Many of us regard eye closure as one of the main signs of death in hamsters but that is not always the case. Finding the lifeless body of a pet hamster with its eyes still open can be very confusing. Is it even possible for the eyes to remain open in these little guys after death?
Why did my hamster die with his eyes open? Hamsters dying with their eyes open is often a sign of sudden death syndrome. When an extremely active hamster suddenly dies from heart failure, stroke, or another condition without warning, the eyes may remain open even after death.
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Why Did My Hamster Die With His Eyes Open?
Sudden Death Syndrome is a common cause of death in pet rodents such as hamsters. While many of these little guys die after prolonged signs of illness, the death can seem out of nowhere in others.
It can be even more perplexing when the dead pet rodent seemed to be in great health a few hours before disaster struck. However, Sudden Death Syndrome is real and a glance through many pet forums reveals that it is a common occurrence in hamsters.
Signs of Sudden Death Syndrome in Hamsters
In most cases, sudden death syndrome does not occur out of the blue as we might think. The dead hamster often shows some clues that should point us to the possibility that all is not well. However, these signs can often be hidden or may seem too trivial for us to pay attention to.
The seriousness only becomes evident when the pet rodent has already crossed over to the other side. Here are a few signs of sudden death syndrome in hamsters.
- Changes in defecation patterns and fecal properties
- Excessive sleeping
- Excessive grooming
- Dirty Fur or bald patches
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent urination or changes in urine color
- Labored breathing
- Excessive thirst
- Weight loss
Causes of Sudden Death Syndrome in Hamsters
There are several potential causes of sudden death syndrome in hamsters. Let us dive into the common ones that can strike your adorable furry pal to seemingly die out of nowhere.
Aging
The natural aging process can cause sudden death in hamsters. The average lifespan of these pocket rodents is 18-36 months. Once they reach the halfway point in the stipulated range, death can occur without warning.
Hamsters may die with their eyes open when sudden death from old age occurs. This may be due to declining health from weakening organs. Even the slightest sign of illness can lead to death in these little rodents when they reach adulthood.
Amyloidosis
Amyloidosis occurs from the accumulation of amyloid deposits in the hamster’s critical organs such as adrenal glands, liver, spleen, and kidneys. While the condition is more prevalent in older females, it may sometimes occur in males as well.
Undetected and untreated amyloidosis can result in organ failure leading to sudden death in hamsters.
Cancer

Cancers are a leading cause of rapid death in hamsters. While these pocket rodents may not be as susceptible to the disease compared to rats, and mice, cancer is never too far away.
Many cancer types can go unnoticed in hamsters for significant periods especially skin lymphoma leading to sudden death. Cancers are 5 times more likely to occur in Winter White Hamsters (Djungarian) Hamsters compared to larger breeds such as Syrians, according to studies. (Source)
If you’re raising a Djungarian, regular physical examinations for lumps on the skin and general monitoring can help uncover signs of cancers for timely treatments.
Diabetes
Hamsters exposed to diets with excessive sugar may be prone to diabetes. It is especially common in Dwarf hamsters thanks to their genetics which predisposes them to the condition. Diabetes results from the inability of a hamster’s pancreas to produce enough insulin to metabolize blood sugars.
Signs of diabetes may include excessive thirst and urination as well as increased appetites without a corresponding increase in weight.
Lethargy, discolored urine, and mobility issues may arise in diabetic hamsters leading to sudden death.
Heart Disease
Have you discovered the death of a highly active hamster that previously showed no conspicuous signs of illness? Heart disease could be the underlying cause. Heart attacks are prevalent in hamsters just like other pets and they often occur seemingly out of the blue.
Congestive heart failure can be more prevalent in older hamsters with a genetic predisposition to the condition. It often occurs when the heart fails to pump enough blood to other organs leading to death. Signs of heart disease may include:
- Abdominal fluid retention
- Rapid breathing
- Death
Studies have shown that heart disease can shorten the lifespan of hamsters considerably. It is not uncommon for hammies battling with the condition to die suddenly anywhere from 11-13 months of age. (Source)
Kidney Disease
If you’ve been feeding pet hamsters excessive amounts of protein, sudden death can occur from kidney disease.
While naturally bald hamsters may thrive off diets with protein content ranging from 18-24 percent, several studies have shown that the average hamster needs no more than 12 percent of protein to thrive.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory Infections such as Pneumonia can also cause hamsters to die with their eyes open. These infections may trigger breathing difficulties that may escalate to death. Like other animals, hamsters require consistent oxygen supplies to live.
Any infections that interfere with the ability to breathe can lead to sudden death regardless of how physically active they may have been.
Polycystic Disease
Polycystic Disease results in the development of cysts in affected hamsters. These cysts may appear in critical organs such as the adrenal glands, liver, pancreas, and ovaries.
Delays in treatment can lead to a quick death in hamsters often via liver failure.
Stress

Stress can cause overnight deaths in healthy-looking hamsters. While it may not technically be a disease, extreme stress can take a heavy toll on hamsters’ health by weakening the immune system. The result is susceptibility to various diseases and infections that may strike and quick death.
Wet Tail Disease
Wet-tail disease is another serious condition that affects hamsters. Common symptoms include watery stools and lethargy. Breathing difficulties may also be related to wet-tail disease culminating in sudden death in otherwise healthy hamsters.
Do Hamsters Bury Themselves Before They Die?
Hamsters do not bury themselves before they die. They love to burrow in cage litter as a sign of fear to hide from potential predators. Sometimes, hamsters may suddenly die from a heart attack or another condition while burrowing.
The result is their lifeless bodies left under a pile of substrates or cage litter at the time of their discovery.
Signs of a Dead Hamster
Hamsters can live up to 3 years but their lives may be cut short due to a variety of reasons. How do you know that these popular pet rodents have died and are not in a state of torpor? Here are common signs of death in hamsters.
- No breathing
- Lack of pulse
- Fetal positioned bodies
- Bleeding from the mouth or nostrils
- Closed or opened eyes depending on how the hamster died
What to Do When an Active Hamster Dies Suddenly
Once the death of your hamster is confirmed, the next step is to make plans to dispose of the dead body. Some hamster parents may wrap up the poor little thing’s body in a freezer until they are psychologically ready to let their furry babies go before making disposal plans.
Options for getting rid of the dead hamster’s body include:
- Burial
- Cremation
- Composting
Conclusion: Why Did My Hamster Die with His Eyes Open?
Hamsters may die with their eyes wide open when it occurs unexpectedly. It typically happens in active hammies that may have been engaged in one activity or another at the moment just before crossing over to the other side.
Elderly hamsters often die in their sleep with their eyes closed but that may not be the case in younger, more physically active hammies.