hamsters love to be active and run around their cagesIf your hamster is sick, he can get dehydrated and become sicker.Dehydration is a serious and life threatening condition in hamsters so you must be able to recognize it quickly and get him treated as soon as possible.
Step 1: Your hamster has skin.
The skin tent test is one of the easiest ways to find out 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 the skin go.Your hamster is dehydrated if it stays in a tent.As soon as you let your fingers go, the skin on your hamster would flatten back out.
Step 2: Look at the animal.
He is not going to look good if he is dehydrated.His eyes will look dry and sunken in.His fur will look unkempt because he is not grooming himself like he used to.Your hamster might look thinner.Your hamster's tongue may swell if it is severely hydrated.
Step 3: Take the time to observe your hamsters behavior.
Your hamster will groom less if he is dehydrated.He doesn't have the energy to run around like he used to, so 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.
Step 4: Rehydrate your pet.
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 needle at your local pharmacy.Rehydration by mouth is recommended when there is dehydration.The best type of rehydration fluid for your hamster is one that contains salts and sugars.Rehydration products can be found at your pharmacy and grocery store.The amount of minerals, salts, and sugars in your hamster's body is already reduced by plain water.You can give your hamster a pinch of salt and sugar if you can't get to the store.It would be best to buy a rehydration solution that already has the correct mix of salts and sugars.The fluid should be in a 10 liter syringe.Wrap your hamster in a towel.With your other hand, place the needle in his mouth on one side and empty it.Give your hamster a chance to eat the fluid in between the drops.If you force fluid into his lungs, it's 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.Your pet's dehydration will be assessed by your vet before you give him fluids.This will help him or her decide how much fluid to give your hamster.Your vet will 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 that condition as well.
Step 6: Feed your hamster fresh food.
If your hamster is not suffering from dehydration, fresh produce with a high water content can help.Cucumber is a good vegetable to give him.There is a high water content in apples.If you give your hamster fresh produce to treat the dehydration, you should consult with your vet to make sure it doesn't make him sick.
Step 7: Your hamster has a water bottle.
Hamsters get 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 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 from the bottle's spout.
Step 8: Feed
Keeping your hamster healthy with a balanced diet will help prevent dehydration.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's diet.It's important for hamsters to have high levels of protein.You should provide your hamster with onions, tomato leaves, and raw potatoes.Junk food, chocolate, and watermelon are some of the things to avoid feeding your hamster.If you don't know what kind of food to feed your hamster, talk to your vet.
Step 9: Don't let your pet get overheated.
A common cause of dehydration in hamsters is heat stroke.In the summer months, heat stroke can happen very quickly in hamsters, so it's important to keep your hamster cool.He should not be in the path of sunlight.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 recuperate quietly in his cage.If you only have water, start rehydrating your hamster with Pedialyte.If you can, get him to the vet as soon as possible.