Why Do Hamsters Die So Easily?

Having a pet at home is one of the best experiences. They are beautiful, sweet and will love you unconditionally.

While people usually had dogs or cats, today, we can see a growing inclination towards pets like hamsters, rabbits, or guinea pigs. They are perfect pets for kids and are quite easy to bond with.

The best of all to have is a hamster. The small furry friend is very social, friendly, and docile by nature. 

But one of the cons of having a hamster as a pet is that they have a small life span, usually from 2-3 years. Hamsters are adorable but fragile too, which can lead to their sudden death as well.

So, let us explore some facts about the hamsters to see the reason behind their sudden death. 

Why Do Hamsters Die So Easily? 

Sadly, hamsters have a lifespan of just 2-3 years. Hamsters are fragile and prone to various kinds of ailments if not taken proper care of.

Apart from age, various health conditions affect the hamsters and can cause death. It is why hamsters die so easily without any sign or warning.  

What Is The Average Age Of The Hamsters? 

Hamsters are quite small, friendly, and very easy to take care of. They typically have quite a short span of life as compared to various other pets.

The average age of a hamster is around 2 to 3 years. But when properly taken care of with all the needs, they may live upto years of age as well. 

What Are The Reasons Due To Which Hamsters Die So Easily?

The hardest part of having a pet is saying goodbye. Hamsters, one of the best pets, have quite a small life span that can be a concern.

Though the requirements of the hamsters are quite basic, ensuring to complete each is important. Offering them a healthy diet and proper care is crucial.

Many times, a hamster may die unexpectedly without any sign of illness or injury. Considered to be old by the age of 2 years, the main reasons due to which hamsters die so easily are:

Old age and stress

Old age and stress are the most common reasons for hamsters’ death. While old age is natural, stress can impact the immune system causing infections and illnesses leading to death.

Heart diseases

Hamsters, whether old or young, are prone to various heart diseases. The most common of them are congestive heart failure, Atrial thrombosis, polymyopathy, or cardiomyopathic conditions.

Wet tail disease

Diarrhoea, loss of water, and appetite in hamsters are commonly referred to as “et tail. Within the first 24 to 48 hours, it is 90% deadly. Severe lethargy, fast weight loss, poor hair appearance, or hunching down are all symptoms of a wet tail.

Pneumonia

Another lethal disease associated with the lungs, Pneumonia, can also result in hamsters death so quickly. There are chances that a hamster might show no symptoms, so it’s important to notice any changes in their habits.

Cancer

Cancer is a less common occurrence in hamsters but is likely to go unnoticed, leading to unexpected death. It is usually linked to their skin or digestive system.

Other infections and injuries

Various viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections can impact the hamsters’ health. Injuries can also go sore, causing negative health effects and sometimes untimely departure. 

Is There Anything That Can Be Done To Avoid A Hamster Dying So Easily?

Hamsters are quite clean and well-groomed. Still, various diseases can impact their health. 

Though most of the diseases have vital symptoms, there is a chance that the hamster might not show them. The best ways to ensure that hamsters do not die early are:

• Consult vet regularly in every 3-6 months
• Keep the space clean and hygienic
• Offer them the right nutrition
• Avoid stress by reducing loud noises
• Play with them to keep them happy.

What Steps As Pet Owner You Can Take To Improve The Health And Life Of Hamsters? 

As a pet owner, you can do a lot to improve the health and life of hamsters. Start with offering them the right house, toys, food, bedding, and sufficient time.

Make them comfortable and keep an eye on their vitals. Ensure to contact the vet if you see anything different, and this way, you make your hamster live a happy life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do Hamsters Die So Fast? 

Well, hamsters have a short span of life. They live for 2-3 years only. Apart, various health conditions not taken care of can lead to the fast death of the hamsters. Although, with proper care and nourishment, there are chances that hamsters may out-live this.

Why Do Hamsters Die So Young?

For a hamster to be 2 years is old. So, hamsters actually do not die young. But if your hamster leaves you before the age of 2, there are chances that he might be stressed or suffering from a wet tail or some heart disease.

Why Do Hamsters Die So Early?

Sometimes, the hamster cannot adjust to the environment or is not comfortable with the food he is provided with. Such a situation can lead to infections, diseases, or even he can hurt himself while trying to escape. Either situation can cause them to die so early.

Why Do Hamsters Die Mysteriously Sometimes?

Hamsters sometimes do die mysteriously, which can be a great shock for the pet owner too. The most common reasons for such a death are contamination, injury, disease, or malnutrition. You can consult a vet for a necropsy to know the exact reason.

Why Do Hamsters Die Soon? 

Not really! Hamsters don’t die soon but have an average life expectancy of around 2-3 years only. So, it might seem that the hamsters die soon for pet owners, but actually, that is the average life a hamster is expected to live.

Conclusion

Hamsters are cute and funny. Even if you are not playing with them, watching them play or run on wheels is really amazing.

They are nocturnal and so keep themselves busy quite often. But hamsters have quite a short life span which can be disheartening for various pet owners. 

So, when you get a hamster as a pet, the commitment is really short-term. Ensure to offer your hamster everything right from food, time, safety, and hygiene to improve his life and avoid unexpected death.