Q&A for How to Deal With Your Hamster Dying

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How do I deal with the guilt of my hamster dying?

Community Answer

It's okay if you feel guilty. Remember that it is not your fault. Feel happy as your hamster is out of suffering and is in Hammy Heaven.

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Question

How do I honor my dying hamster?

Community Answer

Keep your hamster as happy as possible. Give him his favorite toys and treats. Keep his cage clean and stocked with plenty of food and water. Let him sleep as much as he wants to. If your hamster is already dead, you can get a small box and fill it will bedding. Decorate the box with pictures or stickers however you like. You can then bury your hamster in your backyard. Make sure it is buried about 3 feet deep into the ground so predators cannot get to him.

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Question

If I get a new hamster, I feel like I'll be betraying my old hamster. What should I do?

Community Answer

It's not a betrayal at all. Your hamster that died loved you very much, and he would want you to be happy with a new hamster. He would also want another hamster to have the opportunity to live a great life as your pet.

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Question

Why did my hamster suddenly die?

Community Answer

Hamsters have short life spans. Maybe you bought an older hamster from the pet store or it was sick and you didn't know. I am sorry for your loss.

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Question

My hamster is slowing down, and he's losing fur on his tummy. Is he dying?

Community Answer

He might simply be getting old. Losing fur and slowing down can be signs of this.

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Question

How do we know if our hamster died in its cage in its sleep?

Community Answer

If the hamster is dead, it will be still. You can place a hand under its belly and see if you feel a heartbeat, and look carefully for steady signs of breathing.

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Question

My hamster is sleeping in weird spots and not in the usual spot. What do I do?

Community Answer

Sometimes hamsters do like to move around, my hamster does this. If your hamster doesn't have any medical problems or symptoms he/she should be fine.

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Question

How can I tell if my hamster is dying?

Community Answer

You should watch your hamster for high levels of fatigue, slow movement, loss of appetite, and loss of fur. These are common signs that a hamster is sick or dying.

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Question

How can I feel better if my dwarf hamster died and I know I did everything I could to help him?

Community Answer

If you tried everything, let him go. It will be painful, but people suffer loss every day, and dwelling on it won't bring back your hamster.

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Question

What can cause my hamster to be alive but not moving?

Community Answer

If your hamster is experiencing any other symptoms such as loss of appetite or dull eyes, it might be ill and you might want to take it to the vet. It might also be in heat. Heat can make hamsters slow and unwilling to do anything. If s/he is sleeping outside their house, it could be a sign they are too hot. S/he might also just be getting old.

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Question

What should I do if my hamster is showing signs of dying?

Community Answer

Take it to the vet -- he or she may be able to save your hamster's life. If you're absolutely certain that your hamster is dying, give it the most comfortable final days that you can. Keep its cage clean and give it good food and water.

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Question

Is it okay to give a dying hamster watered down milk?

Community Answer

Just give him as much water as possible, but don't force it. If it is his time to go, he may not want to drink or eat anything.

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Question

How can I tell if my hamster is dying?

Community Answer

They may lose their personality and not be as active when you play.

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Question

My hamster is not moving at all, but is breathing very slightly. What should I do?

Community Answer

There's no way to tell what is going on with your hamster without taking it to the vet. Either do that, or prepare yourself for the fact that your hamster may be ill and may not survive.

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Question

How old does a hamster need to be to eat?

Community Answer

After two weeks, feed them 2 milliliters eight times a day. Provide the hamster pups with wheat germ, small seeds and something fresh while feeding the formula. Around three weeks of age, you should see the hamster pups start to eat solid food.

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Question

What do I do if someone steps on my hamster?

Community Answer

Look for slow movement and make sure she is okay. If something is different or wrong, be sure to take her to the vet.

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Question

My hamster is close to death and I know it is coming, but how can I not feel sad?

Community Answer

You can comfort your hamster and talk to friends to try to cheer you up. Spend a lot of time with your hamster before he/she passes. Remember that it's totally normal and okay to feel sad for a while. Sometimes sad things happen and it's okay to get upset. Over time, the sadness will go away.

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Question

What can I do if no one will take my hamster to the vet?

Community Answer

That's sad. Unfortunately, the vet often can't tell what the problem is for sure with a small mammal like a hamster. Vet trips are costly, and so are the remedies. If trying to convince your parents doesn't work, then pray for your little fella and want and see what happens.

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Question

My hamster won't move or eat. What do I do?

Community Answer

Take him to the vet.

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Question

How can I find a video about caring for a hamster?

Community Answer

You can find those videos on YouTube. Just type "Caring for a hamster" in the search bar.

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Question

My hamster died three days ago. How do I get to sleep at night?

Community Answer

I know it's hard, but try to think happier thoughts. Everyone and everything dies, but your hamster had a great life with you, and he is in a better place. When you go to bed, put the thoughts about your hamster aside, and think about something that makes you happy instead.

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Question

My hamster escaped his cage, and while I was looking for him I sort of stepped on him. Then he got eaten by the cat. Is there anyway to save him?

Community Answer

If you stepped on him and then he was eaten, no. He is dead and cannot be revived, unfortunately.

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Question

What's going on with my hamster if one if its eyes is pink and mostly shut?

Community Answer

Take it to a vet. Only they can really tell you what's going on, but it sounds like something that requires antibiotics.

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Question

What do I do if my hamster is bleeding?

Community Answer

You need to bring your hamster to the vet immediately. Apply pressure to the wound on the way with a sterile cloth to avoid too much blood loss. Keep him warm and close until you get to the vet.

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Question

Can it die because of summer time (heat)?

Community Answer

Yes. Though it is very rare for it to happen! Always leave your hamster with food and water (unless it is on a diet).

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Question

My hamster is walking very funny. He stops every time he moves. What should I do?

Community Answer

Take him to the vet as fast as you can and, if he is about to die, love him with all your heart.

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Question

I have two hamsters, and the brown one keeps biting the white one's butt and it bleeds. Whenever the brown one attacks the white one it squeaks. What do I do?

Community Answer

Get another habitat and separate them immediately! What you're describing is very aggressive behavior, and the brown one will likely end up killing the white one if you leave them together.

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Question

Is my hamster dead when her body is cold and it's not moving?

Community Answer

Yes, it is possible.

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Question

I have been trying these methods for two months and they haven't worked. What else can I do?

Community Answer

Grief can be one of the most difficult emotions to get past. Talking to a therapist or counselor experienced in grief counseling may help you move on. Be sure that you're processing your sadness and other emotions rather than just stuffing them; if you do the latter, those problems are still there under the surface.

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Question

My hamster jack got sick and on his last day on Earth, he chould not stand up because he would just flop on his side, what was wrong with him?

Community Answer

It is hard to tell. He could have broke a bone or he could have been sick. Only a vet would know exactly what was wrong with him.

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