[dianatudor]

Hi T-Bone! I am glad to see Autumn had only an allergy. This is quite a common affection among hamsters, unfortunately.

The symptoms are : sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, irritated stomach, wheezing, red feet, hair loss, skin irritation, persistent and frequent itching or dry skin.

Hamsters might develop allergies to food, bedding products or some household items.
Bedding allergies are very common and due to the hamster's respiratory sensibility. I would be sneezing and have runny nose if I was kept in a cage full of dust (I imagine you would feel the same ). Replace it with tissue or toilet paper and see what happens.

PS: When you buy the supplies for your hamster, make sure you avoid cedar and pine shavings. Some studies show that they have a great impact both in hamsters allergies and respiratory diseases. Great alternatives to cedar and pine shavings are wood pulp fiber, aspen, eco-straw pellets, recycled newspapers and much more.