Wild hamsters are found in arid, drought-prone climates where they may go for extended periods without water. However, the hamsters that are found in pet stores are very different. It is important to make sure your pet has regular access to clean drinking water to avoid dehydration.
Dehydrated hamsters will have sunken eyes, loose skin, and lethargy. They can become dehydrated in multiple ways, such as illness, heat, too much exercise, and improper access to water. Dehydration is fatal if left untreated and should be resolved as quickly as possible.
I will explain the signs that a hamster is dehydrated, what can cause dehydration, the associated risks, and how you can replenish your hamster’s fluids.
Signs That Your Hamster Is Dehydrated
Domesticated hamsters require specific care or can easily become sick or even die. Your hamster may suffer from dehydration if it shows the following symptoms. It may not have all of them and some may be signs of other issues.
- Sunken eyes: Healthy hamsters have bright, shiny eyes that can appear to stick out of their heads slightly. When sick or malnourished, their eyes look dull and less alert. This is one of the easier and more.
- Loose skin: An easy way to determine if a hamster is dehydrated is by gently pinching the skin along their back between two fingers. The skin should fall back into place for a properly hydrated hamster immediately. If it is dehydrated, the skin will remain pinched and in a tent-like shape.
- Weakness/lethargy: Hamsters are known for being active, curious animals that constantly dig and explore their environments. Dehydration can greatly affect your hamster’s energy, and they will have difficulty moving very quickly or doing their usual activities.
- Heavy breathing: In addition to being weak and lethargic, your hamster may also struggle to breathe due to a lack of strength and energy. This symptom may be a little less easy to spot than the other symptoms, which is why keeping track of your hamsters diet and activity is important to maintaining proper health and happiness.
- Dark-colored urine: When properly hydrated, urine will be very light in color or sometimes be nearly clear. Dark urine means there is not enough water in your hamster’s body to help it properly filter out the waste products in its body.
The Risks of a Hamster Becoming Dehydrated
Proper hydration is necessary for all living things. Some plants and animals are resilient and can survive without water for several days or weeks before negative effects set in.
The same cannot be said for hamsters. They are very small and active animals that need constant access to hydration.
Dehydration can quickly become fatal for hamsters. They can die within three to four days but will likely show symptoms beforehand.
This short window means you must attempt to treat and rehydrate your hamster as soon as you notice the symptoms. If treated quickly and properly, you can avoid future risks and keep your beloved pet around longer.
The Causes of Hamster Dehydration
A balanced diet, proper cage setup and environment, and regular vet visits can help ensure that your hamster is well-hydrated and healthy. These can help you catch potential causes of dehydration, like the following, well in time before the issue escalates and becomes life-threatening.
- Diarrhea: Animals and people alike quickly lose fluids when experiencing watery stool. For hamsters, diarrhea is often a symptom of wet-tail, an infectious disease affecting young hamsters.
- Diabetes: Although not incredibly common, hamsters can develop diabetes. It can affect their ability to maintain proper glucose (sugar) levels and lead to excessive urination, making them lose water very quickly.
- Overgrown teeth: Hamsters are rodents, so their teeth are constantly growing and require a lot of chewing to keep them short. If a hamster’s teeth become too long, it can become painful for them to eat or drink, and they may avoid it altogether.
- Environment: Hamsters are very sensitive to light, sound, and temperature changes. If they are kept in a room that is too warm, they can become overheated and start to lose water. Too much light and noise may also cause them stress, and they will hide and not want to engage with their habitat, likewise impacting how much food and water they consume.
- Excessive exercise: Many hamsters enjoy running on a wheel to keep them entertained and provide them with exercise. However, it is possible for hamsters to use them too much, to the point they may even become addicted to their wheel. This addiction can be due to boredom and a lack of other forms of enrichment.
- Leaking water bottle: Most hamsters drink from a sipper water bottle that attaches to the side of the cage. The ball bearing in the bottle’s spout is meant to keep water inside unless the animal is drinking from it. Cheap or poorly made water bottles may leak and prevent your hamster from accessing water, even if they do want to drink.
How To Rehydrate Your Hamster
Before you attempt to give medical treatment to your hamster (or any pet), you should seek out a licensed veterinarian.
They can diagnose potential illnesses and issues contributing to your hamster’s dehydration and supply fluids immediately to prevent your hamster’s condition from deteriorating. It is also recommended that you take your hamster to a vet at least once a year to ensure they are healthy, even if they do not show any obvious signs of illness.
Rehydration Solution
You can give your hamster an equal amount of water mixed with a rehydration solution such as Pedialyte. This mixture should be given to your hamster slowly, preferably with a small syringe. Always be careful when administering the solution to ensure your hamster doesn’t choke.
Doing this too quickly can cause stress and make it harder for them to rehydrate. If your hamster is diabetic, Pedialyte may not be the best idea since it does contain sugar.
Keep Track of Water Intake
Hamsters require about one-third of a fluid ounce (ten milliliters) of water for every three and a half ounces (one hundred grams) of body weight. You can measure how much water your hamster is drinking by using a marker or pen to make measurements on its water bottle. This way, you can see how much water is gone at the end of each day.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Your hamster’s daily food will likely be rodent blocks and pellets bought from the pet store. While these give them the nutrients they need, hamsters can also benefit from the occasional treat of fresh fruit and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables such as apples, lettuce, and cucumber are mostly water and have few calories.
Final Thoughts
Hamsters require clean water every day. A dehydrated hamster will have sunken eyes, loose skin, dark urine, lethargy, and heavy breathing. It is important to address dehydration as soon as possible since it can cause death.
The reasons a hamster may become dehydrated include diarrhea, diabetes, and dental issues. Heat and over-exhaustion can also cause them to lose water. A leaky bottle may prevent your hamster from being able to drink.
A veterinarian may need to administer fluids to help rehydrate them. Tracking your hamster’s water intake and providing them with fruits and vegetables can help maintain their water levels.