If it stays up in a tent, then your hamster is dehydrated. If your hamster was well hydrated, then the skin would flatten back out as soon as you let your fingers go.
Overall, your hamster’s body may look thinner. [3] X Research source If your hamster is severely hydrated, his tongue may swell. [4] X Research source
When your hamster is dehydrated, he will also urinate less. The urine that he does produce will be very concentrated (dark color) and have a strong odor. These symptoms are not necessarily specific to dehydration, but are clear clues that your hamster is sick and needs treatment.
Rehydration by mouth is recommended when the dehydration is caused by diarrhea. [8] X Research source The best type of rehydration fluid for your hamster is one that contains salts and sugars (e. g. , Lectade, unflavored Pedialyte). [9] X Research source [10] X Research source Rehydration products are available at your local pharmacy and grocery store. Plain water is not recommended because it would dilute the already-reduced amount of minerals, salts, and sugars in your hamster’s body. [11] X Research source If you can’t go to the store, you can add a pinch of salt and sugar to plain water and give that to your hamster. [12] X Research source However, it would be best to purchase a rehydration solution that already has the proper mix of salts and sugars. Draw up the fluid in the syringe (preferably a 10 milliliter syringe). Wrap your hamster snugly in a towel with one hand. With your other hand, place the syringe just inside his mouth on one side and empty the syringe’s contents drop by drop. [13] X Research source Make sure that you give your hamster a chance to swallow the fluid in between drops. Never force fluid into your hamster because there is a risk that you will force fluid into his lungs, which is likely to be fatal.
Your veterinarian will assess how severe your hamster’s dehydration is before administering fluids. This will help him or her calculate how much fluid to administer to adequately rehydrate, but not over hydrate your hamster. Your veterinarian will probably try to give your hamster fluids by mouth first. If your hamster cannot drink on his own, your veterinarian will inject the fluids under your hamster’s skin (‘subcutaneous injection) using a sterile needle. [15] X Research source If an underlying health condition (e. g. , Wet Tail, diabetes) has caused the dehydration,[16] X Research source your veterinarian will treat that condition as well.
Consult with your veterinarian before giving your hamster fresh produce to treat the dehydration—introducing fresh produce to your hamster’s diet too suddenly can give him diarrhea,[19] X Research source which would make his dehydration worse.
A constant supply of fresh, clean water is essential to keeping your hamster well hydrated. Check the ball bearing in your hamster’s water bottle to make sure it is working properly. [21] X Research source If the ball somehow gets stuck, it could prevent your hamster from being able to sip the water from the bottle’s spout.
Baked chicken, low fat cottage cheese, and plain low-fat yogurt are also good choices for your hamster’s diet. They are high in protein, which is an important nutrient for hamsters. [22] X Research source Foods you should not feed your hamster include onions, tomato leaves, and raw potatoes. Other foods to avoid feeding your hamster are chocolate, junk food, and watermelon. [23] X Research source Talk with your veterinarian if you are unsure what types of food to feed your hamster.
Keep his cage out of the path of direct sunlight. [26] X Research source The room where you keep his cage should be well ventilated. If you are traveling with him in the car, make sure his cage is not by a sunny window. [27] X Research source Check on him frequently. If he starts to suffer from heatstroke (saliva dribbling from mouth, heavy breathing, lying on side), move his cage to a cool location, take him out of his cage, and run cool water over him to cool him down. Dry him off and let him recover quietly in his cage. [28] X Research source Start rehydrating your hamster with Pedialyte (or water, if that’s all you have). [29] X Research source Get him to a veterinarian as quickly as you can for further treatment.
