What's Wrong With My Hamster? | Hamster Illnesses | Hamsters

If you think your pet is ailing, take a look at our Hamster Illnesses page to see if the symptoms fit any of the ailments described. Many problems are treatable at home, such as flea or mite infestation, but there are also lots of hamster illnesses that need the attentions of a vet.

You should consult a vet whenever the problem is one you either can't solve at home or can't diagnose with confidence. Your hamster relies on you to keep it healthy, safe, and free from pain, so the occasional vet bill is all part of the deal when keeping a pet.

Poorly hamster? Check out our Hamster Illnesses section as a first port of call.

If none of the conditions you read about seem to match your hamster's symptoms, or if there are some obviously serious issues such as bleeding or difficulty breathing, it’s not going to be a problem you can fix yourself. Take the pet to a vet.

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Donovan, 14 October 2021

My hamster is 9 months old and the breed is supposed to die around 3 years. Its not moving very much, doesn't want to eat or drink, its stomach kinda looks sucked in? I'm not sure whats wrong... Any ideas?

Chloe, 14 September 2020

Hello. My syrian hamster is 1 and a half years old and he has started acting in a worrying way. His fur on his back is coming off in patches, he is grooming a bit too excessively. He is very slow moving, where he used to be very quick and inquisitive. He also makes a little hiccup sound followed by a whine. I think he may be wheezing too but I'm unsure. The shavings and bedding have been the same brand as it's always been, and he has hamster pellets with the treat of monkey nuts and crackers. The only change I can think of is he used to have a hamster muesli instead of pellets. He doesn't have a wet tail, and his stools are solid. He has also become very jumpy. I am concerned... please could you help?

Jamie, 21 May 2020

hello, I have a dwarf hamster. He is just under 1 years old. Today I noticed something wrong. His eyes are closed, his back is arched and he is breathing heavy. He is walking around the cage but very little and slowly. He wont eat or drink either. His coat is a little rough on his head. Any ideas on what it could be?

Emma, 6 January 2020

My 2 year old Syrian hamster has developed a lump below her tail, it seems to be always wet and pink, she's started to look really tired ever since and walk gaily and slow.

Helen, 2 September 2019

My nine month old Syrian hamster has been scratching at her back legs. They are sore and red. Fur is starting to come off her back legs. She’s cleaned weekly. I’ve not changed any bedding etc. She’s eating and drinking. Wondering what the problem could be. Many thanks. Helen