It can be hard to see your hamster suffer when he is sick, as he has become an important part of your life.If your hamster has become so sick that he no longer enjoys his life, it will be time for you to put him down.You can work with your vet to decide when and how to end your hamster's life.
Step 1: Take the time to observe your hamster's behavior.
Emotions can make it difficult to decide if a pet is going to live or die.Look at your hamster's behavior objectively to make the decision process easier.If his back is arched or he is shaky on his feet, he could be sick.Hamsters like to run and play.If your hamster stays hunched over in a corner of his cage, he is likely to be very sick.Make a list of the things your hamster likes to do.Euthanasia is a reasonable option if he no longer does those things.He should keep a journal to record his good and bad days.It is time to consider ending his life when he starts having bad days and good days.
Step 2: How much your hamster eats and drinks should be monitored.
When your hamster is sick, he will let you know that he is miserable.hamsters can be very serious if they don't eat or drink for 24 hours.If your hamster has been eating or drinking for at least one day, you should talk to your vet about putting it down.
Step 3: Take your pet to the vet.
The decision to kill you cannot be made by your vet, but he or she can help you through the process.It is possible for your doctor to diagnose your hamster.If you know the details of your hamster's sickness and his prognosis, you can make a decision on whether to put him down.There are geriatric diseases in hamsters.There are some diseases that occur after 18 months of age.They don't have a cure and can affect a hamster's quality of life.Euthanasia is an option for hamsters with old age diseases.If your hamster is suffering from a geriatric disease, keep him as comfortable as possible.Handling him as little as possible will include keeping him in a quiet area.Discuss your treatment options with your doctor.If your hamster is sick, he won't be able to tolerate veterinary care.If treatment will not improve your hamster's quality of life, don't let it happen.
Step 4: You can talk to your doctor.
You will probably have a lot of questions about it.Discuss the possibility of death with your doctor during your appointment.Ask your doctor about options for cremation or burial of your pet.Ask your vet if he or she thinks it's a good idea to kill your hamster.Only you can decide whether or not to put down your hamster.Ask your doctor if he or she does at- home euthanasia.Not all vets will do this.Discuss the best way to tell your children about death.Children don't always understand end-of-life issues, so you will have to be careful about explaining how ending a pet's life can be humane.Ask your doctor about pet loss support groups.Ask as many questions as you can think of.Your vet can help you talk through the difficult topic of death.
Step 5: Do you want to have your hamster euthanized or not?
You should know if you are considering the wellbeing of your hamster or yourself.Your hamster's wellbeing should come first, even if you feel a little guilty.If you aren't ready to let your hamster go, ask yourself if it's because you're not ready.Delaying your decision could prolong the suffering of your hamster.
Step 6: You can schedule an appointment with your doctor.
When making the appointment, tell me what time of day and what day of the week will work for you.When there are no other appointments, veterinarians will usually schedule a pet's death at the end of the day.The day of the week will be important.If you have the weekend to grieve after what happened, you may want to schedule the euthanasia at the end of the week.Bring someone with you to the appointment if you know it will be hard.Make sure they are available before you make the appointment.
Step 7: You can either bury or cremate your hamster.
Do you know about home burials for pets?Pet owners may not be allowed to bury their pets in their yards.It is not likely that you will be able to bury your hamster if you live in an apartment.Pet burial or cremation services can be recommended by your doctor.Make sure to contact them before your appointment to make sure the arrangements are in place.A pet burial or cremation service can be done by your vet.
Step 8: It's a good idea to spend more time with your pet.
He will appreciate you spending time with him in his final days, even if he is very sick.If you feel guilty about having him euthanized, do your best to remain calm.Stay positive because he could pick up on what you're feeling.
Step 9: Allow your vet to kill your hamster.
The act of having your hamster euthanized may be difficult for you, no matter how prepared you are.Your vet will make sure the procedure is painless and peaceful for your hamster.A lethal injection into your hamster's belly will most likely result in his death.Your pet's pulse will be checked by your vet to make sure he passed away.It's up to you if you want to be in the room.Some pet owners don't want their pet euthanized, while others want to be near their beloved pet until the very end.You can say goodbye to your hamster in a number of ways.Before he passes on, you may want to say a few words to him.It's up to you.
Step 10: Allow yourself time to grieve.
The small hamster meant a lot to you.Give yourself time to grieve and acknowledge your grief.It may take you a few days to grieve.If you're having trouble processing your thoughts, write your feelings down.
Step 11: Contact the local support groups for your pet.
Pet owners grieve the loss of a pet.Pet loss hotlines are available at many veterinary schools.Some local pet loss support groups can be recommended by your vet.Pet loss support groups can be recommended by the staff at your humane society.
Step 12: Children should be encouraged to express their feelings.
It can be hard for children to deal with the death of a pet.Encourage your children to talk about how they feel about your hamster's death.If you want your children to feel better, don't buy another pet.Before bringing a new pet into the home, give them time to grieve the death of your hamster.
Step 13: Do you want to get another pet?
You may not grieve for a long time over the loss of a pet.You might need a long time to think about getting another pet.Don't rush into buying a pet.A new pet is not a replacement for a hamster.When is the right time for you to get another pet?