One of the things you should consider before adopting a hamster is that its life expectancy is considerably shorter than that of other pets, such as dogs, cats, rabbits or turtles. These small rodents are very sensitive, they get sick easily and often suffer greatly from sudden changes in their environment.
In this article on our site, we will explain what hamsters usually die of and we will also talk about the main symptoms that a hamster is going to die We know that these are difficult issues, since nobody likes to think about the possibility of losing such a beloved companion, but this information is necessary to know how to detect imbalances in the he alth of your rodent and know how to act when it happens.
How long does a hamster live?
In general, the life expectancy of domestic hamsters is between 2 and 3 years. But to more accurately estimate how long a hamster lives, it is necessary to consider different factors internal and external to its organism, such as:
- The type of hamster you decide to adopt.
- The food and care you provide to your rodent.
- The environment your hamster lives in and the enrichment of her cage
- Your physical activity and mental stimulation.
- The hygiene you maintain in his cage and at home.
As you can see, the longevity of your hamster does not depend only on factors inherent to its organism, but also on the life conditionsthat you provide in your environment and in your routine. Therefore, do not forget to take good care of your rodents to enjoy more time in their company.
Why can a hamster die?
Many first time tutors wonder how do hamsters die and what are the signs that a hamster is going to die. As we mentioned, these rodents are very sensitive animals and their he alth can be easily affected by pathogenic microorganisms, sudden changes in their routine and environment, and climatic adversities, among other factors. Therefore, there are several causes because a hamster can die and, as their caretakers, we must always be attentive to provide them with conditions that favor their well-being.
When a hamster lives in a calm environment, has balanced nutrition, has an enriched cage for an active life, and enjoys the company of its guardians, it is more likely to die of natural causes, that is, as an inevitable consequence of the aging process.
However, there are many common diseases in hamsters that, if not treated properly, can lead to early demise. In this sense, a bad diet can also cause the death of a hamster, since nutritional deficiencies weaken the rodent's immune system, leaving it more exposed to all kinds of pathologies. Likewise, poor hygiene of its cage and environment also favor the proliferation of pathogenic agents that put the rodent's survival at risk.
It is also important to mention that hamsters are very predisposed to developing symptoms of stress, as they must remain constantly alert to their surroundings to detect any possible threat to their integrity and have time to react quickly. That is why a negative environment, with a lot of noise or excessive stimuli, usually severely harms a hamster's he alth.
Furthermore, the lack of an enriched environment where the rodent can exercise its body and mind has a negative impact on its physical and mental he alth, and can lead to obesity in hamsters and associated diseases, as well as causing behavioral changes and symptoms of depression.
Last (and not least), you should be aware of sudden weather changes to avoid hypothermia or heat stroke in hamsters, as they can cause sudden death. For this reason, we advise you to plan well the location of your hamster's cage at home, avoiding leaving it exposed to the elements, drafts, direct sunlight or other climatic adversities.
5 symptoms of death in hamsters
- Your hamster doesn't want to eat: Lack of appetite is one of the most common symptoms of illness in hamsters. A dying hamster will show no interest in eating its food or drinking water, and will likely exhibit rapid and marked weight loss as well as signs of dehydration.
- Does not move and is listless: Inactivity and apathy can be symptoms of both illness and stress in hamsters. But unlike a stressed rodent, a dying hamster is usually unable to move or has great difficulty reacting to stimuli in its environment.
- Pain: Sick hamsters often show signs of pain and discomfort, such as hypersensitivity and refusal to be handled or touched even by their tutors.
- Behavioral alterations: the state of pain and vulnerability can produce behavioral alterations in hamsters, which can be more fearful, aggressive or nervous than usual.
- Your hamster has altered vital signs: When a hamster is about to die, its vital signs become altered. Her breathing will feel labored, her heart rate will feel slower, her body temperature will be lower. Capillary refill time is also elevated in a dying hamster, with mucous membranes typically taking more than 2 seconds to return to their normal color. In cases of poisoning or serious oxygenation problems, the mucous membranes may also have an abnormal color, being whitish or bluish.
My hamster is going to die, what should I do?
If you identify abnormal symptoms in your hamster's behavior or appearance, the first thing you should do is take it to the vetBut if you have already confirmed that your hamster is going to die, the ideal is that you prepare to accompany your rodent at the time of its death and transmit some peace of mind and security. Surely, seeing your hamster dying will shock you a lot, but don't forget that you need to stay calm to say goodbye to your companion and give him your love in his last moments of life.
Do not make sudden movements, do not cause loud noises and avoid handling your hamster. Just stay next to him and act as gently as you can. If you don't feel ready to experience this transition, don't be shy to ask a family member or friend for help
How to help a hamster die?
Seeing their hamsters suffer so much in their last days of life, some guardians wonder if it is possible to help a hamster die less painfully. In this case, we would be talking about assisted euthanasia that can only be performed professionally and safely by a properly trained professional, that is, a veterinarian.
You should never use home methods to help your hamster die, as they are not safe and their effects can be very adverse. Therefore, if you want to relieve your companion's pain, do not hesitate to consult a specialized veterinarian who will be able to guide you to provide the best possible comfort to your hamster during its last days of life.
How do you know if a hamster is dead?
When your hamster is dying, you will notice that his breathing will become more rapid and labored, and his pulse will begin to progressively decrease until he is exhausted It is also possible that your rodent will experience tremors and its jaw will be more rigid than usual.
To know that a hamster is dead, you will need to confirm the absence of vital signs and pay attention to the following signs:
- Your hamster is not breathing and is not moving.
- Releasing your sphincters.
- No pulse.
- No capillary refill time (the mucous membranes no longer recover their normal color due to the lack of oxygenation and blood flow).
After confirming the death of your hamster, you will need to be aware when saying goodbye to his body. You should never put his body in the trash, it is already very dangerous, polluting and can cause the appearance of pathogenic agents. There are veterinary clinics and hospitals that offer to take care of the corpse and even have a cremation service. You may also consider burying your hamster's carcass in a location you deem appropriate.
