Signs of Wettail in a Hamster

Wet tail is a common infection that effects small rodents and can be lethal if not taking care of right away.

What is Wet Tail?

Hamster care is extremely important to maintain a healthy and active pet. Hamsters are usually very friendly and playful when healthy but when they have wet tail, the opposite may be seen. Wet tail is very common among small rodents and can be extremely contagious. It's important to remove any other hamsters that are in contact with the infected pet.

With wet tail, the hamster will have severe diarrhea that leads quickly to dehydration. Hamsters are tiny creatures so going even one day without water can be lethal.

Symptoms of Wet Tail

The symptoms of hamster wet tail are usually simple to diagnose. With diarrhea being the main and most severe symptom, you may see pieces of the feces caked to the hamsters' fur. You may also notice that your hamster is not as active as it once was days before or when it was at the pet store.

Other symptoms include a non interest in eating or drinking and it may look weak and ill. Hamsters are nocturnal and usually play during the night and early morning. If you see a change in their sleeping habit, this also could be a sign of wet tail.

Causes of Wet Tail

The main cause of wet tail is stress related. This is the reason that many hamsters that live in a pet shop environment contract the disease. Hamster wet tail is usually caused when the hamsters are shipped to the pet store. The shipping process causes severe stress on the small animals as well as the frequent changing of environment.

Young hamsters are more prone to wet tail than adults. Many people who are not aware of the hamster disease will purchase a new pet that already has the disease. This usually results in death a day or two after the hamster is purchased. Besides the stress factor, hamsters can also contract wet tail by eating the wrong foods or too much fruits and vegetables.

How to Prevent Wet Tail

Proper hamster care is the best way to prevent wet tail. Begin by purchasing an older hamster that is free of the signs and symptoms of wet tail. It's best to purchase your hamster when it's between 4 and 6 weeks of age. Also avoid purchasing hamsters that have been in contact with other infected hamsters.

After bringing your new hamster home, put a dri-tail medication into your hamsters' water bottle for the first 3 weeks. Remember that hamster wet tail is usually caused by stress so do everything in your power to avoid it. Your hamsters cage should be in a warm place with minimum noise.

Leave your hamster in his cage for at least 3 weeks and avoid touching it during that time. Supply fresh food and water daily as well as small pieces of fresh fruits and vegetables. Always remove the fresh foods an hour later to avoid your hamster eating rotting food. Change your hamsters bedding at least once a week.