Is my hamster dying?

Question

so my dwarf hamster (snowball) is really frail and thin and ive had her for like 2 yrs? and she is not energetic and shes still friendly but i can see that she might die what should i do? my mom wont let me take her to the vet because it will cost more than my hamster itself : ( help!!!

Answer 1

Well, the average age of a hamster is from 2-3 years. I say let life take its toll on Snowball. She's grown to be a great friend to you, but things happen. I'm sorry, but if you take her to the vet anyhow, there's nothing they can do to "extend" her life.

Answer 2

Shes just getting old and tired now as 2 years is quite old for a hamster. Just be extra kind and gentle with the old lady and enjoy the time you have left with her. Remember shes had a good life with you and thats what counts.x

Answer 3

shes probably getting older hamsters don't last that long. look on websites search for hamsters go to your local library and cheack out books about hamsters look for illness that hamsters might get. I used to have a hamster he got sick and died if your hamster goes away save your money and buy a new hamster. buy him treats toys change the hamsters water once a week and more food in he/shes cup. change he/shes cage once a week take he or she out to excersise in a hamster ball if you have one. keep searching for info. and keep begging your mom.  

Answer 4

she's aging.  I have one that's 2, and it seemed like once she hit 2, she started aging quickly.  Still with us.

Answer 5

She's probably just aging, 2 years is the usual life span for a hamster. Just prepare yourself that she may die soon. It's hard to deal with loss of an animal, but at least she's had a good long life.

Answer 6

She may be dying. 2 years is the usual life span for Hamsters. I would mentally prepare yourself for it. Im sorry.

Answer 7

i know this sounds bad but if shes in pain like never squeaks i'd end her life cos i had a rabbit it was in pain so i broke its neck my mum couldnt afford the vet im not cruel i cried and was really scared i had nightmares but shes not in pain no more

my guinea pig went like that does she have poo on her bum if she does she has a muscle deforment then she is in pain

Answer 8

I think at this point, just be as nice to her as you can. Try not to handle her too much if she is frail. I hate to be honest, but she may be dying :( I know it is hard to lose a pet, but she has had a nice long life for a hamster.

Answer 9

Hamsters usually live to be around two years of age.  I had several almost reach three.  Once they get to be about two years old they do lose weight, they slow down a lot, and they look very fragile.  

A trip to the vet is probably not necessary because she is simply showing signs of her age.  

However, I do not agree that a hamster is not worth taking to the vet because of what you paid for it.  A pet's worth is not judged by it's value from a pet store.  Every life is precious and just because it is not a larger pet such as a cat or dog does not make it any less important.    

Answer 10

You don't need to take her to the vet, 2 years is a long time in hamster years. Remember they usually live 2-3 years. You can't do anything to prevent your hamster from dying because their is nothing wrong with her. She is just getting old.

Good Luck!

Answer 11

Yes, unfortunately it sounds like snowball is just getting to the age where she just doesn't have the energy anymore.

You have done very well because although they do have a lifespan of 2-3 years, I very rarely hear of them living a year let alone 2 - you have taken very good care of her!

All you can do is be sure you are continuing this great care and spend time with her.

Best of luck to you hun.