Help! Hamster might have COVID

Mede · 01-28-2022, 06:16 AM

Hello everybody!
I have a russian dwarf (Djungarian) hamster around 2 years old. My whole family were tested positive for covid, so im afraid i can infect my ham. I haven’t handled him for 9 days, ventilate my room often, change supplies in gloves and keep him in my room as far from me as possible. Anyways, yesterday he wasn’t running on the wheel and screamed at night. Idk, maybe loneliness harms him and he had a bad dream? He is quite sociable and he was looking for me for the first three days.
Or he was screaming from pain and he’s infected? I saw him moving today and eating, not lethargic at all. But im still worried. What signs should i look for? And how to medicate him if he shows symptoms? Vets in russia don’t acknowledge hamster covid. Also how do you think is prolonged loneliness ok for a sociable hamster ? Are there any risks? Sorry for my english+ thanks in advance.

Pebbles82 · 01-28-2022, 06:51 AM

Hello. It sounds like he is active and healthy enough - it maybe that because you've been avoiding him he's noticed the changing and is seeking attention. And to be honest, if he did get covid, there's nothing you can do. It's a virus, so antibiotics wouldn't help. Obviously if he seemed to be in pain (sitting hunched or not moving well) then it would be good to get pain relief for him from the vets - Metacam is the usual thing prescribed. Is he still not running on his wheel as that might be a sign he's not feeling right? For all you are keeping your distance, I would keep talking to him - wear a mask sometimes when you;re talking to him at a bit of a distance, just gentle reassuring things and little chats. So he doesn't feel abandoned. Presumably you still put food and water out once a day so wear a mask then.

He is probably stressed as he'll pick up the changes in the atmosphere - more ventilation, less people around, that kind of thing. Fingers crossed he does ok. I would think if he did have it he'd show signs of respiratory problems.

However it could just be that his wheel is stuck! Have you checked it's spinning freely?

LunaTheHamster1 · 01-28-2022, 08:13 AM

it is my understanding that they can start to look bedraggled and unwell, ruffled fur etc if they get covid. i think getting pneumonia is the problem to look out for with them too.

The screeching could have just been a bad dream, if he was asleep at the time.

I hope you all feel better soon.

Mede · 01-28-2022, 09:39 AM

Thank you all! Yes, the wheel might be stuck. And thanks for the advice to talk to him, I didn’t think about it at all. Im just afraid it might spread even through the mask. You are an amazing community ❤️ Love! And stay safe

Pebbles82 · 01-28-2022, 12:12 PM

I know our hamsters make a huge fuss to let you know if the wheel isn't spinning! They need to tell us when something isn't right so have a variety of ways to get our attention. Also check the water bottle is working ok! Ie letting water out ok. I think being in the room and talking to him is ok if you wear a mask and aren't really close. I just say things like - really sorry about this, but be patient and we'll all be back to normal soon - I;m still here but I have to protect you for a while by not getting to close. I swear they listen.

And yes hope you feel better very soon and things get back to normal soon. Maybe you could give him a really exciting treat to keep him happy for a few days. Like a new chew stick with seeds stuck on it or something. They like a bit of cheese as well. Not too often as technically cheese isn't good for them but it;'s fine once in a while.

Ria P · 01-28-2022, 12:19 PM

All i can add is that your English is excellent!

Pebbles82 · 01-28-2022, 01:34 PM

I was thinking that too!

Mede · 01-28-2022, 02:55 PM

Ohh, thanks! You’re all so sweet)
So I checked the wheel and it really had a problem! I fixed it, hope tonight he’s gonna have some fun) treats are also a good idea!
Now im thinking that having a hammy in today’s world is so risky. You can catch a disease and don’t even know it. Idk, i think im going to be really paranoid once i will get out of this. Maybe testing yourself often might help.. and prevent some bad stuff. Plus it’s so hard to do even some basic care being ill yourself. I literally lay all day and get up to feed him, and then fall back to bed almost breathless.

Ria P · 01-28-2022, 03:47 PM

Your hamster should be happier now that his wheel's fixed.

You're ill just now but you will get better and then your outlook on life will be more positive as well.

I have to test for covid almost daily because of my job but it doesn't prevent me from contracting it so makes no difference really.

Pebbles82 · 01-28-2022, 05:10 PM

It’s the same when we have a cold or flu - we could give it to the hamster. So even with normal flu there’s a need to wash hands or wear a mask when feeding them etc and keep a distance for a while. So if it helps, I think for the hamster it makes no difference if it’s flu or Covid as any respiratory condition is bad for them. If it’s any consolation our hamsters have never caught anything from us even with people coughing and sneezing in the room. You’re doing all the right things. So sorry you feel so unwell. Let him have his wheel running and treats and look after you. He’ll be fine for a few days.