Why is my hamster hiding, not eating or drinking? Is she sick?

I'm sorry she isn't feeling well! A good first step would be to make sure the environment she is is warm enough as hamsters can go into hibernation if their environment is too cold. Making sure she has plenty of access to fresh clean water and food, and fresh bedding may also help. If she still doesn't perk up after these changes, a vet visit to rule out any health issues is best.

Thanks for reaching out about Travis. It is highly recommended that you take Travis to the veterinarian. With him being lethargic, not eating much and not drinking well, it sounds as if she is very sick. Trying to get her to drink some water might attempt to re-hydrate her. Good luck.

This sounds like Peanut may be very ill or in distress. I would bring her to your vet as soon as possible. Until you can get to a vet, keeping her in a quiet, warm, darkened area with plenty of food and water may help her to relax enough to settle some.

Thanks for reaching out about Dexter. No, on the inhaler as she probably doesn't have asthma and overdosing can be serious. Animals usually suffer from dehydration prior to starvation. Offer water via a syringe, then can moisten pellets and offer also. Taking out the wheel is a good idea. If not improved after 48 hours for medication, a re-visit to the veterinarian is recommended. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about F. Junior. It appears he is ill and might require a visit to the veterinarian. Intestinal parasites or infections, respiratory disease are all common in new acquisitions, and the cold weather could have prompted the condition. Offer water via a syringe but contact your local veterinarian. Good luck.

I am so sorry to hear that tour Syrian hamster is not well. It sounds like he is possibly in pain and may have an infection. Unfortunately with prey animal species like hamsters, they do not tend to show signs of being unwell until they are actually very sick. They tend to hide signs their body is not well longer, then other species. For this reason I would advise taking your hamster to your veterinarian. It is very likely they will be able to provide medication, such as antibiotics to try to help him recover. The vet will also be able to provide medication for pain relief and healing. Best of luck to you both and please feel free to ask as many questions as you may have here on the forum. We want to support you through this time.

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.