Why Is My Hamster Sneezing?

Other than sneezing, does your hamster shows any of these symptoms: runny eyes, crusty eyes sealed shut, lethargy, loss of appetite, nasal drainage?

Do you use perfumes, scented candles, electric "plug-in" style diffusers, or scented room sprays near your hamster's cage?

Do you use pine or cedar shavings as a bedding material for your hamster?

Is there a bloody nasal discharge coming from your hamster's nose?

Hamsters are known to get respiratory tract infections. These infections can turn into something bigger like pneumonia, but if treated right away are usually easy to cure. Bacteria from the environment or food or even another hamster can cause an infection that may make your hamster sneeze.

Some respiratory irritants in your hamster's environment can cause your hamster to sneeze because of the scent it gives off. If you use one or several possible respiratory irritants, it should be easy to stop using them around your hamster or move your hamster's cage from the source of the fumes.

Pine and cedar shavings can be respiratory irritants to your hamster. If you use pine or wood shavings, consider switching to towels or a recycled paper bedding material such as Carefresh.

If you see bloody nasal discharge, this could be an indicator of a serious disease process that is causing your hamster to sneeze. If your hamster is acting abnormally in any way, seems lethargic, is eating less, not drinking, or sleeping most of the time, you should always consult with your exotics vet.

Some hamsters are allergic to the bedding in their cage, and others may find something in their food or treat that causes them to sneeze. Dust in the environment brings microscopic dust mites that your hamster can be allergic to as well. Try switching beddings, foods, to an unscented fabric softener, and using a HEPA filter by your hamster's cage to eliminate the allergens in his environment that may be causing him to sneeze.