Q&A for How to Treat Your Sick Hamster

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Can hamsters die if it's too cold?

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

Yes, a hamster can die if it's too cold. A low temperature can trigger hibernation and if the hamster is already weak, it may not wake up. Also, cold can suppress the immune system, which can allow simple infections to become life-threatening.

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Question

What temperature is too cold for hamsters?

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

The ideal temperature range for a hamster is between 65-85 degrees F (18-29 degrees C). Provided the temperature doesn't change suddenly, they can cope with slightly cooler temperatures, but if it gets below 40 degrees F (4 degrees C) they may fall into hibernation, so this is best avoided.

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Question

How do you treat a hamster with a cold?

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

Strengthening the hamster's immune system is crucial. This means keeping them warm and providing fresh food that's rich in vitamins. Also, clean the bedding daily since the ammonia from urine irritates the respiratory tract and can worsen a cold.

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Question

How do you tell if a hamster is hibernating or dead?

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 hamster in hibernation still breathes and has a heartbeat, albeit a very slow one. Watch for several minutes for a breath (since they may only take 1 once every 60 seconds) and gently feel for a heartbeat (which, again may be only once per minute, so be patient).

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My hamster is bleeding from the eyes and is very quiet. I can't get to a vet. What can I do?

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

Red crusts on the inside corner of his eye is a sign of distress, rather than of bleeding. It is a sign he is feeling poorly, probably as a result of the stress. It's important to keep him warm and quiet, and also make sure he keeps taking fluids (which you can drop into his mouth with an eye dropper.)

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Question

My baby hamster is peeing blood and is very thin. What can I do?

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

Your baby hamster does sound sick and unfortunately he needs to see a vet. It might be he has a urinary infection which could be treated with antibiotics, but if he is very ill then the kindest thing would be for the vet to ease is passing and stop him from suffering. So sorry.

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Question

What's an easy way to tell if my hamster is sick?

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

Are you having to refill the water bottle more often? This can be a clue the hamster is drinking more, which can be a sign of ill health.

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