How to Tell if Your Hamster Is Cold
Do you know how to care for your hamster in the colder times of the year? Just as humans do, your pet also feels the ravages of low temperatures. There is a common misconception that animals tolerate the cold much better than we do as a result of their coats. To the contrary, hamsters feel the cold despite their fur and, in severe cases, might become very unwell. In this OneHowTo.com article, we'll explain how to tell if your hamster is cold.
Steps to follow:
To begin with, it is very important to know that hamsters do not routinely hibernate in the way some animals do, but they may enter a torpor-like state when exposed to very low temperatures or a lack of food. Hibernation is a state characterized by drowsiness, a steep drop in body temperature and metabolic rate, and a decrease in the intensity of vital signs. It is quite possible you've never seen your hamster get cold because many small rodents can enter this state. However, not all pet hamsters respond to cold in the same way, and torpor can be dangerous rather than a safe way to get through winter. A hamster in torpor may be barely responsive, so don't assume that an unresponsive pet is simply hibernating; contact a vet urgently if this happens.
If you want to reduce the risks when cold weather arrives and your hamster has not entered torpor, we recommend following these tips. Keeping your hamster warm and checking on it regularly will help you notice changes and protect its welfare. You must ensure that the environmental temperature of your house is above 15 degrees Celsius during the day, and keep it comfortably warm and stable, as a reading above this alone does not guarantee that your hamster is warm enough. In addition, feed your hamster appropriate portions daily so that it stays strong and healthy. Keep its bedding dry and the cage away from drafts, and check the temperature near the cage, since the room may feel warmer than the area where your hamster rests. However, at times when it is very cold, this will not be enough to protect it from low temperatures.
Keep its cage and nest in a warm part of your house during the day, away from drafts and cold windows. If sunlight comes through a window, make sure the cage is not in direct sunlight, which can quickly overheat it. Avoid placing the cage directly next to a heater or using a heat lamp, as concentrated heat can cause burns or overheating. In colder weather, check it regularly to make sure it has not entered a period of torpor. If you notice that it is cold and breathing slowly, it may be entering torpor and needs prompt attention. Your hamster may even appear to be dead, as its body can become stiff when it is in this state, so do not assume it is simply hibernating.
If you notice that its body is getting stiff from the cold or that it is shivering, gently warm it with your hands and move it to a comfortably warm room. Avoid sudden or direct heat, which could harm it.
Once your hamster is alert, offer its usual food and fresh water so it can regain its strength. Do not force-feed it or use a syringe to give it water while it is drowsy or unresponsive, as it could choke. If it does not become alert, or you are unsure how it is responding, contact a vet urgently. Keeping it in a warm, protected environment will help it better withstand the cold.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Tell if Your Hamster Is Cold, we recommend you visit our Pets category.
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