Expert Q&A for How to Deal With Diabetes in Hamsters

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Are Syrian hamsters prone to diabetes?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Although dwarf hamsters have the highest incidence of diabetes, this is still very low. A Syrian hamster that is fed an appropriate diet, and not given lots of sugary snacks, is at extremely low risk of developing diabetes.

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Question

How much does a hamster drink per day?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Hamsters drink relatively little, around 1/2 to 2 teaspoons of water a day. However, they should always have access to clean drinking water, even if they don't appear to drink much.

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Question

Do dwarf hamsters drink a lot of water?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

A healthy dwarf hamster should not seem thirsty. They would normally drink around 1/4 to 1/2 of a teaspoon of water per day.

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Question

Do hamsters pee a lot?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Hamsters have efficient kidneys, which are good are retaining water—hence why they don't need to drink much. A hamster that is leaving lots of wet patches could well be drinking more than is normal and may need to see a vet.

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