Currently, a great diversity of rodents are used very frequently as pets since they are friendly, sociable, manageable and meet the characteristics to be exceptional pets, especially if there are children in the home.
Of all the rodents that we can keep as pets, one of the most typical and endearing is the hamster, although we must be clear that like any other animal it is susceptible to various diseases and disorders, therefore it requires specific care and sufficient attention.
In this article we talk about heat stroke in hamsters and the first aid that you should use to help it.
Heat stroke in hamsters
The hamster's body temperature ranges between 30.1 and 38.3 degrees Celsius and the room temperature between 20ºC and 22ºC It is the one that is considered suitable for this animal. Above this temperature and especially in extreme temperatures, the hamster cannot cool down, so during the summer there is a special risk of suffering heat stroke, also known as heatstroke or hyperthermia.
Faced with the temperatures typical of a very hot summer, the hamster loses its capacity for homeostasis, that is, for internal balance, since the heat that the body absorbs is greater than the heat that it can dissipate, due to because the hamster is negatively affected by the condition of its coat and the absence of sweat glands
In these circumstances the normal functioning of the cells can be altered, which can damage vital organs such as the liver, heart and kidney in a short time, causing the death of the animal.
Symptoms of heat stroke in hamsters
We must know the symptoms of heat stroke in hamsters to act as quickly as possible. If our pet suffers a state of hyperthermia, it will manifest itself in the following way:
- A deep sleep state is observed
- The hamster lies on its side
- He is stiff and apathetic, without reaction
- You may experience tremors and lateral movements in your head
- Breathe too fast
- The pulse is fast and weak
- The fur may be damp
You must react very quickly to these signs and apply the first aid that we will mention below.
First aid for heat stroke in hamsters
If your hamster has a heat stroke you should act as follows:
- Spray it with fresh water
- Wrap it in a damp towel
- Put it in a cool place
- Encourage him to drink, try giving him water with a syringe
- Bathe his feet in warm water
It is important to use cool or lukewarm water but never cold or iced water, since the shock between the external and internal temperature could cause seizures or even cardiac arrest.
The hamster should show normal behavior in a maximum period of 10 minutes, but in any case, if your hamster has suffered a state of hyperthermia it is essential that you go to urgently to the vet after applying first aid.
Prevent Heat Stroke
We all know that prevention is better than cure and by taking sufficient precautions you can ensure that your hamster's he alth is optimal also during the summer. The following tips will be very useful to avoid heat stroke in your hamster:
- The hamster must always have fresh water available
- If you sleep on your back or in an unusual position, it indicates that you are enduring too much heat
- It is important to use cages and not aquariums, since they acquire a higher temperature
- The cage should not be placed in an area exposed to the sun
- It is useful to place a frozen water bottle on the outside of the cage, but not inside
- You can offer frozen fruit to gnaw on, this will help cool you down
- He should be allowed to play outside for some time, each day
- We can place clean and frozen stones in the cage to maintain a suitable temperature
