What Can Kill A Hamster Instantly? | 6 Signs You Should Be Aware Of

As a “starter” pet for youngsters, hamsters are popular because of their tiny size, ease of care, and widespread availability.

The hamsters’ short lifetime may be a tempting factor for parents who want to purchase a pet for their kid but do not want to be left with it when their child goes out.  Inevitably, many hamsters will die instantly or “for no reason.” So what can kill a hamster instantly?

For example, hamsters die from old age and sickness. Also from physical trauma like being kicked or knocked over by a neighboring hamster or being knocked over by another.

Signs of Illness

However, although it may seem that hamsters die out of nowhere, many animals are known to hide their disease until they get too unwell to do so on their own. When they are close to death, this is the most common symptom.

Because disease indicators are frequently subtle, it is essential to make any change in your pet’s behavior carefully. If your hamster shows any of the following signs, this might be cause for concern:

• Is your hamster acting lethargic?
• If your hamster will not eat (you see weight loss) or drink
• If your hamster is dirty or licks its hair! (overgrooming)
• Loose stools or genital wetness 
• If your hamster sleeps a lot
• If your hamster’s abdomen swells, its skin and feet become blue
• Urine odor

Old Age

Since hamsters survive 18 months to a year, with a maximum of 3 years, most do not live long. If you acquired your hamster as an adult and did not know its age, it might be nearing the end of its natural lifetime.

Aging is not a sickness. Necropsy your pet if you can, since old age might be a red herring. Cold weather might cause your hamster to hibernate and seem dead.

If the cause of death is not avoidable, an autopsy may grant pet owners peace of mind. Age may worsen undiagnosed preexisting problems in animals.

Bad Genes

Genetically, hybrid hamsters die young. Born in pet mills to unselected parents, hybrid hamsters have inadequate birth immunity and a tendency to deadly illnesses and infections.

Hamsters acquired from devoted breeders survive longer and may never visit a vet since they are born from healthy parents without inherited disorders. They have excellent stress tolerance to prevent stress-induced abrupt death in cardiomyopathic hamsters.

Fatal Disease

Some illnesses are more dangerous than others, like Wet Tail, heart issues like Congestive Heart Failure, or Atrial thrombosis.

Check your hamster’s vital signs often. Consider spending a few dollars each month to be ready for any unforeseen problems or diseases that may impact your hamsters.

Hamsters as well as guinea may catch many illnesses and infections if not treated in time. That’s why they are so hard to take care of.

Heart Diseases

Some hamsters are born with inherited cardiac illnesses such as Polymyopathy and Cardiomyopathy. Chronically stressed hamsters may die unexpectedly from heart failure.

Congestive cardiomyopathy causes cardiac failure in elderly hamsters. Older hamsters may die unexpectedly of thrombosis.

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Cancer

Hamsters may become anorexic and die of skin cancer, Gastrointestinal cancer, or hematopoietic system cancer (Lymphoma).

Cancer and pneumonia are the worst illnesses in hamsters.

LMCV and HaPV kill the most hamsters.

Dwarf hamsters that change colors and have diabetes are more likely to experience increased thirst and urination (which has a strong smell).

Untreated renal failure is lethal. Degenerative renal disorders kill older hamsters, particularly females and those given too many fatty snacks.

Other hamster ailments, including fever, skin or eye infections, or diarrhea, are seldom lethal.

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Stress

Stress kills hamsters most indirectly. There is no direct link between stress and the death of a hamster, but it weakens its immune system making it more susceptible to lethal ailments like wet tail and heart issues. Stress may worsen preexisting diseases, particularly cardiac problems.

Stress may kill a hamster in less than a week. Excess salivary flow, hyperactivity, constipation, and unwillingness to eat are indications.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Kills Hamsters Fast?

Beyond the high-fat content and choking threat, many fruit seeds contain cyanide. Despite being edible, these seeds may kill a hamster. Seeds include apple, cherry, and pear.

2. What Would Cause a Hamster to Die Suddenly?

Hamsters that die abruptly may have congestive heart failure. This happens when elderly hamsters or those with a hereditary tendency weaken cardiac muscles.

3. What Is Toxic to Hamsters?

Fruits and veggies are necessary for hamsters. However, certain meals are harmful. Foliage, almonds, avocados, potatoes, garlic, onion, chocolate, and apple seeds are some of them. However, certain meals are unhealthy.

4. Can Hamsters Have Milk?

Hamsters enjoy whole milk, but it is too fatty. Skim milk is healthy. Chocolate milk is sugary and harmful to hamsters. Avoid strawberry-flavored milk.

Final Words

These are just a few diseases and conditions that can kill a hamster instantly. Remember that hamsters may die differently, and sift through each case.

It is usually never to uncover enough proof to say what occurred, so do not worry. If you get another hamster, care for it well, paying attention to feeding, enrichment, and habitat design to reduce stress.