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.

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. Since some hamsters do hibernate during extremely cold weather, you may be forgiven if you assume that being motionless and cold is a sign that your hamster has died. Discussed below are some ways and tips to help you determine if you have a hibernating or dead hamster. It is probably the easiest and most common way to tell if your hamster is dead.

Is my hamster dying or hibernating

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. When temperatures drop below 20 degrees Celsius, hamsters go into hibernation mode. While they do look motionless, try to look at your pet for a few minutes. Breathing is a sure sign of the hamster being alive and healthy! If your pet is just hibernating, you will undoubtedly notice them breathe every two minutes. Their chest and lower body are likely to inflate a bit with intervals in between. However, it is hard to detect it since their metabolism is already slow. Place your forefinger and thumb there for a few minutes, and silently detect whether you sense a thud like a rhythm. This thud will indicate that your hamster very well does have a heartbeat and is alive.

Yes, to know for sure, try to make temperatures warmer for the hamster.

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. There may be no visible heartbeat or respiration, but you may see sporadic, shallow breathing if you look close enough.

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.

Is my hamster dying or hibernating

By Eddie Chevrel. Updated on March 11, If your pet hamster has been sleeping for an unusually long period of time, you may wonder whether he is hibernating or simply dead.

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How to. Also, if the surrounding temperature is cold, then your hamster likely hibernated to preserve energy. My love for animals triggered me to create this blog. You should heat the milk up in the microwave or on the stove but test it first to make sure it is not too hot. If you find your hamster in a possible state of torpor or hibernation, first check their breathing and heart rate. Other triggers for torpor include: Keeping your hamster in the dark for 12 hours a day A lack of food and water, or reduced access to food and water A lack of safe housing or bedding material to burrow into What To Do if Your Hamster Is Hibernating If you find your hamster in a possible state of torpor or hibernation, first check their breathing and heart rate. Sign up for weekly pet health tips and insights from our veterinarians. Rated this article:. Bernice Cooks Sep 29, Co-authors: Not all species of hamsters have the same forms of hibernation behavior. Be sure to put the hamster in an escape-proof container, in case they wake when you are out of the room. Especially the Syrian hamster, which only goes to sleep for long periods when there are changes in its body temperature or food supply.

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.

Also, if the surrounding temperature is cold, then your hamster likely hibernated to preserve energy. Keep holding it for at least 30 minutes and see if there are any changes in their behavior or if they start acting more alert. If your hamster still has a heartbeat, it only means that it only hibernating and not dead. To prevent or stop a hamster from hibernating, ensure that the environmental temperature stays between degrees Fahrenheit, and prevent temperature variations by eliminating drafts and exposure to direct sunlight. Articles are written by vets, pet experts, and me. Most hamsters hibernate when they are in colder temperatures. Hamster How-To. Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies. When you feel a pulse, it means your hamster is in a hibernation state and is still alive. Yes, to know for sure, try to make temperatures warmer for the hamster. Part 1. This thud will indicate that your hamster very well does have a heartbeat and is alive. Other triggers for torpor include: Keeping your hamster in the dark for 12 hours a day A lack of food and water, or reduced access to food and water A lack of safe housing or bedding material to burrow into What To Do if Your Hamster Is Hibernating If you find your hamster in a possible state of torpor or hibernation, first check their breathing and heart rate.