As with all mammals, hamsters can have allergies and display symptoms surprisingly similar to that of cats, dogs and indeed humans. Symptoms we are familiar with in humans such as persistent sneezing, watering eyes, wheezing and skin irritation can all indicate your hamster might have an allergy.

The most common allergic reaction you will find among domesticated hamsters is a reaction to their bedding or cage substrate. For example, hamsters that have sawdust as a bedding are much more likely to have irritated eyes and sneezing. In addition, there has been some research to indicate that cedar and pine wood shavings can cause respiratory problems in hamsters. If your hamster has these symptoms, try replacing his cage substrate with tissue paper, aspen wood shavings or straw pellets and see if the symptoms persist.

Hamsters can also be sensitive to everyday household products. A great example is when people use odor-eliminating or air-freshener products near their hamster’s cage. All such aerosols can cause respiratory problems in sensitive animals. The simple solution to this problem is to stop using these products near your hamster’s cage and, if they are used because the cage is considered smelly, clean your hamster’s cage more frequently.

Many people consider their hamster to be allergic to various types of food. However, as in cats and dogs, most reactions are temporary and are a response to a sudden change in diet or vast increase in vegetable supply. If you are starting to provide your hamster with greens or are changing his food, do this gradually and you should avoid causing a digestive upset.