Do Hamsters Sweat?

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Hamsters expend a lot of energy, even as pets. Sometimes, you may find them wet on their neck, underbelly, and back, but this begs the question, do hamsters sweat?

Hamsters sweat like other mammals, and it is part of their response to internal and external temperature changes. However, unlike some mammals, they cannot pant after an energetic activity and are prone to overheating.

This article will discuss how hamsters deal with temperature changes, how you can spot signs of heat stress in your pet hamster, and how to keep them cool to avoid more severe effects. 

Do Hamsters Have Sweat Glands?

Hamsters do not have sweat glands, which help regulate internal temperature and aid the removal of heat through sweat. Due to a lack of sweat glands, they are prone to heat stress. 

So, if you notice wetness on your hamster’s neck and underbelly, it could mean they’re sweating or overheating and need to cool off. Heat stress can be fatal for hamsters, so you need to keep an eye on them so you can act on time.

Understanding Hamsters’ Response to Temperature Changes

Hamsters have a poor heat management system due to the absence of sweat glands. Their ideal temperature is 65-75 °F (18-24 °C), and when it exceeds this benchmark, your hamster will overheat, which you’ll know if you see constant sweating. 

Hamsters are hyperactive. Add that to a surge in temperature due to weather conditions or other activities, and you’d agree that it’s essential to monitor the temperature around your hamsters if you feel the heat yourself.

High temperatures are detrimental to your hamster’s health and well-being. Even wild hamsters hibernate during hot seasons to avoid heat stress and the consequences that come with it.

While wild hamsters may move to a cooler place to curb overheating, your pet hamster has less control of their environment and would need your help.

Signs of Heat Stress in Hamsters

Apart from wetness in some regions of a hamster’s body and ambient temperature, heat stress manifests through other signs:

  • Weakness: Heat stress can cause weakness or tiredness in hamsters. While hamsters are usually energetic, they walk and perform their activities weakly and sluggishly under heat stress.
  • Lack of appetite: Hamsters lose their appetite under heat stress. They eat little or avoid food completely. 
  • Increased thirst: Hamsters become thirsty easily under heat stress, so they drink more water than they usually do. When you see them constantly drink or finish their water faster than usual, they may be under heat stress.
  • Convulsion: If the heat stress intensifies, your hamster may start convulsing, so you must act fast, as the situation may become fatal.

How To Keep Your Hamster Cool

Humans constantly adjust to weather conditions. We sweat when it’s hot and try to warm up when it’s cold. The same thing applies to your hamster.

Hamsters lack sweat glands to help them regulate internal heat. As a result, you may want to consider manual heat regulations for your hamster to reduce heat stress.

Here are a few tips to keep your hamsters cool when you notice signs of heat stress:

  • Change the location of your hamster’s habitat to a cool place.
  • Drop a few ice cubes into their drinking water. However, ensure you don’t add too much so that the water doesn’t get too cold for them.
  • Put tile or marble flooring in your hamster’s cage to help the cooling process since many pets find lying on the tiles appealing when they want to cool down. 
  • Feed your hamster food supplements like cucumber, watermelon, and vegetables, as these can help hydrate them and reduce heat stress.
  • Keep frozen water from your freezer close to your hamster’s cage. However, don’t put it inside the cage since your pet may get too cold.

Final Thoughts

Hamsters generally sweat but managing their temperature can be difficult because they don’t have sweat glands that can help strike an internal balance.

Monitor your pet hamster and know the difference between sweating and overheating. Learn to spot the signs of heat stress, and follow the tips in this article to keep your hamster cool. 

Don’t leave your hamster unattended when sweating and overheating since it can lead to fatal consequences.

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