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 hamster has dried blood on her nose. Is it serious or just dry air?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My hamster had some dried blood on her nose this morning. It was very minimal, but I'm a little worried. She's behaving normally and isn't lethargic at all. Could it be due to the weather, as where we live is very dry and hot this week? This hasn't happened before. Thank you!

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Mirissa Duncil, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 2nd, 2017

Hi there and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Any time we see any blood we worry. Bleeding noses are usually caused by trauma in our small fur friends. Your pet may have scraped it on bedding, toys, or even the cage itself. Less commonly of course are things like bacterial infections of the nasal cavity as well as neoplasia (types of cancers). If it persists or reoccurs please see your vet immediately-otherwise just keep an eye on it and make note if you pet has any changes in behavior etc which can make it more concerning.

I hope this helps.

4Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Todd Cecil
Veterinarian
Published on February 19th, 2019
Thanks for reaching out about Munchkin. Red is often associated with blood or porphyrin pigments. Either could be and indication of an infection.
If being kept on bedding that is fragrant or perfumed (i.e. cedar, redwood or pine shavings), these aerosols can cause inflammation and thus bleeding. If this is the case, changing bedding to towels, shredded paper might help.
Hamsters also like to chew on the bars. Check for broken incisors as this also can cause bleeding in the nose.
Monitor appetite and water consumption, fecal and urine production.
If any of these are diminished, or becomes lethargic, a veterinary visit is needed.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 12th, 2017
The two main options are a trauma to the nose area (could be from a fall on the head) or due to an upper respiratory infection. i would advise keeping an eye on her in the next few days, if it is a trauma it should get a little bit better every day, if it is an infection it's likely to get worse and you will need to take her to the vet in order to get it treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My hamster's nose is bleeding and she can't breathe. What should I do?

I would be concerned that Snow has a wound on the nose, and that she sounds like she is having difficulty breathing. If you have noticed this with a change of bedding, I would recommend removing the bedding and replacing it, or you can utilize towels or fleece for a period of time. It would be ideal to have Snow evaluated by a veterinarian - they may recommend treatment with topical or oral antibiotics, depending on the severity of the wound. If you are unable to take her to a veterinarian initially, I would recommend keeping a close eye on her breathing abilities. Additionally, if any discharge, crusting, inflammation/reddening, or swelling occurs, I would strongly advise her to be taken to a veterinarian. Please do not give Snow any human medications, as many of them can be harmful to our furry friends. I hope that gives you a place to start, and I hope Snow feels better soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My hamster has blood around her whiskers and nose. Is she hurt?

I am not sure if hazel is alone in the cage or if she is with another hamster is with her. If two hamsters are together I am concerned about a fight and would recommend separating them. However if she is alone I would look through the cage for any sign of trauma or sharp edges. Also if she has itchy skin or bad teeth she could be scratching herself. I would recommend taking her to a veterinarian to have the Lunda looked at and get more insight Hope she feels better soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Help! My hamster's ear is bleeding. What's wrong and what to do?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Bleeding can be from trauma or an internal cause such as a ruptured vessel or severe parasitic infection. It is a little difficult to determine the exact cause without a photo, but if there is a small amount of blood, some form but gentle pressure on the area will likely stop the bleeding. You should gently trim Puky’s nails to avoid further trauma. If the bleeding does not stop, I recommend having him seen by a vet as soon as possible. I hope all is well!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My Syrian hamster has blood on its face and in cage. Is it serious?

Poor Rhino! If there is a visible wound, putting pressure on it to stop the bleeding and keeping it clean and dry can help. If there is a lot of bleeding ongoing and not stopping, bleeding is from the mouth or anus, or you see other signs of illness, seeking out vet care right away is best to try and find the cause.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my hamster's nose looking swollen or larger than usual?

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I do see what you are referring to in the photo. The bridge of the nose does look somewhat enlarged. Without examining her myself I really can't say what this may be. It could be anything from an injury/trauma to an infection to a tumor. I suggest you get her to a vet for an exam. If she is acting otherwise normal and it doesn't seem to bother her you can monitor it for a week or so and see how it progresses. It may go away. If it doesn't then you should definitely have her examined by a vet. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

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

Health & Wellness

Why does my dwarf hamster have a raw mouth sore, no blood? What to do?

Hi, it could be that she has been rubbing her face either for some discomfort cause by her teeth or by the cheek pouch. I would not recommend to do anything since it is not an open sore but have her checked over by your vet. Hope this helps, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach !

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

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

Share