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.
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.
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] X Research source
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. [4] X Research source
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. [5] X Research source
Wet, matted fur around the hamster’s belly and tail can be signs of an infection. [6] X Research source
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.
