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 dwarf hamster died suddenly. Could its cage mate be responsible?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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

OK so i was looking into my cage and seen that they was Asleep but when i went to tap the cage one of them were dead i have hamsters there is a boy and a girl and idk if she killed him or if he died from not eating or w.e i would love to know why he died because he was fine the other day they are both the same breed Dwarf hamsters.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stacey Anstaett, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 21st, 2018

I'm sorry to hear that! I don't see Theo's age. Typically hamsters live about 2 years. So depending on how long you've had him, he may have been reaching the end of his natural life span. These little guys can take a turn for the worse very quickly, so its not unusual for them to seemingly die suddenly. There is no way to know the cause of death without doing an autopsy and having a little more information on how he was acting and doing in the hours and day or 2 before he died. If you just found him dead in the last 12 hours, you can all a veterinarian local to you and ask if they'd be willing to do an autopsy.
I would recommend that you clean the cage and change the bedding for the other hamster, just in case it was something potentially contagious.
I'm so sorry for you loss. Thank you for trusting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

Why did my hamster die suddenly after showing strange, sick signs?

Hi, it is difficult to tell what could have happened. Was she eating and passing feaces fine ? Did she eat anything unusual ? Hamsters can be quite delicate and in absence of obvious signs it can be tricky to find a cause for sudden death. Sorry she passed away so suddenly and soon, I hope your next friend will have many happy days ahead. Hope this helps.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My new hamster died suddenly after only 4 days. What happened?

I am sorry for the loss of little Dolores. Unfortunately, without a post mortem exam, the cause of her passing is difficult to determine. She may have been ill at purchase or suffered a trauma or toxicity in the time between purchase and her passing. I would suggest you contact PetSmart and inquire about their health guarantee and what to do next.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why did my two hamsters die suddenly with labored breathing?

Sorry about your hamsters. Heat stroke would be a possibility as hamsters with heavy coats are unable to cope with excessive heat, especially if over 80 F. A veterinary visit could perform a necropsy in an attempt to determine cause of death. Sorry again.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hamster died while I was on vacation. How to know its time of death?

I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Unfortunately it s very difficult to establish exactly the day of the death, even though a post-mortem examination can give you a quite rough indication of it. Please take him as soon as possible to your local veterinarian. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My hamster's companion died. Now it's inactive with eyes shut. Sick?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could certainly be a sign of sickness. Also, I would be concerned that the other hamster could have died secondary to something infectious and contagious and perhaps Sunflower could be affected by it. I recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check for any possible issue so that it can be addressed on time. Best of luck!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My hamster died. What caused his swollen eye, balance loss, and pain?

I'm sorry for your loss. Unfortunately, without a necropsy (animal autopsy) it would be hard to say what caused Star to pass. If there was swelling and discharge from the ear, or from a gland on the body, the infection could have become septic and caused the passing, or there may have been an underlying illness or medical condition that caused it as well. It sounds like you were caring owners, so Star had a good life and lots of love while he lived. If you're having trouble coping with his passing, checking out some sources such as the Rainbow Bridge where you can make a pet memorial online may bring you some comfort.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My hamster stopped breathing and bled from nose. Is she dead? Why?

I am so sorry to hear that. If she hasn’t been breathing for several minutes then she is likely deceased. Hamsters lifespan is 2-3 years so she may have died of natural causes. Another common problem is respiratory infections which are difficult to see until they are almost too sick to treat. I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share