Bronchial infection

77sammy · 03-01-2018, 06:21 PM

Can hamsters get bronchial infections from humans?

My hamster (age unknown, she is a rescue) is shaking and breathing rapidly. She doesn't want to move very much but is trying to eat.

I have had a sore throat and wonder if she might have picked up some germs from me?

Gave her a little milk and honey but I'm not sure what else to do. It's terrible to see her in distress but I can't get to a vet until tomorrow morning because of the snow.

Pebbles82 · 03-01-2018, 08:27 PM

Yes they can catch colds, viruses etc from humans, but it is also very cold weather at the moment especially at night. Is the room she is in warm enough at night? It can be sub zero at the moment. I have a little oil filled radiator on a timer in our hamster's room that comes on for a few hours on low during the night.

You are doing all you can until you get her to the vets. Keep her warm and comfortable. It may not be something she has caught from you but just her age catching up with her possibly if she is over 18 months.

Just wash your hands with antibacterial soap or wipes before putting food out etc to be on the safe side.