Learn How To Prevent Heat Stroke In Hamsters
During the summer months, some pets are at risk of staying too long in a closed room at high temperatures. The sunshine in hamsters can be particularly dangerous to their health.
How to tell if a hamster is about to get heat stroke
When an animal is exposed to high temperatures, its metabolism slows down.
This results in a decrease in your physical activity and your overall energy level, as well as mood swings.
Hamsters that start to suffer from the effects of excessive heat will also lose their appetite, which will even lead to weight loss.
Also, if this lack of activity and desire to eat is prolonged and intensified, you may have to take your pet to the veterinarian.
One of the most worrisome symptoms your pet may experience, which are the immediate consequence of heat stroke in hamsters, is decay, so if you notice the rodent is lying on its stomach as if it were dying, take it. o immediately to the vet.
The environment and heat stroke in hamsters
As the owner and responsible for an animal, it is your obligation to do everything possible to take care of your pet’s health, therefore, prevention is always the key, to avoid possible scares and physical problems for your hamster.
Since your pet’s habitat is your home, the first thing you should do is acclimate it so your pet feels as comfortable as possible.
Your environment, as well as the healthy lifestyle habits you’ve decided to implement in your routine, can free your hamster from a multitude of problems.
Ways to prevent heat stroke in hamsters
No method of prevention is really useful if you don’t practice the others together.
Keep this in mind before choosing one from the list that will appear below, to avoid possible scares.
- Where you place your pet’s cage will greatly influence how your pet will regulate its temperature. Try to change the location according to the season changes. Also, in winter it may be wiser to place your hamster in a warm, sheltered place, but in summer, avoid direct sunlight and make sure it is in a cool, dry place.
- If your home doesn’t have a good conditioning system and you’re worried that no matter where you put the cage, your pet might get heat stroke, remember that water is always your best friend. Make sure your hamster has fresh water at all times, and if you notice that the environment is too hot, use a sprayer to moisten and cool your rodent’s cage.
- Hamsters can eat fruits and vegetables, so consider incorporating water-rich foods such as watermelon, cucumber or cantaloupe rather than letting your pet feed on only food or seeds.
- Remember that your hamster’s immediate environment is its cage. As such, it is very important that you choose a well-ventilated model, such as one that has wire mesh and is not plastic or glass.
Heads up
However, certain animals are more prone to heat stroke and it is sometimes difficult to protect them if our hamster is more sensitive than normal.
If you notice your pet lethargic, unappetizing and thinner, see a veterinarian.