Keeping hamsters as a pet can be both a rewarding and heartbreaking experience. As with any animal, they have a predictable lifespan of up to two years, and eventually, their time comes. When considering hamster mortality, you might have wondered if hamsters squeak right before they die.
Hamsters do not squeak before they die, but they may make some noise as a sign of distress or pain. If ill or in pain, they often make high-pitched and short sounds, such as squeaks, whines, and grunts. When they are hurt or scared, hamsters may squeal and sometimes even scream.
Monitoring your hamster’s behavior is important and could help you identify when something is wrong. Read on to learn more about why your hamster squeaks and some signs to look out for that may indicate your hamster is unwell.
Why Does My Hamster Squeak?
Your hamster might squeak if they are scared, stressed, or in pain. Hamsters only make noise when trying to communicate something, so if your hamster is squeaking, it could mean they are in distress.
Here are some reasons why hamsters squeak:
- Frightened: A loud noise or sudden movement could frighten your hamster and make them squeak. And if your hamster is scared, it may run away or squeak and quickly jump into its hiding place.
- Stressed: If your hamster feels overwhelmed by their environment or something else, it may squeak. The squeak will be higher in frequency and more frequent if they are stressed.
- In pain: When in pain, hamsters may squeak to alert you or other animals of their distress. They may also squeak if they are being handled too roughly.
- Boredom: When bored, hamsters may squeak or chatter to show their discontent. You can solve this by giving them more toys to play with or providing them with more mental stimulation.
- Looking for attention: If your hamster is looking for attention, it may squeak to get your attention. The squeak could mean they want to play or be held and petted.
What Are the Signs of a Dying Hamster?
A dying hamster may exhibit some physical and behavioral signs. Some of these can be subtle and difficult to detect, while others are more obvious. Some symptoms of a hamster dying may include the following:
1. Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss
The appetite of a hamster can rapidly decrease if they are ill. As such, you may notice that your usually voracious hamster is refusing food or not eating as much as they usually do. Weight loss may be more pronounced in a hamster close to death.
The decreased appetite and weight loss weaken the immune system, leading to further deterioration of the hamster’s health.
But if your hamster is older or has a chronic illness, it could be normal for them to have some appetite fluctuations. This is why you should record your hamster’s weight regularly to track any sudden changes.
2. Shallow, Labored Breathing
A hamster in pain or close to death may breathe shallowly or labored. This is a sign of decreased oxygen intake and could signify various illnesses, such as respiratory infections. Wheezing, coughing, and sneezing are other signs of a respiratory illness.
Noisy breathing, such as clicking or rattling, can signify pneumonia. Several other illnesses, such as tumors and heart and kidney diseases, can cause labored breathing.
You should take your hamster to the vet immediately if you notice shallow or labored breathing. Some of these illnesses can be treated successfully if diagnosed in time.
3. Difficulty Moving
Hamsters are curious and active creatures who enjoy running around in their ‘playground.’ But if your hamster is ailing, it may find it difficult to move or be in pain when they do so. Their muscles and joints may be weak and unable to support the body’s weight.
Weakened muscles can be due to dehydration, poor nutrition, and other illnesses. If you notice that your hamster is lazy, it could indicate illness. But if your hamster is getting older, it may naturally move less.
In this case, you should observe their behavior and take them to the vet if you notice something is off. If your hamster has difficulty moving, it may also have difficulty climbing, where they need to jump or climb up a high surface and is more often found on the floor.
4. Lethargy and Depression
Hamsters are usually quite energetic and active, so if your hamster seems sluggish or lethargic, it could be a sign of an illness. They could become easily stressed and spend more time hiding or sleeping.
Some hamsters that are dying seem depressed, which can be manifested in their lethargic behavior. Look for signs of depression, such as refusing to move or interact with you or its surroundings, especially if your hamster is friendly and usually enjoys playing.
When they appear apathetic, unresponsive, and uninterested in the world around them, it could mean they are close to death.
5. Discharge From the Eyes or Nose
Discharge from the eyes and nose is a sign of hamster illness. Seeing your pet’s eyes or nose discharging an abnormal amount is an early warning sign that something might be wrong.
The discharge could be clear or bloody and indicate various illnesses, such as infections.
Look for redness and swelling around the eyes or nose. Infections or illnesses can cause inflammation and irritation. It is also possible that your hamster has a cold or other respiratory illness, which often involves discharge from the nose or eyes.
In this case, the discharge may be thick, yellowish, or greenish. If you notice any of these signs, take your hamster to the vet so they can diagnose and treat the condition.
6. Itching, Scratching, or Hair Loss
The skin of your hamster should be smooth and unblemished. Any abnormal signs, such as itching, scratching, or hair loss, could be caused by an illness or stress. Your hamster may suffer from mites, fleas, or other parasites, so check their fur for any signs.
Bald patches could indicate a fungal infection. Itching can also occur due to allergic reactions or skin irritations.
7. Diarrhea or Vomiting
Your hamster’s digestive system is delicate, and any changes could mean they are ill. If your hamster has diarrhea or is vomiting, it could be a sign of an internal illness. Depending on the cause, diarrhea may be watery or contain traces of blood and could indicate several diseases, such as intestinal infections or parasites.
It could also be caused by a change in diet or stress. Hamsters can quickly dehydrate due to vomiting and diarrhea as they are very small.
Final Thoughts
The squeaking of a hamster could be just a normal noise, or it can be distress. If your hamster is often squeaking and you are concerned, it’s best to take it to the vet. The vet can help determine if the squeaking is caused by an illness or something else.
You also need to be aware of other signs that might indicate your hamster is unwell, such as discharge from their eyes or nose or itching and scratching. If you take good care of your hamster, it should be able to live a long and healthy life.