Can hamsters get hiccups? This is one of the most common questions that pop up on popular online hamster forums and Q&A sites like Reddit.

Hamsters serve as the perfect pets for first-timers because their small size and delicate nature can help many of us learn about raising animals at home. Hiccups occur when an animal’s diaphragm contracts reflexively.

Can hamsters get hiccups? Hiccups are a normal part of a hamster’s life and may happen once in a while. However, continuous hiccupping by hamsters for long periods can be evidence of a serious underlying medical problem that requires veterinary attention.

The frequency and duration of your hammy’s hiccups could determine whether it is normal or needs to be looked into further. If you hear hiccup sounds from a hamster once in a while with no signs of illness or distress, it is probably nothing to worry about.

However, constant hiccuping from your little guy can be evidence of a medical problem that requires urgent attention especially if he looks to be in pain. Sneezing, shaking, loss of appetite and boredom are additional signs prevalent in hiccuping hamsters with existing medical conditions.

Can Hamsters Get Hiccups At Any Age?

Hamsters can get hiccups regardless of their age. From litters to the elderly, the involuntary contractions of the diaphragm may occur at any time. However, lots of attention will have to be paid to hear hiccup sounds from tiny baby hamsters.

Illness-related hiccups become more prevalent in the elderly with weakened immune systems and internal organs. For instance, it is not uncommon for dying hamsters to hiccup continuously during their last moments.

Is It Normal For Hamsters to Hiccup?

Occasional hiccuping is pretty normal among these cute little creatures. You may hear these sounds while the hammy is moving up and down his cage, eating, or removing food from his cheek pouch. While hiccups could be a sign of a much deeper medical problem, you should expect to hear them once in a while.

Hamsters that walk up and down their cages cheerfully, maintain normal appetites, and work out in their hamster wheels, are often healthy. A few hiccups here and there should be regarded as normal.

No need to rush the hammy to your vet every time you hear sounds of hiccups. 

Do Dwarf Hamsters Hiccup?

Dwarf hamsters can get hiccups just like any other breed. The condition occurs when a hamster consumes food or drinks too quickly. Eating a large meal can also trigger hiccuping sounds in Dwarf, Chinese, Syrian, and every other hamster breed available.

The condition is not exclusive to a specific breed so be prepared for loud hiccup sounds once in a while regardless of the breed of hamsters you’re raising.

What Causes Hamster Hiccups?

Hiccup sounds occur when the hamster’s diaphragm contracts involuntarily. The diaphragm plays an important role in a hamster’s ability to breathe. Continuous hiccuping can be stressful for the little rodent’s respiratory system and overall well-being. 

Here are the most common causes of hiccups in hamsters.

Eating or Drinking Too Fast

Hiccups are often a natural reaction to eating or drinking too much or too fast. Hamsters nibble on food slowly and often have to eat several times to deplete their daily food supply. However, a starving hammy may end up eating too fast which can result in involuntary diaphragm contractions.

Hamsters that have been denied water for some time may also drink too much too fast when they finally get access to drinking water. This could be due to a faulty water bottle that fails to dispense water or a hamster parent who neglects to provide enough for the little guy.

Hamsters may also experience hiccups after enjoying a large meal. These creatures require nothing more than 2 teaspoonfuls of food mix within a 24-hour period. They only eat a small portion of that quantity at any given point so it usually takes a few attempts to finish their food supply.

Hamster Hiccups From Overexcitement

An overly excited hamster can suffer bouts of hiccups but this should cease after a couple of hours. This may occur when the adorable pet rodent has been offered his favorite treat like frozen yogurt or fruit.

Hamsters have an amazing sense of scent and often can smell the treat way before it is placed in his cage or tank. It is not uncommon for hamsters to make hiccupping sounds at that point in anticipation of the treat.

Sometimes, your hamster may also hiccup from the excitement of spending time with you. It may take some effort to build that kind of relationship with these furballs but the rewards can be amazing.

Hamster Hiccups From Stress 

Stress may be another reason why your hamster continues to hiccup day and night with seemingly no end in sight. This could be as a result of changes in the environment or exposure to excessive heat or cold.

Loud noises and a lack of a conducive cage or tank environment can also trigger stress-induced hiccups in hamsters.

Infection-Related Hamster Hiccups 

Unfortunately, hiccuping can also be a sign of an infection. Disease-related hiccups are often extended and could last days or even weeks. Taking the hammy to a vet to diagnose the underlying problem is often the best way forward.

Infections that can trigger hamster hiccups include the common cold. Additional signs such as lethargy, wheezing, and squeaking or sneezing may also become evident in the affected hamster.

Common cold may originate from exposure to excessively low-temperature cage environments or physical contact with another infected hamster.

The type of bedding in your hamster’s cage may also trigger respiratory infections that result in hiccups.

What Do Hamster Hiccups Sound Like?

Hamster hiccups come in the form of loud one-off puff-like sounds. Often, this loud sound is intermittent and may occur once every 3-5 seconds. These sounds may continue for some time but typically disappear on their own.

How Long Do Hamster Hiccups Last?

Hiccups can last for a couple of minutes to a few hours in hamsters. They usually disappear after some time when the rodents have no underlying medical problems. Do not be alarmed even if your hamster hiccups for a couple of days as that can be normal too.

However, if your little guy has been hiccuping for more than a week, it is time to pay attention. Long-term hiccups are often a sign of serious underlying medical problems in hamsters. 

From the common cold to respiratory infections such as pneumonia, there could be an explanation for the unending bouts of hiccups. Your vet is the best person to provide answers for your hamster’s problems so book an appointment as soon as possible.

Hamster Hiccup Treatment

Most hiccups in hamsters often clear up on their own and require no treatment. However, a visit to the vet may become necessary when the condition continues long-term. Often, an exotics vet can prescribe the right treatment.

Vets typically focus on eliminating the underlying problem which automatically leads to the hiccups getting resolved. For instance, hiccups triggered by the common cold bug often disappear when the hamster is treated with the right antibiotics for the bacterial infection. 

Conclusion 

Hamster hiccups are normal when your furred baby is exposed to a big meal or eats or drinks water too fast. Hiccups can also be a sign of excitement in hamsters content with their environments.

Stressful situations such as excessive cold may also expose hamsters to respiratory infections that may trigger the condition. Hiccuping from a few hours to days is often normal so don’t read too much into it.

However, if your hammy is still showing signs of the condition after over a week , a visit to your vet should be arranged. This can help identify the underlying medical conditions for the hiccups so the right treatment can be prescribed.