Sometimes a hamster may fall or injure itself and will suffer from shock. Sometimes the cause of the hamster's shock may not be known. The hamster may appear limp and quiet as if dazed with a rapid pulse. The hamster may also be slightly colder in temperature than normal. The hamster should be rubbed gently to encourage blood circulation and then placed somewhere warm, dark and quiet.

If the hamster does not recover within a few minutes veterinary advice should be sought. Any injury suffered may also require veterinary treatment.