How Long Do Dwarf Hamsters Live?

How Long Do Russian Dwarf Hamsters Live

If you want a friendly and playful pet, then you should consider getting a hamster. A pet hamster is a lovely pet for but kids and adults. The pet has tons of energy and can run an equivalent of 20 miles a day. But how long Do Dwarf Hamsters Live? Let learn about the Dwarf Hamster lifespan.

How Long Do Dwarf Hamsters Live?

Hamsters are nocturnal animals with poor eyesight. They make up for their low vision by having a fantastic ear that can pick up tiny sounds and a wonderful sense of smell. If you’re considering getting a Russian Dwarf hamster, then you are on the right track. A question that might plague you will be…

How long do Russian dwarf hamsters live? Russian Dwarf hamster can live for 12 months. As such, the Russian Dwarf hamster has a life expectancy rate of 1.5 to 2 years. The more reason you need to buy a baby Russian Dwarf hamster if you seek to prolong life.

In this post, we will explore many of the information you need to know about the Russian dwarf hamster lifespan and other important details of this type of hamster.

How Long Do Dwarf Hamsters Live?

On a lighter note, Russian dwarf hamsters can live for 2 years if properly taken care of. Proper feeding, bathing, watering, and medication can make your little hamster live a bit longer.

What Are The Species of Dwarf Hamsters?

How Do Dwarf Hamsters Behave

Dwarf hamsters come in three different species, namely:

  • The Russian Hamster
  • The Winter White Hamster
  • And the Roborovskii’s Hamster.

Sometimes the Chinese dwarf hamsters are usually classified as dwarf hamsters due to their similarities to dwarf hamsters.

How Do Russian Dwarf Hamsters Behave?

You don’t want to get an aggressive and temperamental hamster when shopping for a new hamster pet. You will want a friendly and sociable hamster, won’t you?

Then you should be familiar with some of the behavioral patterns of a Russian Dwarf Hamster.

Just like all Hamsters, the Russian Dwarf Hamster is nocturnal but may be active for short times during the day. They are also good-natured and less likely to nip or bite.

They can be quite squirrelly and speedy – this might be a bit challenging for children to handle.

Unlike Syrian hamsters, the Russian Dwarf Hamster is friendly and can be kept in the same housing with their species.

>>> Read Also: Can Syrian Hamsters Eat Banana?

Watch this video: How Long Do Russian Dwarf Hamsters Live?

Common Health Problems in Russian Dwarf Hamster

Hamsters are resilient animals, but you should still hold on to the veterinarian’s number in case of any emergency. Some common health problems in Russian Dwarf Hamsters are:

  • Wounds and scrapes from falling, fights with cage-mates, or run-ins with sharp objects
  • Respiratory infections
  • Wet tail (diarrhea) is treatable with antibiotics.
  • Abscesses
  • Skin issues (mites)

How Do I Know If My Russian Dwarf Hamster Is Sick?

As a responsible pet owner, you need to properly take care of your pet, and one of the ways is by watching your pet closely to find out if he needs medical attention.

If you Russian Dwarf Hamster has some of the symptoms below, he may be sick.

  • Loss of appetite
  • Unwillingness to socialize (hiding)
  • Sneezing and discharge from the nose or eyes
  • Loss of energy
  • Excessive scratching or hair loss
  • Diarrhea or wetness around the tail.

If your hamster exhibits any of these symptoms listed above, please take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Do Russian Dwarf Hamsters Like to be Held?

Health Problems in Dwarf Hamsters

Russian dwarf hamsters are friendly and nice and do not mind being held or pet. This attribute makes them a perfect pocket for you or your kids.

A Russian Dwarf hamster will nip or bite if they feel threatened and are quite fast.

What Do Dwarf Hamsters Die From?

Lots of reasons can be accounted for the sudden death of a hamster. They include,

  • Old age:  Hamsters have an average lifespan of 2 years with a maximum of 3 years. If you adopt a hamster without knowing his real age, his sudden death can result from old age.
  • Stress: stress can not lead to the sudden death of your hamster, but it can weaken its immune system, lead to illness, and then eventual death.
  • Heart disease: heart failure can also lead to the sudden death of your hamster. Respiratory problems could be genetic.
  • Wet tail or diarrhea: this is usually a common disease in most adult hamsters caused by bacteria.
  • Pneumonia: Pneumonia and lung infections are common health problems in hamsters that can lead to their sudden death.
  • Cancer: cancer in hamsters is also called neoplasia and could lead to a hamster’s sudden death if not detected on time.

How Do I Know If My Dwarf Hamster Is Dying?

If your hamster has difficulty in breathing, such as wheezing and huffing, it could mean that your hamster is dying. Hamster suffers from respiratory problems, which are associated with noisy and heavy breathing. These respiratory problems can be life-threatening. You should take your hamster to a veterinarian immediately you notice such symptoms.

Can You Tell How Old A Hamster Is?

You can’t tell the exact age of your hamster, but some discernible features will help you determine his age range.

If your hamster’s ears are shut and his eyes closed, it’s likely he is no older than 2 weeks or so.

Hamsters are born without furs, and as they grow, their furs become more lustrous. As they grow older, the furs start thinning.

>>> Read Also: Do Hamsters Eat Sugar Snap Peas?

Conclusion | How Long Do Russian Dwarf Hamsters Live

How Long Do Russian Dwarf Hamsters Live? Generally, hamsters have a short lifespan. You should put this into consideration when getting a pet hamster. However, if you can prolong the longevity of your dwarf hamsters by how well you care for them. That their lifespan averages 2 years doesn’t mean it won’t die before 1 or 2 years.

With proper care and constant treatment from a vet. Your hamsters can not only live longer but also live healthy, fun, and happy.

Photo of author

Frank Kane

Ever since I was a child, I’ve been head-over-paws for all creatures, great and small. I’m on a mission to help other pet lovers better understand, care for, and enjoy life with their furry, scaly, or feathery friends.

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