some cases, the discharge may also be accompanied by sneezing or coughing. If your hamster has a cold, it is important to keep its cage clean and dry to prevent the spread of infection. You should also consult with a veterinarian to discuss treatment options.
If you notice your hamster has discharge coming from its eyes, it’s important to take action right away. The first step is to gently wipe away any discharge with a clean, soft cloth. If the discharge is crusty, you can moisten the cloth with warm water to help loosen it.
Next, you’ll need to flush the eyes with a sterile saline solution. You can use an eye dropper or syringe to carefully squirt the solution into your hamster’s eyes. Be sure to do this slowly and gently, so as not to cause any discomfort. Once the eyes have been flushed, you should apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection. In the meanwhile, try scheduling an appointment with the vet to prescribe some medication for the cold.
4. Discharge from the nose
When a hamster has a cold, one of the symptoms may be a discharge from the nose. This is because the respiratory system is trying to clear out the mucus and other fluids that have built up due to the infection. The discharge may be clear, white, or yellowish in color, and it may also be accompanied by sneezing and coughing. In severe cases, the hamster may also have difficulty breathing.
If your hamster has a cold, it is important to take them to the vet for treatment. In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary to clear the infection. Additionally, you should provide your hamster with plenty of rest and make sure they are drinking plenty of fluids. By taking these steps, you can help your hamster recover from their cold quickly and safely.
5. Loss of appetite
Hamsters are prone to developing colds, which can lead to a loss of appetite. When a hamster has a cold, its body temperature drops and it becomes less active. As a result, the hamster may not feel like eating and may lose weight.
In addition, the cold can irritate the hamster’s throat and nose, making it difficult to eat. If your hamster has a cold, you can try feeding it small amounts of soft food or offering it water from a syringe. If your hamster does not recover quickly, you should take it to the vet for an examination.
A hamster with a cold needs to be fed a soft diet that is easy to digest. This can include cottage cheese, cooked eggs, yogurt, and mashed fruits and vegetables. You should avoid feeding your hamster hard foods like pellets or seeds, as these can irritate their throat and make it difficult to eat. If your hamster is having trouble eating, you can also try offering them small amounts of water from a syringe or eyedropper.
6. Sniffling and sneezing
Hamsters are small, adorable creatures that make popular pets. They are relatively easy to care for, and they are fun to watch as they scurry around their cages. However, hamsters can also get colds, just like humans. So why do these furry little animals sneeze and sniffle when they’re under the weather?
The common cold is caused by a virus, and there are many different types of viruses that can affect hamsters. These viruses are spread through the air, and they can also be passed on from other animals (including humans). Once a hamster inhales the virus, it starts to multiply in its respiratory system. This can cause symptoms like sneezing, sniffling, and a runny nose. In severe cases, pneumonia can develop.
Fortunately, most colds in hamsters are mild and will clear up on their own within a few days. However, if your pet hamster is showing signs of a cold, it’s always best to take them to the vet for a check-up. The vet can prescribe medication to help relieve the symptoms and prevent complications. With proper care, your hamster will be back to their playful self in no time!
Do Hamsters Have Snot?
You may have noticed that your hamster’s nose is always wet. And if you’ve ever given your furry friend a good scratch, you may have even seen a bit of white discharge. So, do hamsters have snot?
As it turns out, hamsters do produce a type of nasal discharge, but it’s not exactly the same as human snot. Instead of being made up of mucus, the discharge is mostly composed of water and salt. This helps to keep the hamster’s nose moist and also provides some protection against bacteria and other airborne particles.
Imagine coming home to your beloved hamster and seeing his cute little face matted with snots. It’s not a pretty sight, but luckily there are things you can do to help clear up your furry friend’s congestion. For starters, you’ll want to make sure he has plenty of water to drink. You can also add some vitamins C and E to his diet, as these nutrients can help boost his immune system.
If your hamster is struggling to breathe, you may need to take him to the vet for a check-up. In severe cases, antibiotics may be necessary. However, in most cases, a little TLC will help clear up your hamster’s congestion in no time.