How to Know if Your Hamster Is Dying

Reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM

Last Updated: November 11, 2024 Fact Checked

Paying close attention to your hamster’s health is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Hamsters live for two to three years. Sometimes, when your hamster is old, there will be nothing you can do to save him. However, hamsters are also prone to a number of other serious illnesses that can be cured. You should always take your hamster to the veterinarian if you suspect your hamster is sick. The veterinarian will be able to tell you for sure what is happening with your hamster’s health.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Observing Your Hamster’s Behavior

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1
Spend time with your hamster every day. It is important to spend time with your hamster every day so that you know her normal behavior. A change in your hamster's behavior is an important indicator that she is sick. If you don’t spend time with your hamster regularly, you might not recognize important changes in your hamster’s behavior.^{[1]
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- Get into a routine, so that you spend the same part of the day with your hamster. This will help you get accustomed to how the hamster is acting during the same period of time every day.
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Observe your hamster’s eating habits. A healthy hamster will eat regularly throughout the day. Although hamsters will sleep during the day, they will wake up frequently to eat.
- Be careful to note if your hamster is eating and how much he is eating.
- If your hamster is eating less, but still eating, keep very close watch over his eating over the next day or two.
- If your hamster stops eating altogether, you should take your hamster to the veterinarian right away.
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3
Observe your hamster’s activity. Hamsters are normally very active, especially during the night. Your hamster will likely sleep during much of the day, so do not worry if your hamster sleeps a lot when the sun is out. If your hamster appears lethargic all the time and does not want to play, then she might be sick.
- If your hamster begins to act much less active and playful than in the past, pay close attention over the next couple of days.
- If the hamster’s activity levels do not return to normal, take your hamster to the veterinarian.
- Hamsters will naturally hibernate when the temperature stays cold for a long time. If you think your hamster is hibernating, indicated by what appears to be a very deep sleep and extremely shallow breath, warm up the area and make sure there is food and water on hand for when the hamster awakens.^{[2]
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Check for diarrhea. A common illness in hamsters is called “wet tail” and is accompanied by diarrhea. It can be evidence of a very serious infection.^{[3]
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- Check the base of your hamster’s tail for a wet, mucus-like substance.
- If your hamster has diarrhea, accompanied by changes to eating and activity levels, it may be wet tail. Wet tail can be fatal within 48 hours. Therefore, you need to take action immediately and see the veterinarian.
- If the veterinarian finds a case of wet tail, he might prescribe antibiotics, anti-diarrheal, or give fluids.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Observing Your Hamster’s Appearance

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1
Look at the hamster’s skin. Changes to your hamster’s skin can be indicative of health problems. In particular, look for signs of infection, like redness, swelling, and abscesses.
- Red, flakey skin can be a sign of an infection or of other skin diseases.
- Check for dehydration by lifting the loose skin (the scruff) over the hamster's shoulders. Let go and it should snap straight back into place — this is normal. If the hamster is dehydrated the skin "tents" or stays in a peak. This is a serious sign and you should get the hamster checked by a vet.
- Your hamster may scratch more when she has a skin problem. This can help tip you off to the fact that one exists. However, it can also cause infection if the hamster is picking at her skin. ^{[4]
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Look at the hamster’s fur. Normally, a hamster’s fur should be full and shiny. As hamsters age, their fur will thin. This is normal. However, if your hamster starts to lose fur all at once, he might be sick.
- Wet, matted fur around the hamster’s belly and tail can be signs of an infection.^{[5]
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Look at the hamster’s face, mouth and eyes. In particular, look for a runny nose, red or inflamed eyes, and puffy cheeks.
- Hamsters often get a runny nose when sick, and are particularly vulnerable to catching colds. These are often not the most deadly of sicknesses, but if they persist, see a veterinarian.
- Your hamster has pouches in his cheeks to carry food around. If you notice that these pouches look full for a long time, it may be that they are infected.

Expert Q&A

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Question

Why do hamsters die?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Hamsters can suffer from a wide range of health problems, just like any other mammal. Most hamsters eventually die from old age and organ failure.

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Question

Can a hamster die from being too cold?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Any mammal can die if exposed to severe freezing temperatures for long enough. However, first check a cold hamster hasn't merely gone into hibernation.

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Question

How do you dispose of a dead hamster?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Home burial is one option or contact your vet who can arrange cremation of the remains.

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When you go to the veterinarian, bring a detailed list of symptoms and behavior that you have witnessed. This can help the veterinarian narrow down the possible illnesses.

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If your hamster is sick, be prepared to treat your sick hamster.

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When in doubt, always go to the veterinarian.

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The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Pay very close attention if your hamster stops opening his eyes and won't eat or drink. This would require an immediate vet visit.
Hamsters often look like they have partially closed eyes when sleepy. This is normal as long as they are fully open when awake.
Make sure you can afford vet bills before getting a hamster – they often need medical care over their short lifetimes.
If your hamster is lying still, he may be hibernating from the cold. Warm him up and offer food and water.
If your hamster isn't eating and is sleeping a lot, give him extra care and comfort in his final days.

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