Possible cold?

[Juno]

Hi guys,

I've had a look through the threads here and the Wiki and couldn't find an answer to this, but here goes.

For the past week or so, my hamster Whisky has been sneezing quite violently. When he is awake he seems to make a 'sneezing sound' maybe 5 times in a row, stop sneezing for around 10 seconds then start again. I have been keeping an eye on him and sometimes they're so violet he nearly upturns his house, bless him It also seems to be annoying him when he is trying to sleep.

The weird thing is that he has no other symptoms of having a cold or a respiratory infection. His nose isn't runny, his eyes aren't watery, he isn't losing weight or shaking and he is warm. I have also had a listen to his breathing and can't hear anything out of the normal. It's hard to tell whether he is lethargic as he's always been lazy.

I have made an appointment at the vets, but would like an opinion on what it could be? He has no new toys, food, or bedding so it is quite puzzling. I would also like to know if there anything I can do until I can get him to the vets (earliest will be start of this week)

Thanks for any help you guys can provide xx

[poeyswifey]

Have you changed the sawdust or bedding as i have just looked it up and he could be illergic to a different kind if you know what i mean ...

[Juno]

He has always had megazorb and has been fine with that, though it is possible that the toilet paper used as bedding inside his house varies in brand - I'm not sure there is much difference between different brands of loo roll though.

I also forgot to mention my boyfriend and I have had bad colds but kept handling to a bare minimum during this time and never sneezed near him

[poeyswifey]

Im not to good on this subject tbh but i do know that cold can be past by just breathing some one on here will beable advise you abit better than me but i hope this will help.

Hamsters can catch colds by drought and been bathed.
Signs that a hamster has a cold are normally sneezing and runny nose. In more severe cases the hamster may have runny eyes, lethargy, weight loss, refusal to eat and drink or laboured breathing/wheeziness.

i hope this helps

[poeyswifey]

another thing Giving a mixture of lukewarm water, milk and honey will help with the hamster's recovery.

[KatiePillow]

It sounds like a mild cold..but I'm sure somebody will be along to help better,
The cold could be from you, or a draft or something, but from the sound of it he seems alright in himself..so don't worry too much