My hamster makes puffing sounds and keeps wiping its nose with its paws, but appetite and activity are normal (it keeps trying to escape), and the nose doesn’t feel wet.

Common cold symptoms in a hamster include sneezing, nasal congestion, a dry nose, runny nose, coughing, and reduced appetite, and the hamster often becomes inactive and sleepy. In this case, be sure to keep the hamster warm and use medication if necessary. You can add a few granules of isatis root to the hamster’s drinking water and give it for 2–3 consecutive days. If the hamster’s symptoms do not ease or worsen, take it to a veterinary hospital for treatment promptly.