My hamster is i think sneezing wat do i do?

Question

ive had my black bear hamster for 6 mounths and lately he has been kinda of like sneezing but has no cold like symptoms is this normal? my dad said it might be him talking is this true?

Answer 1

I wouldnt worry, my pet used to sneeze in the winter, he is fine so i dont think theres anything wrong.

Answer 2

Well I am not vet but I woukd say she has the symptons of a cold go on the website below because they tell you signs of sicknesses.

http://www.angelfire.com/tn/allabouthams...

Answer 3

If he is sneezing often and there is a nasal discharge when he sneezes, then it could be a cold or flu and it requires the attention of a vet.

Sneezing could also be due to -

1. Improper bedding - use only carefresh or aspen shavings. Cedar or pine shavings cause sneezing and respiratory problems.

2. Cage kept in a place where there are sudden drafts of wind causing him to sneeze (like near a window)

3. Cold temperatures which might trigger a sneezing bout in the hamster

If you rule out sickness and the above factors, then I think there is nothing to worry about.

Answer 4

If he's not showing any other symptoms, it may very well be the bedding. If you have him on cedar, pine, or aspen, the dust in the bedding can cause Upper Respiratory Infections. Also, if he's on cedar, the oils are also a possible cause of URI.

I had this problem about 6 or 7 years ago when I had two Russian Hamsters. Unfortunately, I caught it way too late and lost them both.

I currently work at a petstore, and I've seen this problem many times. If it is more than just sneezing from the dust, you should probably get him to a vet. If it is a URI, the vet will probably put him on an antibiotic like Baytril for about two weeks, it's an oral medication that you'd give him twice daily.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me at [e-mail]

Have a great day and Good Luck!

Peace out!

Stephanie McKinster

Edit as of 07/14/2008

**When he takes his paws to his nose after he sneezes, all he's doing is cleaning himself. I'm sure as you know, when you sneeze (hamster or human), he's just cleaning off the mucus that came out after the sneeze.

Since he's on Carefresh, the likelihood of it being a URI isn't NEAR as high as if he was on Aspen/Cedar/Pine. It wouldn't be a bad idea to get him checked by a vet if he doesn't improve in a week or so.

It very well could just be an allergy to something in the home, dander from another pet, or a seasonal allergy like pollen.

Like I said, just keep an eye on him and you should be able to see some improvements if you keep the cage clean and what-not. If after a week or so, though, you haven't seen any improvements get her to a vet.

***Hope this helps!***

Answer 5

We sneeze...some of us have random sneezes when they don't have colds. Same with hamster.