Diarrhea by itself is not indicative of wet tail. It usually means your hamster has eaten too many fruits and vegetables. Small animals with diarrhea can get dehydrated really quickly, so it’s important to take them to the vet right away. [3] X Research source Star of Texas Veterinary Hospital. Veterinarians.

Your hamster may just have a simple cold, but this can potentially turn into pneumonia, so take these signs seriously and observe your hamster for any worsening symptoms over the next 24 to 48 hours.

Never place anything hot (such as a space heater) right next to the cage. Temperatures above 75 °F (24 °C) can be unhealthy for your hamster.

Remove anything new you’ve added to the cage recently, and clean and disinfect everything else. If your hamster’s skin issues continue, you can probably rule out an allergy. Avoid using wood chips as your hamster’s bedding, since these are likely to cause allergic reactions. Stick to paper bedding and shavings instead. [12] X Research source

Abscesses are caused by something cutting the inside of your hamster’s cheek, so be sure not to offer any snacks or treats that have jagged or sharp edges.

Hair loss by itself could simply be the result of abrasive bedding, rubbing against the wheel, or a leaky water bottle. It’s also a sign of kidney problems in older hamsters.

When you clean your hamster’s cage each week, look for any abnormalities or changes in the bedding you’re discarding.