Is my hamster dying or hibernating

Knowing how to tell if your hamster is dead or hibernating is critical.

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.

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. Your hamster may have lowered its body temperature during hibernation to match the temperature of the surroundings.

Hold the hamster close to your stomach or chest for at least 30 minutes.

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.

Hamsters are not long-lived animals, and it is essential that you learn to recognize the 11 common signs of a hamster dying. Understanding what to expect when your hamster inevitably dies will allow you to deal calmly with the situation and take the appropriate steps to keep your hamster as comfortable as possible. The thought of death and dying is a frightening concept for most people; no one wants to dwell on the idea that they will need to say goodbye to their beloved hamster one day. However, educating yourself on what to expect when your hamster is dying will help reduce your anxiety surrounding the passing of your hamster. Many people act as if dying is instantaneous, but this is not true; dying is a process with distinct phases. The first phases of active dying in hamsters vary according to the underlying cause of death. Hamsters dying from chronic conditions e. Whereas hamsters dying from acute conditions e. The first two symptoms are typically excluded in rapid hamster deaths.

Is my hamster dying or hibernating

Last Updated on: 24th September , pm. When hamsters go into torpor or temporary hibernation, they appear dead. They only show the slightest signs of life, which are easy to miss. Hibernating hamsters slow their heart rate to 3 beats per minute and only breathe once every minutes. Their feet and noses turn blue, but the pouch feels warm.

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Part 1. Thanks for visiting. Give your hamster warm milk. We're glad this was helpful. Part 2. Most hamsters hibernate due to lack of heat. Last Updated: October 8, Approved. If you talk to it, it will begin to recognise your voice, which may help remove a hamster from the hibernation process. You Might Also Like. The sight of a motionless hamster in its habitat can momentarily startle any owner. I have learned a lot, thanks so much! Articles are written by vets, pet experts, and me. First and foremost, be sure that your hamster is hibernating. If torpor has lasted more than a day, there may be other health consequences to consider.

Hamsters are popular pets known for their small size and adorable appearance. However, their hibernation patterns can sometimes confuse owners, leading them to question whether their hamster is dying or simply hibernating. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the world of hamster hibernation, understanding the differences between hibernation and death, and providing you with the necessary knowledge to take care of your furry friend.

They will be cool to the touch and may feel limp or stiff. A gentle pull on the legs will allow a slight stretch. FluffyPlanet is not a medical resource. Nadine Oraby. When you do it and the entire body of the hamster moves instead of just the forelimbs that you pushed, it only indicates that your hamster already died, and rigor mortis already set in. Sometimes it can be hard to tell if your hamster is simply hibernating or if it has actually died. Give your hamster warm milk. This can happen when food is scarce or environmental temperatures are low. If your hamster is unresponsive to these methods, consider taking it to the vet. Depending on the situation, your hamster may even go into true hibernation. An extended torpor could result in death of the hamster due to dehydration or hypothermia. Hibernation is common for hamsters and is a normal phenomenon. Also, if the surrounding temperature is cold, then your hamster likely hibernated to preserve energy. Not Helpful 3 Helpful