Hamsters are pretty low-maintenance pets, and when their behavior changes, especially when they start sneezing, it can be concerning. Though occasional sneezing is typical, excessive sneezing in hamsters is usually a sign of something much more serious.
Your hamster may be sneezing because of a cold, allergies, improper bedding, or an unclean enclosure. If it appears to be sick, it might have an infection, such as a cold, flu, or another medical issue.
There are quite a few reasons your hamster may sneeze excessively, so let’s talk about each one in detail and look at the ways you can remedy your hamster.
I’ll help you determine why your hamster is sneezing and walk you through the best ways to ensure that your hamster is healthy, happy, and sneeze-free.
Why Does My Hamster Keep Sneezing?
Healthy hamsters will occasionally sneeze, but not excessively. If your hamster sneezes frequently and seems uncomfortable, you should determine why.
Your hamster may keep sneezing because of a cold or allergies. In addition, if your hamster’s bedding is aromatic, dusty, wet, or dirty, your hamster’s respiratory tract may be inflamed. Pay attention to your hamster’s behavior for symptoms of illness.
So, let’s look at these common issues:
Your Hamster May Have a Cold
A cold can be easily diagnosed by examining your hamster. Respiratory infections in hamsters cause symptoms similar to those that appear in humans. So, keep an eye out for:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Watery eyes
- Lack of energy
- Thirst
If your hamster’s enclosure is in a cold or breezy spot, they are more likely to get sick. If this is the case, you should place your hamster in a warmer area and provide it with extra bedding (such as paper towels).
Ensure that the bedding materials contain no pine or cedar wood shavings, as these can cause respiratory tract irritation.
Check How To Train Your Hamster To Cuddle
Aroma Sensitivity Can Cause Excessive Sneezing
Hamsters have an excellent sense of smell, and some scents can be too much for them to handle.
Some common causes of sneezing due to aroma sensitivity include:
- Use of scented bedding
- Perfumes and air fresheners
- Exposure to fragrant cleaning chemicals
- Ingesting overly aromatic foods such as herbs
So, if you notice your hamster sneezing, the first thing to do is change out their bedding and use something unscented like paper shreds or another soft hamster-approved bedding.
Eliminate any fragrances from the area around your hamster’s enclosure. That means scented candles, air fresheners, and perfumes.
Try not to handle your hamster if you regularly wear cologne or perfume, and only hold your pet after a shower if you choose to wear a scent.
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