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Why is my hamster lying on side, shaking, and biting? Vet needed?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Other | Unknown - Other | Male | 3 months and 13 days old

My hamster is lying on his side whiles sleeping i blew on him and it took a deep breath and blow to wake him up.he has been shaking and skittish he will let me stroke him and try to bite me his pee is clear .will he die without a vet.he has also been sluggish and slow in his cage but fast in his hamster ball he is eating and drinking and yesterday he lost alot of weight but today he has put on weight quite abit.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on August 28th, 2017

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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