You may wonder why hamsters die so quickly. You may be worried when your pet lies motionless, only to die just a few hours later. However, this is not always the case. Occasionally, your hamster may be able to be revived and come back to life. Here are some reasons why your hamster may die quickly. If you notice this happening often, you may want to take extra precautions when handling hamsters.
Generally, hamsters die of cardiomyopathy, a condition caused by recessive gene. It affects all muscles, including those of the heart. If left untreated, cardiomyopathy can lead to heart failure. Symptoms of cardiomyopathy include poor coordination, fatigue, and general weakness. In 70% of cases, hamsters die of atrial thrombosis. This condition is often followed by atrial thrombosis and congestive heart failure.
Another common cause of hamster death is unethical breeding practices. Pet stores source their hamsters from hamster mills, which are often prone to neurological disorders. Ultimately, this leads to your hamster’s premature death. Hamsters have a short lifespan, ranging from two to three years. Nevertheless, if you’re wondering why hamsters die so quickly, here are a few signs that your hamster may be on its last days.
Skin changes are another sign that your hamster is in poor health. Your hamster’s skin can indicate a variety of problems, including an infection. Redness, swelling, and abscesses can be signs of an infection. The skin can be greasy or flaky, or it may simply be dehydrated. If you notice that your hamster has a wet tail, it is likely suffering from diarrhea. Several illnesses can be treated with fluids and antibiotics.
Other causes of hamster death include cold weather and dehydration. Cold weather may cause your hamster to enter torpor, a state that is similar to hibernation, but they rarely wake up. Heatstroke and dehydration can cause a heart condition that leads to the animal’s death. Direct sunlight also overheats hamsters, and a room temperature change in cold weather can quickly raise their temperature.
If you notice your hamster is dead, the best way to tell for sure is to listen to its heartbeat. This will alert you to whether or not it is still alive or has succumbed to rigor mortis. If your hamster does not respond to your touch, chances are it is dead. You can check for a heartbeat by placing two fingers in the chest. If you find a faint heartbeat, it means that your hamster is alive, but if you notice no pulse, it is likely that he is dead.
Injuries to hamsters can include fractures. Even a fall from a small height can be fatal. Their fragile bodies are vulnerable to ruptures and internal bleeding. It is also crucial to choose bedding and textiles carefully. Avoid adding extra fluffy textiles or a litter tray with a loose layer of bedding. Also, don’t forget to provide them with toys to chew on. This way, they’ll have something to chew on besides the cage.
