If you have ever noticed your hamster shaking so much, you may have been concerned that something was wrong.
In general, hamsters are very clean animals. They like to keep their fur clean and free of dirt and debris. So, if you see your hamster shaking its fur a lot, it may just be trying to clean itself.
However, there are some other reasons why your hamster may be shaking so much.
In this post, we’ll discuss some of the possible causes of your hamster shaking and what you can do to help treat it.
Why is my hamster shaking so much?
There are a few potential reasons why your hamster may be shaking. It could be due to a health condition, such as a cold or heatstroke. It could also be a sign of stress or anxiety. If your hamster is shaking excessively, take him to the veterinarian.
Not all of the shaking reasons are cause for alarm.
For example, hamsters are prone to a condition known as wet tail, which is caused by stress or poor hygiene.
Wet tail is characterized by excessive shaking and diarrhea, and can be fatal if left untreated.
However, there are also many benign reasons why a hamster may shake.
For example, if your hamster is excited or nervous, it may perform a behavior known as “polling,” which involves shaking its body back and forth.
Polling is often seen as a sign of happiness, but can also be a way for your hamster to release excess energy.
If you notice your hamster shaking, it’s important to observe its other behaviors to determine whether or not there is cause for concern.
Potential causes of a hamster shaking
There are several potential causes of your hamster shaking. These include:
1. Anxiety or stress
If your hamster is shaking due to anxiety or stress, you may also notice other signs of distress, such as pacing, aggression, or increased vocalization.
Several things can cause stress in hamsters, including changes in their environment, being handled too much, or having too little space.
2. Pain
If your hamster is in pain, it may shake its body as a way of trying to relieve the discomfort.
Other signs that your hamster is in pain include hunched posture, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
3. Respiratory infection
Respiratory infections are a common cause of shaking in hamsters.
Other signs of a respiratory infection include sneezing, wheezing, and discharge from the nose or eyes.
3. Fear or excitement
Your hamster may also shake due to fear or excitement. If your hamster is afraid, it may try to hide or become very still.
If your hamster is excited, you may notice it running around more than usual or polling (shaking its body back and forth).
4. Heatstroke
Heatstroke is a potentially life-threatening condition that can occur if your hamster gets too hot.
Symptoms of heatstroke include excessive panting, drooling, and red or blue skin. If you think your hamster has heatstroke, take him to the veterinarian immediately.
5. Cold exposure
If your hamster is exposed to cold temperatures, it may start to shiver in an attempt to stay warm.
Other signs of cold exposure include hunched posture and lethargy. If your hamster is cold, move him to a warmer location and wrap him in a soft cloth.
6. Fatigue
If your hamster is very tired, it may shake or tremble when it tries to move.
Other signs of fatigue include lethargy and decreased appetite.
7. Illness or injury
Many potential illnesses or injuries could cause your hamster to shake.
Some possible causes of shaking include pneumonia, heart disease, seizures, kidney disease, and diabetes.
8. Old age
As hamsters age, they may start to experience tremors due to muscle weakness. This is normal and is not cause for concern.
9. Poor diet
A diet lacking in essential nutrients can cause your hamster to shake.
Make sure you are feeding your hamster a high-quality diet that includes fresh vegetables and fruits, as well as a small amount of protein.
When to see a doctor
Some hamsters just tend to shake more than others. If your hamster has always been a shaker, it does likely not a cause for concern.
However, if your hamster begins shaking more than usual, it could be a sign of a health problem.
If you notice your hamster shaking and exhibiting other symptoms, such as diarrhea, lethargy, or weight loss, take him to the veterinarian.
Effective remedies for a hamster shaking
There are a few things you can do to help your hamster feel more comfortable and reduce their stress levels.
- Make sure his cage is large enough and has plenty of hiding places.
- Provide him with plenty of toys and playtime outside of their cage.
- Avoid handling him too much.
Hamsters are very sensitive to temperature changes, even a slight drop in temperature can make them shake.
If you think this might be the case, try placing a blanket over your hamster’s cage to help him to stay warm.
If you think your hamster may be shaking due to stress or anxiety, consider talking to a veterinarian about possible remedies, such as anti-anxiety medication.
Medical treatment
The treatment will depend on the underlying cause.
Your veterinarian will be able to determine whether or not the shaking is due to a medical condition and provide you with the appropriate treatment.
Final thoughts
There are a few reasons why your hamster might be shaking.
If your hamster is cold, he may be shivering in an effort to generate heat.
Another possibility is that your hamster is ill, and the shaking is indicative of a nervous system disorder.
If your hamster is normally active and playful but suddenly starts shaking, it’s important to take him to the vet for a check-up.
Anxiety and stress can also cause shaking, so try to identify any potential sources of stress in your hamster’s environment.
If you can’t figure out why your hamster is shaking, or if the shaking persists, definitely take him to the vet for a professional opinion.
