🐹 5 Common Hamster Health Problems - Super Detailed Tips

Many people in Hong Kong consider hamsters to be "entry-level" pets because of their tiny size and super cute appearance. But let me be frank: hamsters are actually quite fragile, have a short lifespan, and are prone to health problems. If owners fail to detect or address these problems early, the consequences can be serious.

Today, we've compiled the five most common health issues with hamsters , adding reliable online information and local Hong Kong care experience, so you can more comprehensively care for your furry friends at home 🐾.

1️⃣ Wet Tail 💩

Introduction : Wet tail is one of the most deadly diseases in hamsters, especially in newly bought pups.

• Symptoms : Wetness and stickiness around the anus, odor, diarrhea, poor spirits, and messy hair.
• Causes : Mostly due to stress (such as changing the environment, being frightened), unclean breeding environment, and improper diet.
• Danger : The condition worsens very quickly and can be fatal within a few days⚠️.
• How to deal with it : Take it to the animal veterinarian immediately, and never feed anyone medicine without permission.

Editor's Take 👉 Many pet shops in Hong Kong have subpar environments, and hamsters are already under stress inside. Therefore, novices should be especially careful when buying a hamster to bring home, and seek medical attention immediately if they notice any abnormalities.

2️⃣ Respiratory tract infection 🌬️🤧

Introduction : Hamsters have a very sensitive respiratory system and are prone to respiratory diseases due to environmental problems.

• Symptoms : sneezing, runny nose, shortness of breath, and sometimes a whooshing sound.
• Causes : Humidity in the cage, large temperature differences, direct wind, and use of dusty bedding.
• Danger : In severe cases, it can develop into pneumonia, which is fatal to hamsters.
• Treatment method : Keep the environment dry, avoid direct air conditioning, and see a veterinarian immediately.

Editor's reminder: It's normal to turn on the air conditioner in Hong Kong in the summer, but remember not to place the hamster cage near the air outlet, otherwise it will be easy to get infected.

3️⃣ Too long teeth🦷

Introduction : Hamsters are rodents whose teeth grow continuously and they need to grind their teeth frequently.

• Symptoms : Decreased appetite, difficulty chewing hard food, drooling, and wet chin.
• Cause : Not providing enough teething supplies, such as wooden chew sticks and hard food.
• Danger : Overly long teeth can pierce the mouth and cause serious infection.
• Treatment : Provide teeth grinding tools; if the teeth are too long, they need to be trimmed by a veterinarian.

Editor's perspective👉 Many new hamster owners in Hong Kong think that their hamsters only eat sunflower seeds. In fact, this will cause their teeth to be worn out, and they will eventually need to see a doctor and have their teeth repaired under anesthesia, which is extremely risky.

4️⃣ Skin problems (mites/dermatitis)🐾😣

Introduction : Hamsters have good skin and are prone to parasites or inflammation problems.

• Symptoms : Constant scratching, hair loss, redness and swelling of the skin, and scabs.
• Causes : damp and unclean environment, wrong bedding, poor immunity.
• Danger : Severe cases may cause secondary infection and even lead to loss of appetite due to the pain.
• Treatment method : Keep the cage clean and change the bedding regularly; if you suspect a mite or fungal infection, see a veterinarian for special medication.

Editor's Note: Hong Kong's humidity often reaches as high as 80%. If the cage isn't properly ventilated, skin problems are quite common. It's recommended to use a breathable plastic box or iron cage, rather than a completely sealed one.

5️⃣ Tumors/visceral diseases⚠️🧬

Introduction : Because hamsters have a short lifespan (about 2 years), they are prone to tumors or organ degeneration as they age.

• Symptoms : Lumps, weight loss, decreased activity, and thinning hair.
• Causes : Genes, age, and eating habits.
• Dangers : Many tumors are malignant, surgery is risky, and hamsters are too small to handle.
• Treatment method : Check your hamster's body regularly and seek medical attention immediately if any lump is found.

Editor's Thoughts👉 In Hong Kong, there are actually very few veterinarians who specialize in treating hamster tumors, so most of the time, we can only rely on daily observation by the owner and try our best to provide a comfortable environment and suitable diet.

📝 Editor's Summary

Common health problems in hamsters include:

✅ Wet tail (most dangerous, with a high mortality rate)
✅ Respiratory tract infection (environmental factors are very important)
✅ Teeth are too long (teeth grinding products should be provided)
✅ Skin problems (Hong Kong is prone to skin problems due to high humidity)
✅ Tumors/internal organ diseases (common in elderly hamsters)

While hamsters may be small, they're not necessarily easy to care for. Responsible owners should regularly monitor their mental state, food intake, and coat condition, and seek out a reliable small animal veterinarian. Only then can your hamster enjoy a healthy and happy life with you throughout its short but precious life.

🐹 Hamster Health Quick Checklist📝

✅ Project	📌 Observation Points
wet tail syndrome	Wet and sticky anus, odor, diarrhea, poor spirits
respiratory tract infection	Sneezing, runny nose, shortness of breath, unusual sounds
Too long teeth	Decreased food intake, difficulty chewing hard food, and excessive drooling
Skin problems	Constant scratching, hair loss, redness, swelling, or scabs
Tumor/visceral disease	Body lumps, weight loss, and thinning hair