How To Know If Your Hamster Is Dying: 7 Steps (with Pictures)

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Know if Your Hamster Is Dying PDF download Download Article Reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM

Last Updated: April 21, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Observing Your Hamster’s Behavior
    • |
  • Observing Your Hamster’s Appearance
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
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This article was reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 581,370 times.

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.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:

Observing Your Hamster’s Behavior

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  1. Step 1 Spend time... 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]
    • 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.
  2. Step 2 Observe your hamster’s eating habits. 2 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. Step 3 Observe your hamster’s activity. 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]
  4. Step 4 Check for diarrhea.... 4 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]
    • 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.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 2:

Observing Your Hamster’s Appearance

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  1. Step 1 Look at the hamster’s skin. 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]
  2. Step 2 Look at the hamster’s fur. 2 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]
  3. Step 3 Look at the hamster’s face, mouth and eyes. 3 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.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question Why do hamsters die? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS 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 has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 26 Helpful 98
  • Question Can a hamster die from being too cold? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS 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 has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 36 Helpful 96
  • Question How do you dispose of a dead hamster? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS 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 has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer Home burial is one option or contact your vet who can arrange cremation of the remains. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 43 Helpful 86
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Video

Reader Videos

Tips

  • 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. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 2
  • If your hamster is sick, be prepared to treat your sick hamster. Thanks Helpful 10 Not Helpful 11
  • When in doubt, always go to the veterinarian. Thanks Helpful 6 Not Helpful 8
Show More Tips

Tips from our Readers

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.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • The vet might not be able to do anything for your hamster. Thanks Helpful 146 Not Helpful 65
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/hamsters?redirectid=1527?ruleredirectid=30
  2. ↑ https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0185913
  3. ↑ https://cvm.missouri.edu/diseases-of-research-animals-dora/hamsters/hamster-enteritis-complex-wet-tail/
  4. ↑ https://www.msdvetmanual.com/all-other-pets/hamsters/disorders-and-diseases-of-hamsters#Heart-and-Blood-Vessel-Disorders_v3227813
  5. ↑ https://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/rodents/hamsters?redirectid=506?ruleredirectid=30

About This Article

Natalie Punt, DVM Reviewed by: Natalie Punt, DVM Veterinarian This article was reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences. This article has been viewed 581,370 times. 15 votes - 96% Co-authors: 39 Updated: April 21, 2025 Views: 581,370 Categories: Hamster Health Article SummaryX

To know if your hamster is dying, keep a close eye on it to make sure it's eating every day and being active at night. If your hamster stops eating, or if it acts lethargic all day and all night, take it to a vet since it could be a sign that something is wrong. Also, if your hamster has diarrhea along with these symptoms, it could be a sign that it has a serious infection that can be fatal within 48 hours if left untreated. Make sure you take your hamster to the vet as soon as possible if you think something is wrong so it can receive the treatment it needs. To learn how to tell if your hamster is sick based off of its appearance, scroll down. Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Mystery Washburn-Gauthier

    Mystery Washburn-Gauthier

    Mar 17, 2020

    "I used this article to inform my 11 year old about what to watch out for. Simple, easy to understand information; I..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Natalie Punt, DVM Reviewed by: Natalie Punt, DVM Veterinarian Co-authors: 39 Updated: April 21, 2025 Views: 581,370 96% of readers found this article helpful. 15 votes - 96% Click a star to add your vote Mystery Washburn-Gauthier

Mystery Washburn-Gauthier

Mar 17, 2020

"I used this article to inform my 11 year old about what to watch out for. Simple, easy to understand information; I..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Sep 24, 2017

"The writer is completely correct with observing your hamster's behavior, as mine was refusing to eat and..." more Anonymous

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Jan 7, 2017

"After reading your article, I'm relieved that my hammy at 2 years old has shiny fur and no dull eyes. Most..." more Brenda Guerrero

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Mar 6, 2017

"My daughter's hamster is sick. She is very upset. This site had a lot of information about hamster health and..." more Anonymous

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"It helped me because my hamster has been acting weird. After reading this I really think she might be sick, so I am..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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