Why is my hamster drinking a lot, pacing, and acting strange?

Thanks for reaching out about Cloud. Increased water consumption can be an indication of early kidney disease, but other conditions such as a urinary tract infection, diabetes, liver disease, uterine disease and behavioral changes can also be relevant. If the problem persists, seek a visit with a veterinarian. Good luck.

This usually isn't normal. He could have a urinary tract infection, diabetes or other type of problem. I would have your vet take a look at him. Since he is so small I want to make sure he isn't going to become dehydrated. If something is causing him to drink a lot then chances are his body isn't able to keep up with his hydration. Your vet will be able to do an exam, assess hduration, and do blood work if needed. I hope this helps!

Hi, and thanks for your question. This is a quite generic but concerning presentation. Differentials are many, from gastrointestinal diseases (infection/inflammations often dietary related) to any disease that can spread systemically (causing lethargy for example) like infection, and anything that can cause pain/discomfort. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. 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!

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.

Hello, I'm sorry to hear that KitKat hasn't been acting like himself recently. Anytime an animal has a change in appetite or thirst and is acting lethargic, I recommend a physical exam from a veterinarian. Increased thirst may be a sign of an endocrine disorder, kidney disease, or a reproductive tract disease. Lethargy and inactivity is often a sign of pain and feeling ill. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Short answer yes. Hamsters may suffer from a condition called “wet tail” which usually manifest itself with watery stools. Because their body doesn't absorb water properly they tend to drink a lot. This condition is usually fatal if not treated ASAP. Of course there could be many more reasons for a hamster to suddenly drink more (like change of food or kidney problems) but “wet tail” is the most common condition to cause this symptom. I would advice to take him to the vet, the sooner the better. Food luck!

Hair loss in hamsters can be due to many things including: * Rubbing on metal cage feeders or excessive burrowing; usually the hair loss is around the face * Cage overcrowding, wounds from fighting, hair chewing by cage mates * Vitamin, mineral, or protein deficiency (general hair loss and not usually just a patch here and there) * Ticks, mites, and other ectoparasites * T-cell lymphoma * Thyroid gland hormone imbalance and inflammation of kidneys (rare) I would be a bit worried about her having T-cell lymphoma or a thyroid issue due to her age and the fact that she is not itching, sleeping more and drinking more. I suggest you talk to your vet about these possibilities. If your vet is not used to treating hamsters you may want to find one that is.