Aside from some squeaks now and then, hamsters are generally quiet animals. They rarely produce other sounds, and when they do, their owners might get concerned or confused. One vocalization that often worries owners is hiccups.
Hamsters can get hiccups. Hiccups are caused by involuntary spasms of the diaphragm muscle. This causes hamsters to constantly produce clicking or squeaking sounds every few seconds. Hiccups can be caused by many things, from stress to respiratory infections.
In this article, I’ll discuss why hamsters get hiccups and if it should be a cause of concern. By the end, you’ll also learn how to treat hiccups in hamsters.
Should You Be Concerned About Hiccups in Hamsters?
Like many other mammals, hamsters can experience hiccups. This respiratory disruption happens when the breathing system gets irritated, causing the diaphragm to contract. While hiccups are certainly inconvenient for your hamsters, it’s generally not a cause for concern.
Hiccups are a normal occurrence in hamsters, just like they are in humans. You don’t have to worry about this issue unless your hamster’s hiccups are accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Lethargy
- Sluggish behavior
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Difficulty eating or drinking
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Drooling
If these symptoms accompany the hiccups, it could signal respiratory issues, for example (as in the case of sneezing and lethargy). To find out exactly what’s wrong, contact a vet (preferably one that’s experienced in treating hamsters) and schedule an appointment.
It should be noted that hiccups in hamsters can last up to 24 hours. If the hiccups persist for longer than that, they might interfere with your hamster’s sleeping schedule and cause other issues. Again, your veterinarian can advise you exactly what to do in this situation.
Why Do Hamsters Get Hiccups?
Hiccups in hamsters can be caused by various reasons, such as the following.
Drinking Too Much
When a hamster gets overheated or overstimulated, it may drink a lot of water quickly. Excessive drinking can cause problems such as hiccups. That’s because taking in large amounts of water can cause the hamster’s stomach to swell. This swelling might disturb the diaphragm’s movements, leading to hiccups.
Eating Too Fast
Has your hamster been hiccupping as it’s chomping down its food? If so, it might be eating too fast.
Hamsters are notorious for being fast eaters, especially when provided with their favorite treats. While it’s super cute to look at, this habit can cause them to swallow a bunch of air along with their food. The excess air will then disrupt their respiratory system and cause hiccups.
Also, eating quickly prevents them from chewing their food properly. This can lead to indigestion — which, in turn, results in even more hiccups.
Overexcitement
Much like in humans, excitement can cause your hamster to move around faster and breathe more rapidly. Eventually, those things might cause your hamster to produce little hiccups.
Hiccups from overexcitement usually happen when the hamster plays or explores its enclosure. Fortunately, the hiccups should go away after the hamster settles down.
Stress
Similar to humans, stressed-out hamsters can become more prone to hiccupping. When a hamster is under pressure, it may experience gastrointestinal problems, indigestion, and breathing disruptions. All of these may result in prolonged hiccups.
Sudden Changes in Diet
Have you recently bought some new treats? That sudden change may be the culprit behind your hamster’s hiccups. Trying new foods may cause indigestion and upset your furry friend’s stomach. In turn, this can disrupt its diaphragm, resulting in hiccups.
Additionally, you should take a look at your hamster’s food intake. Have you been feeding it a bunch of fruits and nuts? A high in sugar and fats can also upset a hamster’s digestive system and cause hiccups.
Respiratory Infection
The most dangerous potential cause of hiccups in hamsters is a respiratory infection, which can be due to bacteria or viruses. Left untreated, respiratory disorders can make your pet gravely ill or even kill them.
Because the diaphragm is part of the respiratory system, any issues with it can cause hiccups. If the following symptoms occur alongside the hiccups, it’s possible something more serious may be afoot.
- Mucus discharge from the eyes and nose
- Sneezing
- Trouble breathing
- Lethargy
- A dull appearance
- Shaking or shivering
- Refusal to eat or drink
The moment you notice the above symptoms, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Treating Hiccups in Hamsters
While hiccups in hamsters may look super cute, they can be inconvenient for your furry friends. As a responsible pet owner, you must help your hamster find some relief.
Here’s a list of things you can do to treat your hamster’s hiccups:
- Leave it alone. Unless they’re accompanied by the symptoms I mentioned above, hiccups in hamsters typically disappear on their own.
- Eliminate potential sources of stress for your hamster if you suspect the hiccup is stress-related. For example, you may want to change their environment.
- Remove any potential allergens from the enclosure.
- Avoid overfeeding and monitor your hamster’s diet.
- Don’t change your hamster’s diet suddenly. Instead, introduce new foods gradually.
Conclusion
Hiccups can be a normal occurrence in hamsters. The constant squeaking vocalization can be caused by several reasons, such as eating too quickly and excitement. In most cases, hiccups are nothing to worry about.
But as a good pet owner, you should monitor your hamsters if they start hiccupping. If the hiccups persist and are accompanied by other symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact a vet.