hamsters love to be active and run around in their cagesIf your hamster is overheated, he can get dehydrated and become sicker.Dehydration is a serious and life threatening condition in hamsters, so you need to be able to recognize it quickly and get him treated as soon as possible.
Step 1: Pinch the hamsters skin.
The skin tent test is one of the easiest ways to tell if your hamster is dehydrated.Using the thumb and index finger of one hand, gently pinch some skin at the base of your hamster's neck to create a 'tent' of skin.Let go of the skin.Your hamster is dehydrated if it stays up in a tent.As soon as you let your fingers go, the skin would flatten back out.
Step 2: Look at the body of your hamster.
He is not going to look good if he is dehydrated.His eyes will be sunken in and dry.His fur will look unkempt because he isn't grooming himself like he used to.Your hamster may look thinner.Your hamster's tongue may swell if he is severely hydrated.
Step 3: Take the time to observe your hamster.
Your hamster will groom less if he is dehydrated.Since he doesn't have the energy to run around like he used to, he will probably move more slowly.Your hamster might be confused in his cage.Your hamster will urinate less when he is dehydrated.The urine that he produces will have a strong odor and be very concentrated.These symptoms are not specific to dehydration, but they are clear signs that your hamster is sick and needs treatment.
Step 4: Take care of your hamster.
Dehydration in hamsters can be very serious, so you should get your hamster to the vet as soon as possible.Start rehydrating him at home if you can't get him to the vet right away.You can get a syringe at your local pharmacy.Rehydration by mouth is recommended when there is dehydration.The best rehydration fluid for your hamster is one that contains salts and sugars.Rehydration products can be found at your pharmacy and grocery store.Plain water would reduce the amount of minerals, salts, and sugars in your hamster's body.You can give your hamster a pinch of salt and sugar if you can't go to the store.It would be better to buy a rehydration solution that already has the correct mix of salts and sugars.The fluid should be in a 10 liter syringe.Attach your hamster to a towel with one hand.With your other hand, put the needle in his mouth on one side and empty it.Give your hamster a chance to eat the fluid in between drops.If you force fluid into his lungs, it is likely to be fatal.
Step 5: Take your pet to the vet.
Your vet will be able to give your hamster more advanced dehydration treatment.There are other fluids that can be used to rehydrate your hamster, such as 0.9% saline or lactated ringers solution.The severity of your hamster's dehydration will be assessed by your vet.This will help him or her figure out how much fluid to give your hamster.Your doctor may try to give your hamster fluids by mouth.A sterile needle is used to inject fluids under your hamster's skin if he can't drink on his own.If dehydration is caused by an underlying health condition, your vet will treat it as well.
Step 6: Feed your hamster fresh fruit and vegetables.
If your hamster is not dehydrated, fresh produce with a high water content can help.You can give Cucumber to him.Apples have high water content.If you give your hamster fresh produce to treat the dehydration, you should consult with your vet to make sure it doesn't make his dehydration worse.
Step 7: Put your hamster's water bottle full.
Hamsters become dehydrated when their owners don't refill their water bottles.Do not forget about your hamster.If he needs to refill his water bottle, make sure to keep a close eye on it.Keeping your hamster well hydrated requires a constant supply of fresh, clean water.Make sure your hamster's water bottle has a ball bearing in it.If the ball gets stuck, your hamster won't be able to drink the water from the bottle's spout.
Step 8: It's called Feed.
Keeping your hamster hydrated with a balanced diet will go a long way.A healthy hamster diet includes a hamster mix, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a few sweet treats.Chicken, cottage cheese, and plain low-fat yogurt are good choices for your hamster.They are important for the health of hamsters.You should provide your hamster with onions, tomato leaves, and raw potatoes.Junk food, chocolate, and watermelon are some of the foods to avoid feeding your hamster.If you don't know what to feed your hamster, talk to your vet.
Step 9: Don't let your hamster get too hot.
Dehydration is a common cause of heat stroke in hamsters.It's important to keep your hamster cool in the summer because heat stroke can happen very quickly.Keep his cage away from the sun.The room where he is kept should be well-ventilated.If you are traveling with him, make sure his cage isn't by a window.Constantly check on him.If he starts to suffer from heatstroke, he should be moved to a cool location, taken out of his cage, and run water over him to cool him down.Allow him to recover quietly in his cage.If you only have water, start rehydrating your hamster with Pedialyte.If you can, get him to a vet as soon as possible.