Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My senior hamster is squeaking loudly. Is it old age or illness?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Unknown - Small Animal | Male | unneutered

Hello. My hamster squeaks a lot, but he never done that before. I am very concerned about his behaviour, because he has cold and it's already 4th day when he gets treatment by antibiotics and homeopathic medicine. Also he is about 2 years old and i know that hamsters doesn't live long. So my question is what can it be when he squeaks loudly a lot and no one is around? And if it's not because of illness, can it be a sign of the old age? Also sometimes he trembles.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 17th, 2018

I’m sorry to hear about this with your hamster. As you mentioned, 2 is quite old for a hamster so we have to take that into consideration. His increased vocalizations are likely due to discomfort, probably from his illness. I would recommend taking him back to your veterinarian for a recheck just to make sure nothing else is going on.

I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My old hamster is sick: weight loss, clicking, wobbly. Is it old age?

Two years old is considered "old age" for a hamster. These may be age related changes, but you would need to have him physically examined by your veterinarian to diagnose and treat any infection or injury. The clicking while breathing is concerning as it could be a respiratory infection.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is my 2-year-old hamster's weird noise due to age or infection?

You could upload your video to a video hosting site and provide the link in a new post. Patricia would be considered a "senior" pet at her age, so the noises you are hearing may be age related. A physical examine would be necessary to make this determination. If antibiotics did not help, consider a recheck with your veterinarian. It is possible the infection was not susceptible to the antibiotic of choice or it could be a fungal or viral infection. Neither would be affected by antibiotics although they would prevent susceptible secondary infections.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is one of my female dwarf hamsters suddenly squeaking constantly?

This most likely is a behavioral characteristic. I would recommend separating the hamsters and seeing if this stops or changes the behavior. I would also make sure that all the hamsters are getting along and the one making the noise is not getting picked on. IF it continues a vet visit is best to make sure there is no underlying disease or pain causing the noise. hope that helps and thanks for using pet coach

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my hamster screaming and moving strangely while sleeping?

Thanks for reaching out about your hamster. Vocalization during sleeping could be a sign of respiratory disease that could be causing difficulty berthing. Monitor appetite and water intake, but a veterinary visit is recommended. Hamsters ask slightly prone to heart disease also, which can cause respiratory problems. Supplying supplemental heat might help. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My old hamster has multiple symptoms. Should I take him to the vet?

It does sound as if Elmo is very ill. If you want to determine what is going on and have potential treatment options then going to the vet will be the best plan. However, it is important to keep in mind that Elmo is a very advanced age for a hamster, normal life expectancy is 2 years and he has already exceeded this. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my old hamster breathing heavily? Is he sick or just old?

Thanks for reaching out about Vasia and including photos. It is impossible for us to determine how long he will remain with you but if having breathing difficulties, a veterinary visit could prolong his quality of life. Respiratory infections or heart disease are possible manageable conditions. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My old hamster is balding, drinking lots, and squeaking. What's wrong?

Thanks for reaching out about Hoover. Increased water consumption could be caused by renal disease, but also adrenal disease, bladder infection/stone, or other problems. A veterinary visit is needed to arrive at a diagnosis and proceed with a treatment plan. If kidney disease, try offering water with a syringe, but if a bladder stone, this could make things worse. See a veterinarian. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share