Why is my hamster constantly sniffling for months? Is he sick?

Thanks for reaching out about Spencer. Sneezing is common with an upper respiratory disease, whether infection (bacterial, viral or fungal), heart disease, inflammation, dental disease and more. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Try to encourage to eat and drink. Good luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. 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!

This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. 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.

Infrequent sneezing could be a sign of airways irritation, for example from the bedding or dust. It could be due to allergy as well. If the sneezing is only infrequent and your Ike is drinking, eating and playful as normal you should just monitor her at home. If she develops discharge from the nose or eyes, please take her to your local vets then.

If they are sneezing but otherwise eating, drinking and acting normally I would not be too concerned. I would recommend adding a humidifier to their room to help moisten the air. This may help with their respiratory issues. If the sneezing becomes excessive, they become lethargic, or stop eating, you will have to take them to the vet because they will likely need antibiotics. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign might be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. 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!

If you notice any increase in respiratory rate, nasal discharge, coughing, or sneezing, then this is probably a respiratory infection. Respiratory infections are fairly common in hamsters. If Chestnut is not exhibiting any of these symptoms and is otherwise doing ok, I would just monitor him for now. If you do suspect a respiratory infection Chestnut will need to be examined by your vet and placed on antibiotics. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.