Hamsters are adorable and popular pets that can bring joy and companionship to their owners. However, they are also prone to various health problems and diseases that can cause sudden death. Knowing the common causes of hamster death and how to prevent them can help you keep your pet healthy and happy for as long as possible.
Old Age
One of the most natural and inevitable causes of hamster death is old age. Hamsters have a short lifespan compared to other pets, ranging from 18 months to three years depending on the species. Syrian hamsters, the largest and most common type, usually live for about two years. Dwarf hamsters, such as Campbell’s, Winter White, Roborovski, and Chinese hamsters, can live up to three years if well cared for.
There is not much you can do to prevent old age, but you can make sure your hamster has a comfortable and stress-free life in its golden years. Provide a spacious and clean cage, a balanced diet, fresh water, toys, and hideaways for your hamster. Avoid handling your hamster too much or too roughly, as it may become more fragile and sensitive as it ages. Monitor your hamster’s weight, appetite, activity level, and behavior for any signs of illness or discomfort.
Stress
Stress is another common cause of hamster death that can be prevented with proper care and attention. Hamsters are sensitive animals that can get stressed by various factors, such as loud noises, sudden movements, temperature changes, overcrowding, improper handling, cage mates, predators, and illness. Stress can weaken your hamster’s immune system and make it more susceptible to infections and diseases. It can also cause behavioral problems such as aggression, biting, chewing, barbering (self-inflicted hair loss), and stereotypies (repetitive movements).
To reduce stress in your hamster, you should provide a quiet and safe environment for your pet. Place the cage in a room that is not too hot or cold, away from direct sunlight, drafts, and sources of noise. Avoid disturbing your hamster during the day when it is sleeping, as hamsters are nocturnal or crepuscular animals that are most active at night or dusk and dawn. Provide enough space, bedding, food, water, toys, and hideaways for your hamster to feel comfortable and secure. Do not house male and female hamsters together unless you want babies, as breeding can be stressful for both parents and offspring. Do not house different species of hamsters together or with other animals, as they may fight or injure each other. Handle your hamster gently and regularly to tame it and bond with it. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises when approaching or holding your hamster.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is a serious condition that can affect hamsters of any age or breed. It is often caused by genetic factors or underlying health problems such as obesity, diabetes, kidney disease, or infection. Heart disease can cause symptoms such as difficulty breathing, lethargy, weight loss, loss of appetite, swollen abdomen or limbs, pale gums or ears, or sudden collapse or death.
Heart disease can be diagnosed by a veterinarian using physical examination, blood tests, x-rays, or ultrasound. Treatment may include medication, diet change, exercise restriction, or surgery depending on the severity and type of heart disease. Prevention of heart disease involves providing a healthy diet that is low in fat and sugar, ensuring adequate exercise and activity for your hamster without overexertion or stress, monitoring your hamster’s weight and body condition regularly, and seeking veterinary attention if you notice any signs of illness or distress in your hamster.
Wet Tail
Wet tail is a bacterial infection that affects the digestive system of hamsters. It is caused by the bacterium Lawsonia intracellularis that damages the intestinal lining and causes diarrhea, dehydration, loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and sometimes death within 24 to 48 hours. Wet tail is highly contagious and can spread through contact with infected feces, urine, water, food, bedding, or cage mates.
Wet tail is more common in young hamsters that are stressed by weaning, transportation, or environmental changes. It can also affect older hamsters that are stressed by illness, injury, or overcrowding. Wet tail can be diagnosed by a veterinarian using fecal tests or culture. Treatment may include antibiotics, fluid therapy, probiotics, and supportive care.
Prevention of wet tail involves maintaining good hygiene and sanitation in your hamster’s cage, changing the bedding regularly, cleaning the food and water dishes daily, and disinfecting the cage weekly. You should also avoid stressing your hamster by providing enough space, food, water, toys, and hideaways for your pet. You should also quarantine any new hamsters for at least two weeks before introducing them to your existing hamsters, and isolate any sick hamsters from the rest of the group. You should also seek veterinary attention as soon as you notice any signs of wet tail or diarrhea in your hamster, as early treatment can improve the chances of survival.
Other Causes of Hamster Death
There are many other possible causes of hamster death that are less common but still important to be aware of. Some of these include:
- Respiratory infections: These are caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi that infect the lungs or airways of hamsters. They can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, wheezing, nasal discharge, difficulty breathing, or pneumonia. They can be treated with antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatories depending on the cause. Prevention involves providing a clean and well-ventilated cage, avoiding dusty or moldy bedding or food, and avoiding contact with sick animals or humans.
- Parasites: These are organisms that live on or in the body of hamsters and feed on their blood or tissues. They can include mites, lice, fleas, ticks, worms, or protozoa. They can cause symptoms such as itching, scratching, hair loss, scabs, sores, anemia, weight loss, diarrhea, or vomiting. They can be diagnosed by a veterinarian using skin scrapings, fecal tests, or blood tests. Treatment may include topical or oral medications, injections, or baths depending on the type of parasite. Prevention involves keeping your hamster’s cage and accessories clean and free of pests, checking your hamster regularly for signs of infestation, and treating any other pets in the household that may carry parasites
