Do Hamsters Explode? Vet-Reviewed Myth vs. Truth

Hamsters are common small pets, but they’re not always easy to look after. They can get sick quickly and can die from many things. One of the myths about hamsters is that they can explode. While hamsters can’t explode spontaneously, especially not in the way that one might imagine an explosion, they might get in a fight with another hamster or develop health issues that make it look like they’re “exploding.” “Exploding” hamsters can also be caused by human cruelty.

Since there’s a great deal of uncertainty surrounding this topic, we put together this guide to help clear things up.

Can Hamsters Explode?

The question of whether hamsters can explode can be difficult to answer. Many people, online and otherwise, will tell you that hamsters can and do explode, whether it’s due to malignant tumors or animal abuse.

Others say that hamsters don’t explode, at least not in the way that you might picture from a typical “explosion,” anyway. Also, if hamsters do “explode,” it’s not spontaneous. Instead, it’s likely a result of cruelty by humans or a health issue or situation that makes it look like your hamster “exploded.”

Since hamsters can be incredibly delicate animals that are prone to various health problems and can frequently get into trouble, there might be situations that cause their owners to think that they exploded when they didn’t.

Certain health conditions can make your hamster look like their stomach is about to pop, or they might surprise you by puffing out their cheeks because they’re scared. It’s always a good idea to talk to your veterinarian if you’re worried about your hamster’s health.

Do Tumors Cause Hamsters to Explode?

One of the biggest rumors about exploding hamsters is that they’re caused by malignant tumors. While hamsters will often have non-cancerous tumors in their digestive system or hormone-producing organs, malignant tumors are much rarer.

A common belief about tumors and exploding hamsters is that when the tumor grows too big for the hamster, it results in an explosion. This isn’t necessarily accurate. While malignant tumors can spread and grow quickly and be notoriously difficult to remove if left untreated, it’s more likely to interfere with your hamster’s internal organs, creating signs of illness, than to cause your pet to spontaneously explode.

Some tumors can cause growths on the skin and bloody diarrhea, which might look like your hamster is exploding. However, these are common signs of tumors, both benign and malignant, interfering with normal bodily functions. If you notice that your hamster has any unexplained lumps, you should go to your veterinarian as soon as possible to get the problem diagnosed.

Abscesses can also cause swelling and unexplained lumps under your hamster’s skin. Sometimes, these abscesses can rupture, which can look gruesome and sometimes, like an explosion.

Does Overeating Cause Hamsters to Explode?

It’s incredibly easy to overfeed a hamster. They tend to hoard their food and hide it somewhere you might not think to look. This can lead to you filling their food dish too often and accidentally giving your pet too much to eat. Contrary to the myth, though, overfeeding your hamster won’t cause them to explode.

This doesn’t mean overfeeding your hamster is okay, of course. Overeating is just as dangerous and unhealthy for hamsters as it is for any other pet. Not only can it interfere with your hamster’s nutrition, but these extra calories can also cause obesity, which can lead to diabetes and other issues that can drastically lessen your hamster’s lifespan.

Eating too much fresh fruit and vegetables can also upset your hamster’s digestive system and cause diarrhea.

The 5 Causes of Death in Hamsters

While we’ve established that hamsters can’t spontaneously explode, this doesn’t mean your hamster can’t die from other causes. Certain health issues or other causes of death might also look like your hamster is about to explode. It’s always recommended that you go to a veterinarian who’s experienced in treating hamsters if your pet is sick or behaving strangely.

1. Abdominal Swelling

One health issue that might look like your hamster is exploding is when their abdomen swells. This can be due to benign reasons, such as pregnancy, but it can also be a result of tumors, hairballs, and heart or liver disease.

You should visit a veterinarian as soon as you start seeing signs of abdominal swelling in your hamster. The earlier you catch a developing health issue, the easier it will be to treat or manage.

2. Aging

Domesticated hamsters might live longer than their wild cousins, but they’re still not known for having lengthy lifespans. On average, they will only live between 2 and 3 years.

Your hamster’s natural aging process is a common cause of them dying suddenly even if they're otherwise healthy. Aging is also why many adopted hamsters might die soon after you get them. There’s no way of knowing how old they are, and they might just be elderly already.

3. Diarrhea

Also known as “wet tail,” diarrhea in hamsters is a common digestive problem that can be fatal if left untreated. It’s incredibly easy to upset a hamster’s digestive system. Their diet is one possible cause of digestive distress, but it can also be due to a problem that you can’t control, like an underlying health issue.

Diarrhea can even be caused by your hamster eating too many fruits and vegetables. This might be one of the reasons that so many people believe that overeating will cause hamsters to explode. It won’t, but you will still want to talk with your veterinarian about the proper amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables to feed to your hamster.

4. Fighting With Other Hamsters

Some hamsters can get along fine with others of their species. Other hamsters, however, are solitary animals and will feel threatened if they’re housed too close to or with another hamster.

Housing two hamsters together, especially if they’re both male, can lead to aggression. Syrian and Chinese hamsters, for example, both prefer to live alone and are naturally territorial. Sometimes, one hamster might back down during a wrestling match, and there won’t be a problem.

In serious cases, though, the two hamsters could start fighting, which can lead to serious injuries for one or both animals. If the fighting continues while you’re not around to break it up, it could lead to infected wounds or fatalities.

This could also be a cause for the belief that hamsters can explode. If the fight was brutal enough, the injuries on the hamster that lost can be a gruesome sight, even if they survive the battle.

5. Weak Immunity

Some hamsters are healthier than others. You can help by providing them with a safe, clean environment and giving them the right amount of high-quality and nutritionally balanced food. The healthier your hamster is, the longer they’ll typically live and the better able they’ll be able to fight off illnesses.

Hamsters with a weak immune system are typically more susceptible to infection and other health issues. If these problems aren't caught early and treated, they could die.

Conclusion

Hamsters are small and can get sick very quickly, which means losing one can be incredibly easy. Exploding hamsters is a common myth about these pets, but hamsters can develop health conditions like abdominal swelling, tumors, or diarrhea that might make it look like they’re exploding. Despite popular belief, though, they don’t spontaneously explode.

Animal cruelty and abuse can also be a reason that hamsters explode, in which case, it’s human interference rather than a health issue. You should always treat your hamster with care and attention to make sure they live a happy and healthy life.

Featured Image Credit: Pixel-Shot, Shutterstock