Hamsters may exhibit some signs of illness such as coughing, sneezing, loss of appetite, runny nose and eyes, wheezing and diarrhea. Minor signs of illness can become very serious in a short period of time so watch you hamster carefully and take him in for medical care if needed. Hamsters are small and if handled improperly, they can suffer from muscle and skeletal injuries. Teach your child to handle your hamster carefully to avoid falls and trauma. Watch for signs of injury such as limping or difficulty moving, favoring limbs and even aggressive biting from pain. Check your hamster’s skin for signs of mites, fleas, lesions, redness or other skin issues. Ringworm is a concern as well. Keep your hamster’s cage in a warm area of your home but out of direct sunlight to help keep his temperature regulated. For more information, contact your vet San Jose, CA.