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One of the biggest concerns people will always have is whether hamsters have an efficient heat dissipation or removal mechanism.
Because they can barely pant like other animals, this concern remains a valid one.
In this light, we take a keen look at some of the insights into whether they can sweat or not.
Can Hamsters Sweat?
Perhaps, it would be right to start by understanding how animals sweat. Typically, sweating will only happen if an animal has sweat glands.
Whether they are on the sole of the feet or forehead, they will always come in handy in controlling body temperature.
Unfortunately, hamsters do not have these sweat glands.
The absence of sweat glands in hamsters means that they can hardly sweat.
This aspect implies that temperature control in hamsters is one of the poorest. Consequently, you can be sure of the animal passing away if exposed to too much heat or cold.
No one will look forward to such instances, and maintaining optimal living conditions for your pet will be necessary.
It will be fair to mention that overheating will often expose your hamster to health issues and even fatality.
With everyone cautious of heatstroke, ensure that you monitor the pet whenever there is any temperature change.
Signs That Your Hamster is Overheating
Various aspects go into identifying overheating in animals.
Notably, the signs shown by an overheating hamster are so distinct you will barely struggle to notice them.
Once you note the following symptoms, it will be best for you to take immediate action.
- Erratic behavior
It is not uncommon to witness a jumpy hamster, but be careful when it becomes too erratic.
Usually, this is a result of the discomfort your pet is experiencing.
Whether it keeps running away from you or refusing food, it should be a cause for worry.
- Anxiety, depression
You can barely dissociate heatstroke with an emotional breakdown.
Usually, hamsters will grow anxious, stressed, or depressed during such instances, prompting you to act immediately.
- Bright red tongue
One of the most significant symptoms for you to watch out for will often be the tongue’s reddening. It often shows how significant the heatstroke is.
- Convulsions
There is no denying that too much heat in the body will subject your pet to involuntary muscle movement. In most cases, this symptom comes out whenever the heat is on its extreme.
- Weakness
Most hamsters will experience a failure in their energy. For this reason, the proper motion will barely be possible for them.
- Drinking too much water
You will, undoubtedly, want to associate drinking water with cooling off.
However, if you witness that the hamster is doing it more than usual, it could signal an underlying issue.
Such will be the right time for you to spend time with your pet and ensure that it is okay.
What Temperatures Are Hamsters Comfortable in?
Understanding the right temperatures within which a hamster can survive is vital for better care provision. Usually, you will start by putting their cage in a relatively calm section of the house.
The ideal temperature will lie between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if you live in a somewhat warmer region, this temperature could be slightly higher than this.
While at it, ensure that you pay attention to the humidity within this room or cage.
Preferably, ensure that it is about 40% or more. This way, it will be much easier for the hamster to breathe and even cool off whenever necessary.
With this said, it means you should desist from putting the cage in a way that directly faces the sun.
Interestingly, adequate and fresh air could come in handy for the hamster too.
By ensuring that the cage is appropriately positioned and that there is plenty of space for enhanced airflow, you will have no reason to worry.
With this, maintaining the optimal temperature will also be much less of a hassle.
So, what happens when the temperatures fall or rise beyond the recommended range? Usually, your hamster could end up freezing to death whenever the temperatures drop way below 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
During such times, the hamster could readily embrace false hibernation to cope with the situation, eventually losing its life.
On the other hand, too much heat will result in heatstroke. It will be fair to mention that you can never be too sure about when this situation will arise.
For this reason, you might want to consider having a thermometer in the cage.
This way, taking note of the temperature changes or fluctuations will be much easier for you in the long run.
How to Help Your Hamster Stay Cool
Imagine how devastating it would be if you were helplessly looking at your overheating hamster.
It is a sadness you might never overcome any time soon.
Fortunately, various tips could come in handy for you at this time, giving you a perfect way out.
- Utilize ceiling fans
You can barely overlook the role of ceiling fans whenever you want to a comfortable room.
Usually, they ensure that your room gets not only optimal temperatures but also enhanced air circulation.
- Keep your hamster away from direct heat
Whether it is direct sunlight or nearness to sources of fire, it will be unhealthy to keep your hamster anywhere temperatures might rise.
By avoiding direct heat, you will be sure that your pet will not get its body hot.
- Ventilate the cage
Nothing could be as impactful in this pursuit as having an adequately ventilated cage and room.
Usually, enough air circulation will ensure that the body remains within the required temperature range. Besides, fresh air will be a perfect source of a healthy life.
- Provide enough water
Hamsters tend to cool their bodies by taking enough water. Things can only be better if you considered relatively cold water, as it will act much faster. Take the time to ensure that your pet gets enough water at all times.
How to protect your hamster from heat
Different methods go into taking care of your hamster. However, the following are the steps to consider whenever you witness an increase in temperature.
Ideally, they are the steps you will pay attention to once you start noticing signs of overheating, including convulsions and bright red tongue.
- Take the time to move the cage to a much colder part of the house
- Install a fan in the room, as this improves airflow and provides cooler air
- Take the cell away from direct sunlight and temperature. Ensure that it is ventilated too
- Provide the hamster with cold water. You could also sprinkle some on it
- Ensure that you avoid playing with the hamster, as this allows the body to relax and cool
- Give it frozen treats and water, assuring it of the temperature falling soon
- If the cage is on the ceramic floor, freeze it
- You could also drape a dampened towel around your pet, as it could help it relax
Conclusion
From their friendliness and social nature to how affordable they are, hamsters are worth having in your home.
While they do not sweat, taking care of them is a straightforward process. All you need to do is to ensure that they do not become subject to extreme temperatures.
Once you note any significant change in these temperatures, take action.
The insights provided above will be your lighthouse during such moments. Otherwise, now is the time to own a hamster!
