TEMPERATURE PROBLEMS
Hamsters in cold temperatures – below 5C – may lose consciousness and go into a state of hibernation, which should not be ignored. This can happen during winter when the central heating switches off at midnight, and the hamster is left alone in his metal cage in a rapidly cooling room. The hamster may look dead.
It is always worth slowly warming the body. Use a covered hot water bottle or a hair drier on a low setting, carefully and gently. Do not burn him and do not let him become cold again. Half an hour’s slow warming is safer than a sudden rise in temperature. There is a good chance of a revived hamster.
High temperatures, above 25C, can cause “sleeper disease”, and the hamster appears to have died. This state lasts very few minutes and simply touching or rubbing the body restores things to normal. Metal cages exposed to full sunlight, through glass, can become ovens, and cause actual heat stroke and death.

MOUTH
As in all rodents, the teeth of hamsters continue to grow throughout life, and if they are not worn down by gnawing they can grow so long that feeding becomes difficult or impossible. If one tooth is lost, the opposing tooth will lengthen because it has nothing to grind upon. Overlong teeth must be cut (your vet can do this) and this will have to be repeated as growth continues. Very hard dog biscuits or blocks of hardwood to gnaw at can help to keep teeth at an acceptable length.
The cheek pouches of hamsters can become impacted with food, especially if an indulgent owner feeds sticky sweets or caramels.

DIARRHOEA
This is common, and has a variety of causes. “Wet tail” is a particularly serious condition of young hamsters, associated with stress, weaning and change in diet and can be very difficult to treat. Any diarrhoea cases should be taken seriously and a visit to the vet is justified.

TUMOURS
These are not uncommon in ageing hamsters. They can be removed surgically, but if the hamster is passed his second birthday it may be difficult to justify the operation. Few hamsters reach 3 years old.

SKIN
Baldness or skin irritation may occur; this could be caused by mite infections or ringworm. A diagnosis from the vet is essential before treatment can start.

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