My Hamster or Guinea Pig Has a Wet Tail:
When Should You See a Vet?
Here is how urgent it usually is, what may be causing it, and what to do next.
Your hamster or guinea pig has a wet or dirty rear end?
A wet, soiled rear end in a hamster or guinea pig usually means diarrhoea. Small pets can become dehydrated very quickly, so please contact a vet the same day you notice it.
- Your pet has a wet, smelly or soiled rear end
- Your pet is hunched, very quiet or not moving much
- Your pet has stopped eating or drinking
- There is blood in the droppings
- Your pet feels cold or seems weak
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ExoCare is not a 24-hour hospital. Outside these hours, please contact the nearest 24-hour veterinary hospital.
What to do in an emergencyHamster Wet Tail
Why it is serious
In hamsters, a wet tail is often linked to a serious gut infection, especially in young hamsters and those under stress. They can become very unwell quickly.
Common causes
- A bacterial gut infection, often called wet tail
- Stress, such as a new home or a move
- A sudden change in diet
- Too much fresh fruit or vegetables
Signs that often come with it
- Wet, matted fur around the tail
- Watery or smelly droppings
- Sitting hunched
- Not eating or drinking
- Low energy
What to do now
- Contact us the same day
- Keep your hamster warm and quiet
- Bring it in a secure carrier with some bedding from its cage
Please do not bathe your hamster or give any medicine at home. Bathing can chill a small pet that is already unwell.
Guinea Pig Wet Tail
Why it matters
Guinea pigs need a constant supply of hay and vitamin C. Diarrhoea in a guinea pig can quickly lead to dehydration and a slowed gut.
Common causes
- A sudden change in diet
- Too much fruit or sugary food
- Gut infection or parasites
- Dental problems that affect eating
- Stress
Signs that often come with it
- Soft or watery droppings
- Soiled fur around the rear
- Eating less
- Sitting hunched or puffed up
- Weight loss
What to do now
- Contact us the same day
- Offer fresh hay and water, and stop any new foods
- Bring a fresh dropping sample if you can
Older guinea pigs can get dirty too. Older or overweight guinea pigs sometimes cannot reach to clean themselves. This still needs a check, as the skin can become sore or infected.
What to Bring to Your Visit?
A warm carrierAdd some bedding from your pet's cage.
A fresh droppingA fresh sample helps us check for infection and parasites.
Diet detailsWhat your pet eats, and any recent changes.
Other petsTell us about any pets that share the same cage.
Cage photosA photo of the cage and bedding set-up.
Medicines givenAny medicines or supplements your pet has had.
Dr. Asma Fariha
Veterinary Surgeon · MVC Reg. No. 3362
Dr. Asma monitors valve disease over time, because staging is what determines when treatment should begin.
What People Say
Frequently Asked Questions
Gut infections can spread between hamsters. Keep an affected hamster away from others, and ask us about the other pets at home.
Wet tail is a common name for diarrhoea in hamsters, often caused by a gut infection. It can make a hamster very unwell quickly, so it needs a vet check the same day.
Bring your pet in a secure, warm carrier with some of its bedding, a fresh dropping sample if possible, and details of its recent diet.
Some hamsters recover with prompt treatment and supportive care, and early treatment matters. Please do not wait to see if it improves.
Common causes include a sudden diet change, too much fruit, parasites or infection. An examination and a droppings test can help find the cause.
Please do not bathe a small pet that is unwell, as it can become chilled. Bring it in and we can clean it safely.