The thought of losing a beloved hamster is unbearable for any pet parent. Besides death due to old age (usually 2-3 years), there are several environmental and health-related factors that can lead to the death of your tiny fur ball.
Severe illness from untreated disease is one of the major things that kills a hamster. The rodent can also die from several other causes, including serious injury, old age, malnutrition, or eating poisonous foods. Stress, poor hygiene, and a lack of exercise can also kill a hamster.
This article covers the common reasons for death in hamsters in-depth. So keep reading to know the measures you can take to help extend your furry friend’s lifespan.
Things That Can Kill Your Hamster
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, hamsters are the fourth most popular exotic pets in the United States (behind fish, ferrets, and rabbits).
And while it may sound counterintuitive, their short lifespan is one of the reasons hamsters are a popular pet choice in American households, particularly those with younger children.
The reason for this is simple.
Many parents want their kids to have a “starter” pet that won’t be around when they are off to college.
Hamsters can “suddenly” die due to several other causes besides their short lifespan. Here are some of the most common things that kill a hamster.
1. Untreated Diseases
Although hamsters are somewhat hardy pets, they usually can’t endure being sick for long. Thankfully, not all diseases can quickly kill these animals.
That said, because of their small size, infections and diseases can become serious fast. It’s, therefore, crucial to recognize signs and symptoms of common hamster illnesses early on so you can get your hamster veterinary help on time. Otherwise, there’s a high risk of death.
Examples of deadly hamster diseases include:
- Wet tail (diarrhea)
- Cancer of the digestive system
- Liver disease (biliary and hepatic cysts)
- Diabetes
- Kidney problems
- Pneumonia
Minor infections such as skin and eye problems are generally not fatal and are easy to treat. But watch for symptoms of deadly diseases to ensure your hamster receives treatment as soon as possible.
Read Why Is My Hamster Lying Flat?
2. A poor diet
A poor diet can lead to malnutrition, severely affecting your hamster.
Providing unbalanced nutrients, for instance, can lead to obesity, especially in adult hamsters. An overweight hamster is at a higher risk of developing diabetes, liver problems, and heart trouble. Any of these health conditions can very quickly kill your hamster.
With that in mind, what’s a healthy weight for fully grown hamsters? According to Caring Pets, an adult hamster should ideally