Is my hamster dying or hibernating

Knowing how to tell if your hamster is dead or hibernating is critical. You might have heard all those stories of hamster owners who almost buried their small animals alive because they thought they were already dead.

Start by checking its heartbeat and breathing rate. Your hamster might be faint and slow during hibernation but is still detectable. Also, if the surrounding temperature is cold, then your hamster likely hibernated to preserve energy. Hibernation is common for hamsters and is a normal phenomenon. The sight of a motionless hamster in its habitat can momentarily startle any owner. Hibernation is a phenomenon where the animal sleeps for more extended periods to preserve their energy.

Is my hamster dying or hibernating

Last Updated: October 8, Approved. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. This article has been viewed , times. Many animals have developed the ability to hibernate as a natural way to increase chances of survival during the long, cold winter season. Being mindful of their temperature sensitivities is an important part of being a hamster owner. To get a hamster out of hibernation, try waking it up with body heat by holding it against your body for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, wrap your hamster in a towel and place it against a hot water bottle, or on a heating pad heated to around 90 degrees F for 30 to 60 minutes. Once your hamster starts becoming more alert, give it some warm milk through a medicine dropper to help it rehydrate and come fully out of hibernation. Did this summary help you? Yes No. Skip to Content. Edit this Article. Popular Categories. Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies.

Our team is made up of professional pet trainers, veterinarians, and experienced pet owners who have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. Place your forefinger and thumb there for a few minutes, and silently detect whether you sense a thud like a rhythm. Be proactive during the winter.

New hamster parents are often surprised to find their hamsters barely moving, sometimes even appearing dead. Depending on the situation, your hamster may even go into true hibernation. A hibernating hamster will appear to be asleep or even dead. They will be cool to the touch and may feel limp or stiff. They will not eat, drink, or eliminate.

This is probably the most common sign of hibernation in any kind of animal. It is quite normal for hibernating animals to start binge-eating before they go into hibernation because they would need all that food during the winter when they will enter a long state of suspension. After all, it needs the excess fat to keep its body well-nourished during its state of hibernation. This will happen when the temperatures start dropping. Even before the hamster begins its hibernation cycle, you will actually see tell-tale signs that it will begin to hibernate. One of them is when the little pocket pal begins to shiver due to how the temperatures are starting to get colder and colder.

Is my hamster dying or hibernating

Losing a pet is one of the most painful experiences any pet parent will ever have to go through. But how can you tell if a hamster is dying? Below we will highlight tell-tale signs of a dying hamster. Hamsters, due to their small size, have delicate health, and even a small injury, stress, and minor illnesses can be fatal. If your hamster is about 3 years old, has an injury, is ill, or is stressed, you should seek veterinary help for him. Below are 7 signs of a dying hamster to be on the lookout for. A hamster having trouble breathing could be suffering from a life-threatening condition. Respiratory infections are one of the most common illnesses hamsters suffer.

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Additionally, there is also a possibility of your hamster developing hypothermia while they hibernate. Watch for movement. It is common to have a low body temperature during hibernation. Also, if the surrounding temperature is cold, then your hamster likely hibernated to preserve energy. Featured Articles How to. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Trending Articles. With this particular position, the animal will be laying on the side with its head near the front paws. Did this summary help you? Feed it to your hamster in a bowl or in their water dropper container. And with that, we officially end this blog post. Is My Hamster Hibernating or Dead? Another way is to use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel. But before you go, can you do us a solid and spread the love or laughter by sharing this on your social media? Nadine Oraby.

Start by checking its heartbeat and breathing rate. Your hamster might be faint and slow during hibernation but is still detectable.

Article Summary X To get a hamster out of hibernation, try waking it up with body heat by holding it against your body for about 30 minutes. A hibernating hamster will maintain a warm body temperature though it might be slightly cooler than usual. Hamsters are small and have very good hearing. After you have achieved some level of consciousness, try to help your hamster regain its normal function. Torpor vs. Apply some gentle pressure then wait for 1 to 2 minutes. How to Make Porridge for Hamsters. Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies. There is no visible heartbeat or breathing. Anonymous Jan 13, Try body heat.